Minnesota Wild goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury played in his 1,000th career game and earned his 553rd career win in Friday night's 3-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, but the Wild had a little extra help in congratulating him on the milestone.
Fleury's three children played a prominent role as part of the celebration, first reading the Wild's lineup card in the locker room before the game.
When Fleury hit the ice, he was greeted by a video montage and pre-game ceremony that included his kids delivering a congratulatory message to the netminder.
"You inspired me to work so hard on my sports because you always worked so hard and did never give up even when things get tough," Fleury's daughter Scarlett said. "I'm so proud of you and so happy that you're my dad because you're the best dad ever."
Fluery's daughter Estelle also joined in, discussing a "lucky, magical" tie that she bought him for Christmas.
"It's not the tie that's magical, it's you," Estelle said. "I'm so proud of you. Congrats."
Fleury's son, James also had a simple message to congratulate his dad on the milestone.
"I'm proud of you, Dad. You're the best."
While someone was cutting onions at the Xcel Energy Center, the Wild wore special warmup jerseys for the occasion and even had a giant flower display celebrating his 1,000th game next to the Minnesota net.
The Penguins, who selected Fleury with the first overall pick in the 2003 Entry Draft and won Stanley Cups in 2009, 2016 and 2017 with Fleury in net, also pitched in with Sidney Crosby delivering a hand-painted mural depicting his 20-year career.
Fluery is in his second full season with the WIld and ranks second behind Martin Brodeur's 691 wins for the most all-time for a goalie. Fleury is also just the fourth goalie to play in 1,000 career games joining Brodeur, Roberto Luongo and Patrick Roy.
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