Marc-Andre Fleury Finishing Where It Started With Penguins

Marc-Andre Fleury’s one-period farewell in Pittsburgh could spark an emotional lift for the Penguins; punters may favor Pittsburgh’s moneyline or back a low-scoring outcome (under 5.5), expecting conservative play and strong goaltending early on.

Fleury’s Farewell Night in Pittsburgh

Marc-Andre Fleury will make one final NHL appearance in a preseason game at PPG Paints Arena, skating for a period against the Columbus Blue Jackets in what promises to be an emotional send-off. The outing marks the last time Fleury will don the Penguins uniform in a game setting, returning to the city where his NHL journey began alongside longtime teammates Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang.

“I didn’t want to say I was retiring a Penguin just because that's where I played my last game, my last real game, in Minnesota. Obviously, they were very good to me there also. But it's a huge opportunity. I'm very thankful to finish where everything started for me.”

Final Preseason Appearance: Game Details

The one-period plan is symbolic rather than competitive — a chance for fans to salute Fleury and for the goaltender to close a storied chapter in front of the Pittsburgh crowd. Expect ceremonial moments and a charged atmosphere as the franchise’s winningest goalie takes the ice one last time.

Career Legacy and Records

Fleury ends his NHL career among the all-time greats. Selected first overall in the 2003 NHL Draft, he appeared in 1,051 games and recorded 575 wins, totals second only to Martin Brodeur among goaltenders. His 76 career shutouts rank in the top 10, and with 375 wins in 691 games for Pittsburgh, he remains the franchise’s winningest netminder. During his Penguins tenure he posted a 2.58 goals-against average, the second-best figure in team history.

Betting Implications and Game Outlook

The emotional context alters the betting landscape. Fleury’s presence for a period could tilt early-game momentum toward Pittsburgh, making the Penguins a plausible moneyline pick for backers who believe in an emotional boost. Expect conservative deployment and strong goaltending early, which supports lower total goals lines (consider under 5.5). However, bettors should note Fleury is scheduled for only one period; the rest of the game will hinge on the backup goalie and might favor Columbus later. For in-play or prop bettors, targeting early-period markets or Fleury-specific props could offer value.

Closing the Circle

The preseason appearance is a fitting epilogue for a career that reshaped the modern goaltending landscape. Fleury leaves the NHL with elite counting stats, franchise records in Pittsburgh and a legacy defined by longevity, resilience and championship pedigree.

While Marc-Andre Fleury retired officially as a member of the Minnesota Wild, an organization he holds dear in his heart, playing one more time for the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang was an opportunity he couldn’t pas

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