Watch Penguins' tribute video to Marc-Andre Fleury
Even the most prepared person might not have been able to handle seeing Marc-Andre Fleury in anything but a Penguins jersey.
See for yourself.
Marc-Andre Fleury poses for a portrait sporting a Vegas Golden Knights jersey after the team took him in the expansion draft. Getty Images
Weird, right?
Shortly after Vegas officially selected Fleury as the cornerstone of their upstart franchise, the Penguins released a tribute video honoring his 14 years in Pittsburgh.
Warning: Some material in this video may cause sobbing.
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Vegas, you got a good one.Fleury, you are an incredible netminder, prankster, teammate, and an even better person. Thank you. #MerciFleury pic.twitter.com/DJXIgkJ18t
" Penguins (@penguins) June 22, 2017
Video courtesy of the Penguins on Twitter
Some of the notable highlights: His last-second Game 7 save to secure the 2009 Stanley Cup title against the Detroit Red Wings, waving a Terrible Towel while wearing a Steelers helmet and the countless heroic efforts during this year's Stanley Cup run.
Fleury instantly becomes the face of a franchise that will hope to make an impression with something other than their location in Sin City. Other players drafted by Vegas expressed their excitement for a new beginning.
The Golden Knights showed off their prized possession in Fleury, as he met with media after the draft. They also hyped him on Twitter more than any other draft pick Wednesday night. They know what we know: They're getting a proven winner and all-around good guy .
" Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 22, 2017
Officially the first 'Fleury' chant in @TMobileArena history. #VegasDraft #BoldInGold pic.twitter.com/uAbfQz3yYX
" Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 22, 2017
When you build a team from scratch, you start from the net out. We also decided to start with a Stanley Cup champion. #VegasDraft pic.twitter.com/dx2BhiGVLc
" Vegas Golden Knights (@GoldenKnights) June 22, 2017
The epitome of sadness came in this photo from Evgeni Malkin. He may need a hug.
Sad day pic.twitter.com/QMHkUkk1gp
" Евгений Малкин (@malkin71_) June 22, 2017
Penguins fans expressed their sadness and adoration after watching the best goalie in franchise history start a new chapter.
@GoldenKnights you just gained an instant fan base. #MerciFlower #Forever29 #FlowerForever
" FleuryGirl29 (@FleuryGirl29) June 22, 2017
Treat our boy right! Because of #Fleury you will have a bigger built-in fan base. He is top notch and loved by all! #alwaysapenguin
" Melody Starr Walker (@mstarrwalker) June 22, 2017
My heart is broken. You will always be a penguin in my heart, MAF. I will, however, but a golden knights fleury tee in your honor #merci
" ja_tragqueen (@frijoledejilli) June 22, 2017
I promised myself not to cry, guess who lied Marc-André Fleury, I wish you all the luck in @GoldenKnights for the years to come! https://t.co/Z3iVddy1gh
" Shrub King (@andreas0852) June 22, 2017
" Penguins (@penguins) June 22, 2017
The NHL schedule will be released Thursday, so fans soon will find out when Fleury will make his return to Pittsburgh ... wearing a different logo on his chest.