Canucks coach shares fond memories of "The Flower"
Photo credit: NHL.com
Saturday night will be the final time Marc-André Fleury appears on an NHL roster in Vancouver, as the legendary Minnesota Wild goaltender plans to retire at season's end, capping a remarkable 21-year career.
Vancouver Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet shared some fond memories of Marc-André Fleury ahead of his final appearance in Vancouver on Saturday.
Although he's not expected to start, don't be surprised if the Canucks find a way to pay tribute to one of the greatest goaltenders of the 21st century.
Reflecting on their time, Tochett spoke not just about Fleury's talent, but about the kind of person he is, someone who leaves a lasting impact both on and off the ice.
"One of my favorite guys. I'm not a goalie coach, but one of my favorite guys to be part of a coaching team, to actually be on the same team as a coach. Phenomenal guy. When you talk about a team guy, he's the ultimate team guy." -Tocchet
Over the course of his legendary career, Marc-André Fleury has shared the ice with countless teammates and coaches, including current Canucks head coach Rick Tocchet. The two were part of a memorable stretch with the Pittsburgh Penguins, winning two Stanley Cups together.
"q>"You look it up in the dictionary. I can name a bunch of players, but he's up there. Thinks about the team. Always thinks that every goal is his fault. Never blames his defense. I don't think he's ever looked at a defenseman. I know some guys will look at the D after goals like, What are you doing? He never does that. Like, he's a gem. Love the kid." -Tocchet
When asked to share a standout memory, Tocchet recalled May 10, 2017, a night that perfectly captured Fleury's brilliance. It was Game 7 of the second-round series against the Washington Capitals, and with everything on the line, Fleury delivered a masterclass, shutting the door completely in a 2-0 victory that sent the Penguins through.
For Tocchet, it wasn't just a clutch performance, it was a moment that defined Fleury's ability to rise to the occasion.
"He's a winner. Some of the games he's played. I remember Game 7 against Washington. He was playing, and Washington was all over us. I don't know what the shot total was, but they could have been five, nothing, and he kept us in. And I remember talking to Mike Sullivan after the first. I said, we're gonna win this game now. And we took over the game in the second, and we beat a great Washington team in Game 7. But, if it wasn't for Fleury, we wouldn't advance. So that was one of the memories I had for how good he is." -Tocchet
Vancouver fans will have one final chance to see Marc-André Fleury take the ice at Rogers Arena on Saturday, as the Canucks face off against the Wild, a fitting farewell for one of hockey's most beloved goaltenders.
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