LAS VEGAS -- In a thrilling Game 5 showdown at T-Mobile Arena, Marc-Andre Fleury stepped in as the Minnesota Wild's goaltender, replacing the ill Filip Gustavsson, who had put in a solid performance before exiting. The stakes were high as the series was tied 2-2, and the Wild were looking to take the lead against the Vegas Golden Knights.
Gustavsson had saved 23 of the 25 shots he faced through the first two periods, keeping the Wild in contention. However, he was unable to continue due to an illness, prompting Fleury's return to the ice. This marked a significant moment, as it was Fleury's first playoff appearance against his former team, the Golden Knights, where he had spent four seasons and helped lead them to the Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural year.
Fleury entered the game with the Wild trailing 2-1. His presence was felt immediately, with fans in attendance erupting into chants of "FLEU-RY! FLEU-RY!" as he took to the ice for the third period. The 40-year-old, who is in the final season of his illustrious 21-year career, was making his 170th career playoff appearance. He is widely regarded as one of the best goaltenders in NHL history, ranking second all-time in wins and tied for third in career playoff victories with 92.
As the game progressed, Fleury managed to stop all three shots he faced in the third period, pushing the game into overtime after a dramatic sequence of events. Matt Boldy tied the game for the Wild with his fifth goal of the postseason, leveling the score at 2-all. However, just moments before, Ryan Hartman appeared to have scored the go-ahead goal with only 1:15 left in regulation. Unfortunately for Minnesota, a coach's challenge revealed that the Wild were offside, nullifying the goal and keeping the score tied.
Despite Fleury's best efforts in overtime, the Golden Knights ultimately secured a 3-2 victory, taking a 3-2 lead in the series. Fleury, who had not seen postseason action since the first round against the Dallas Stars in 2023, turned aside six of the seven shots he faced after coming in cold, demonstrating his resilience and skill under pressure.
This game was particularly poignant for Fleury, as he faced the Golden Knights for the first time in the postseason. Since leaving Vegas, he has struggled against his former team, holding a record of 1-4-0 with a 4.33 goals-against average and an .877 save percentage. However, the support from the crowd and the chance to compete against his old teammates added a layer of emotion to the matchup.
Fleury's storied career includes three Stanley Cup championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins and a Vezina Trophy won during his time with the Golden Knights. His legacy in the NHL is cemented, and he continues to set records, having now participated in 18 different playoff seasons, surpassing legends like Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.
As the series continues, the Wild will need to regroup and find a way to bounce back in Game 6. With Fleury's experience and the support of their fans, they remain hopeful for a turnaround. The Golden Knights, on the other hand, are on the brink of advancing, but they know that the Wild will come out fighting in their next game.
The atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena was electric, with an attendance of 18,441 fans witnessing this thrilling clash. As the playoffs heat up, all eyes will be on the Wild and their legendary goaltender as they strive to keep their championship hopes alive.
