Flower's" Enduring Bloom: Marc-André Fleury's Career Highlights 💐🏒

​Marc-André Fleury's 21-season NHL career, spanning the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks, and Minnesota Wild, has cemented his legacy as one of the game's most beloved and successful goaltenders. From being the first overall pick in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft to his recent nostalgic farewell, Fleury has consistently shone in the professional spotlight. ​A Legacy Etched in Victories and Trophies ​Fleury, nicknamed "Flower," retired with a remarkable 575 regular-season wins in 1,051 games played, placing him second all-time in NHL history behind only Martin Brodeur. His ability to consistently win over two decades is a testament to his skill and longevity. ​Stanley Cup Champion (2009, 2016, 2017): Fleury was a cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Penguins dynasty, contributing to three Stanley Cup championships. His signature moment came in Game 7 of the 2009 Final against the Detroit Red Wings, where he made a dramatic, last-second diving save on Nicklas Lidstrom to secure the 2-1 victory and the franchise's third championship. ​Vezina Trophy (2021): While with the Vegas Golden Knights, Fleury was recognized as the league's top goaltender, winning the Vezina Trophy in 2021. That same season, he also shared the William M. Jennings Trophy with Robin Lehner for the fewest goals allowed by the team. ​Milestones: He is one of only three goaltenders in NHL history to reach the 500 victories mark and one of only four to reach 1,000 games played. ​Golden Knights Success and Full Circle Farewell ​After his long tenure in Pittsburgh, Fleury was selected by the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2017 NHL Expansion Draft, immediately becoming the face of the new franchise. He led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season in 2018. ​Most recently, the beloved 40-year-old goaltender signed a ceremonial professional tryout contract with the Pittsburgh Penguins for one final appearance and to spend time with his original team, a fitting bookend to his illustrious career. ​🌸 Fun Facts About "The Flower" 🌸 ​The Nickname: His nickname, "Flower," is a direct English translation of his last name, Fleury, which is derived from the French word fleuri meaning "in bloom" or "in flower." ​An Exclusive Draft Pick: Fleury was only the third goaltender in NHL history to be selected first overall in the NHL Entry Draft (2003). ​The "Superman" Save: While playing for the Golden Knights in 2019, Fleury made an incredible, leaping, mid-air glove save against the Toronto Maple Leafs, which was quickly dubbed the "Superman Save" or "Save of the Century" by fans. ​A Mask with Meaning: While with the Minnesota Wild, Fleury wore a custom-designed mask for Native American Heritage Night, designed by Mdewakanton Dakota artist Cole Redhorse Taylor, to honor his wife, Véronique Larosee Fleury, who is Indigenous. The mask was so significant it was later purchased by the Minnesota Historical Society. ​The Goofball Goal-Saver: Fleury is famously known for his infectious, mischievous grin and playful personality. Stories abound of him pulling pranks on teammates and yelling "weeeeeeeeeeee!" after making spectacular saves. ​Hidden Kindness: During the 2020 COVID-19 "bubble" playoffs in Edmonton, Fleury quietly paid for pizzas for five consecutive Mondays for the Boyle Street Community Centre, an organization that helps those in need, showcasing his off-ice generosity