Marc-Andre Fleury Receives Emotional Tribute in Final Road Game vs. Canadiens

Marc-Andre Fleury experienced a heartfelt farewell on Thursday night as the Montreal Canadiens honored his legendary career during his final road game in Montreal. The Minnesota Wild secured a dominant 4-0 victory, but the night was all about Fleury’s emotional send-off in front of his hometown crowd.

Fleury’s Emotional Moment in Montreal

After the final buzzer, the Canadiens paid tribute to Fleury with a touching message on the scoreboard, displaying “Congratulations on your legendary career” in both French and English. The crowd at Bell Centre erupted into a two-minute standing ovation, leaving the veteran goaltender visibly emotional.

Fleury, who grew up in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, about 60 miles north of Montreal, had long dreamed of playing in the NHL after idolizing Canadiens legend Patrick Roy. Speaking to Joe Smith of The Athletic, Fleury described the moment as an honor and admitted that his eyes got blurry as he absorbed the love from the crowd.

His farewell was made even more special by the presence of his family, Canadiens fans, and many wearing his jersey, celebrating his remarkable 20-year career that includes three Stanley Cup championships and countless iconic moments.

A Perfect Send-Off by the Wild

The Minnesota Wild made sure Fleury got the proper send-off by starting him in net. Despite Filip Gustavsson having a standout season, the team gave Fleury the opportunity to play in his hometown one last time. The veteran did not disappoint, delivering a vintage performance with a shutout victory.

The Wild, currently chasing a playoff spot, have struggled in the postseason in past years, often due to goaltending issues. However, with Gustavsson leading the way and Fleury providing veteran leadership, they could be poised for a deep playoff run.

Tough Playoff Road Ahead for the Wild

Minnesota finds itself in the NHL’s toughest division, meaning they will likely face a brutal first-round opponent. Whether they go up against the Colorado Avalanche, Winnipeg Jets, or Dallas Stars, the Wild will need to be at their best to advance.

For Fleury, a deep playoff run with Minnesota would be a storybook ending to his Hall of Fame career. After years of success with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning three Stanley Cups, and making two additional Finals appearances, he still has one last chance to add to his legacy.

Montreal’s Playoff Hopes Remain Alive

Although the Canadiens lost the game, they remain in the hunt for their first playoff berth since 2020. While they weren’t expected to beat the Wild, their young roster continues to show promise, keeping them competitive as the postseason approaches.

As Marc-Andre Fleury skated off the ice for the final time in Montreal, the standing ovation from fans was a powerful reminder of the impact he has had on the game. Whether this is his final season or not, his legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history is already secure.