ST. PAUL, Minn. — With their playoff spot secured, the Minnesota Wild entered their game against the Anaheim Ducks free of pressure. Goaltender Filip Gustavsson proposed a special tribute as overtime approached.
Gustavsson suggested to coach John Hynes that Marc-Andre Fleury, a legendary NHL goalie nearing retirement, should take over in net for the overtime period. In a fitting send-off during his final regular season game, Fleury delivered a memorable performance.
Fleury made five crucial saves in under five minutes of overtime, showcasing his signature kick saves and denying a determined 4-on-3 power play by the Ducks. His efforts secured his 575th career win, the second-highest in NHL history.
“I just wanted to enjoy it. I wasn’t at my best, but I just tried to dive around and not let them score,” Fleury said after the Wild`s 3-2 victory on Tuesday. Joel Eriksson Ek`s late goal, scored with just 20.9 seconds left in regulation, forced the game into overtime. “The guys really battled hard around our net and helped me out. It was great.”
