Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury (29) salutes the crowd as he receives an ovation for his time as a Vegas Golden Knight before a game against his former team at T-Mobile Arena. Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

The Daily Faceoff Show: Fleury returns to Vegas in style

Originally posted on Daily Faceoff | By Dan Marrazza | Last updated 1/10/22

On Saturday, Marc-Andre Fleury became the first goalie in league history to defeat all 32 NHL teams.

Coincidentally, this milestone moment occurred when Fleury defeated the Golden Knights in what was his first game at T-Mobile Arena since he was dealt by Vegas to Chicago over the summer.

But as much as the accomplishment itself was notable for Fleury, the more memorable aspect of his return to Las Vegas on Saturday was the reception he received from the home crowd. Which, although not surprising given the degree to which Fleury embraced the city of Las Vegas and became the face of the franchise during its first four seasons, it was still something to behold.

Everything's better with a little flower power.

Marc-Andre Fleury is welcomed back to Vegas with a touching tribute. pic.twitter.com/z7kU6yJFCh
— NHL (@NHL) January 9, 2022

While making his debut as a co-host on The Daily Faceoff Show on Monday, Ryan S. Clark had more to say on the reception in Las Vegas for Fleury.

“So often, we talk about expansion teams and sort of, who’s that marquee player? When we think about the Vegas Golden Knights, Marc-Andre Fleury is sort of one of those names.

“And of course that moment with Robin Lehner before the game, where they were able to have a quick embrace and you see them speak. Those are the sort of instances that let you know the kind of impact that Marc-Andre Fleury had. But at the same time, that’s what you keep hearing from people, whether they played with him in Pittsburgh or they’ve interacted with him personally.”

Clark and co-host Frank Seravalli talked further about Fleury. This included his performance against the Golden Knights, which included 30 saves on 31 shots in a 2-1 Blackhawks win.

It also included analysis of Fleury’s strong play since Jeremy Colliton was fired as Chicago’s head coach and replaced by Derek King. Fleury has wins in nine of his 13 decisions since King took over on Nov. 7.

You can watch the full episode here…