It's remarkable how some NHL players have the durability to go the distance during their NHL careers and can play up to 20 years in this league. That number reflects former Pittsburgh Penguins goalie Marc Andre Fleury as he was celebrated for crossing 1000 games played.
What made the celebration even sweeter is that the Pittsburgh Penguins were in town to play against the Minnesota Wild. The 39-year-old goaltender was selected by the Penguins in 2003, in the first round first overall which is uncommon for the most part as most goaltenders are not selected that early.
During his time in Pittsburgh which began in 2003 spanned all the way till 2017. He had won 3 Stanley cups and given the fans much to cheer about. Prior to the game, Sidney Crosby and Chris Letang along with a couple of other former teammates presented Fleury with a painting celebrating his thousand games in the NHL.
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Fleury was speechless when he saw the detail of the painting and then began to crack a few jokes with his old teammates as he admired the work that was presented to him.
The Minnesota Wild also honored Fleury and what he has accomplished as the team put together Marc Andre fleury sweaters including a crest showing that he played 1000 NHL games.
On the Minnesota side of things, several players showed their gratitude and honor towards fleury as they headed towards their dressing room including Wild goalie Filip Gustavsson who donned a crown on his head with many roses in a cool collage.
Fleury will be joining a small group of goaltenders that have crossed this threshold which includes Patrick Roy, Martin Brodeur and Roberto Luongo. It's clear that he has the full respect and admiration for him from his peers.