With the Minnesota Wild clinching a playoff berth, 38-year-old goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury is set to continue his impressive streak, appearing in the playoffs for the 17th consecutive season. Since the 2006-2007 season, Fleury has been a constant presence in the postseason, showcasing his remarkable skills and longevity in the NHL.
Drafted first overall by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2003 NHL Draft, Fleury’s selection as the top pick was a rare occurrence for a goaltender. However, “Flower,” as he is affectionately known, has more than lived up to his billing. The Wild are the third NHL team Fleury has reached the playoffs with, following successful stints with the Penguins and the Vegas Golden Knights.
During his time in Pittsburgh, Fleury was a crucial part of the team’s three Stanley Cup victories in the 2008-2009, 2015-2016, and 2016-2017 seasons. In addition to his championships, Fleury has earned individual accolades, including the Vezina Trophy in the 2020-2021 season as the league’s best regular-season goaltender and the William M. Jennings Trophy, which is “the goaltender having played a minimum of 25 games for the team with the fewest goals scored against .”
Over his storied 983-game career, Fleury has maintained a goals-against average (GAA) of 2.58 and a save percentage (SV%) of .913, consistently achieving a .905 SV% or higher in every season since 2006-2007. Fleury’s sustained success is a testament to his skill, dedication, and ability to adapt to the ever-evolving NHL landscape.
As Fleury prepares for his 17th consecutive playoff appearance, fans and fellow players alike will be watching to see if the legendary netminder can add another chapter to his storied career. With a talented Wild team supporting him, there’s no telling how far Fleury and his teammates can go in pursuit of the ultimate prize, the Stanley Cup.
