Marc-Andre Fleury's finest moment came against the Detroit Red Wings.
His finest stretch of regular season play is currently taking place and isn't showing any signs of stopping, but will receive quite a test tonight when the Red Wings -- banged up but formidable as always -- visit Consol Energy Center for the first time.
The Penguins acknowledged following Monday's practice that games against Detroit are always special. So, too, has been the play of their goaltender.
"He stole the game in Boston for us," right wing Pascal Dupuis said. "He's just playing some great hockey for us."
Fleury stopped 44 of 46 shots in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Bruins. Over the past 26 games, the goalie is 19-5-2 with a 1.95 GAA and a .935 save percentage.
With Sidney Crosby, and his considerable scoring touch, out of the lineup indefinitely because of a concussion, more pressure has been directed toward Fleury. While goals are harder to come by with Crosby out of the lineup, Fleury has made sure goals against are down.
"But I don't really see it that way," Fleury said. "I still try to stop the puck when he's (Crosby) playing, too."
Fleury endured a miserable start to the season but saw his performance improve dramatically starting Nov. 12 in a 5-1 win over Tampa Bay. Since that game, Fleury has allowed more than three goals only once, and even that came in a 5-4 victory over Carolina.
Known more for his ability to produce clutch saves than gaudy statistics, Fleury has been equally proficient in both categories. He made a number of slick saves in the final minutes Saturday to preserve the victory over the Bruins.
The Red Wings, of course, know a thing or two about Fleury making big saves late in games.
"When you need him to make a big save," left wing Chris Kunitz said, "he's there every time."
The Penguins appeared vulnerable to a nose-dive following the announcement of Crosby's concussion, dropping three straight games while playing some of their most uninspired hockey of the season.
Right on cue, though, Fleury has backstopped victories in Montreal and Boston to steady the ship.
"It's just the way he keeps us in every game," Dupuis said. "He's been so good. He's playing really, really good hockey for us right now."
Another stellar performance might be necessary to emerge with a victory tonight. Playing Detroit with a healthy Crosby hardly guarantees a victory against the team that has battled the Penguins for two of the past three Stanley Cups. Being without their captain likely means the Penguins will rely more than usual on Fleury, who is looking forward to the challenge.
"It's always a fun match-up and fun to play them," Fleury said. "It's a little bit different because it's the regular season, but it's still big."
Crosby won't be the only big name missing tonight. Detroit star Pavel Datsyuk is out with a broken hand and goalie Jimmy Howard is questionable with a knee injury. Other injured Red Wings that won't play tonight include center Mike Modano, right wing Dan Cleary, right wing Tomas Holmstrom, defenseman Brad Stuart and goalie Chris Osgood.
But plenty of star power remains for both teams and, with Crosby missing, the Penguins biggest star must be Fleury.
He hasn't disappointed.
"He's been great," Kunitz said. "You don't want to have to rely on him too much. You don't want to wear him out. But he's been a special player for us."
Additional Information:Breakout Box
Marc-Andre Fleury's season stats and rankings
Games played: 35 (6th in NHL)
Wins: 20 (5th in NHL)
Goals against average: 2.29 (7th in NHL)
Save percentage: .920 (12th in NHL)
