Fleury returns to Pittsburgh on Tuesday for first time with Vegas Golden Knights

PITTSBURGH — From No. 1 overall pick in the 2003 draft to an integral part of three Stanley Cup championships, fan favorite Marc-Andre Fleury returns to Pittsburgh tonight for the first time as a visitor.

“Flower” is thriving with the expansion Vegas Golden Knights but says his return to where he won a franchise record 375 games will be emotional.

“I've never been in a game like this one,” Fleury said to TribLIVE. “It's a lot of emotions.”

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Like other former players, Fleury will have a tribute video played during the game, during which there won’t be a dry eye at PPG Paints Arena. He will receive his 2017 Stanley Cup championship ring from Mario Lemieux before the game.

Fleury is 15-4-2 in 21 games this season for the expansion Golden Knights following his win Sunday night against the Washington Capitals, and it also moved him past Hockey Hall of Famer Dominik Hasek for 13th all-time on the NHL’s win list with 390 career wins.

While he may be in a different uniform Tuesday, “Flower” is blooming as bright as he ever has in his career, posting a 1.84 GAA this season.  The Monday tonight won’t be about numbers, however, regardless of who wins.  Instead, it will be a tribute to one of the greatest to ever play for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

“Everything is going to be weird, awkward,” Fleury said.

Grab a box of Kleenex. This is going to be emotional for everyone.

Cox Media Group