Fleury expects ’emotionally’ games with wild in the last trip to Montreal

Marc-Andre Fleury understands that he is no longer in his starring role, but Minnesota-Wild goalkeeper still retains his youthful spirit.

“40 years old I sometimes want a guy playing in a beer league,” Fleury said during a phone interview with nhl.com/fr. “But I will definitely show that despite my age, I can still beat goalies in my twenties. I’m still as competitive as ever.”

On Thursday, Fleury and The Wild take the Bell Center to take on Montreal Canadiens (19:00 et; RDS, TSN2, FDSNNO, FDSNWI). Fleury, born in Sorel-Tracy, Quebec, about an hour north of Montreal, will probably start in what was supposed to be his last match at the Bell Center, preventing an unexpected matchup in the Stanley Cup final.

Fleury, the oldest player in the NHL, would face either 28-year-old Sam Montembeault or 23-year-old Jakub Dobes, another chance to defeat a goalkeeper in their twenties. But beyond that, Fleury wants to make the most of his visit to Montreal, surrounded by his family and friends.

“Yes, I want to start in Montreal. I have already spoken to peace (chabot), my goal limits with nature. I mentioned to him that the game in Montreal was important to me. We play in Toronto (against Maple Leafs) Wednesday and then in Montreal Thursday.

“I am not looking for attention and I will not receive any particular kind of welcome. I like to play games on the road and have the amount mess towards me. I know that canadiens have been playing something really good hockey for a few weeks now, And that the fans will see their guys win.

Despite the Partisan audience, there will still be plenty of wild jerseys in the stands. Fleury’s number 29 is likely to be particularly visible throughout the arena.

“There will be many people in the stands, even more than last year,” Fleury said. “I know that a bus is coming from Sorel. I have several of my family members and friends there. My wife (Véronique) also travels from Minnesota with our three children. I have to thank my sister (Marylène) for planning things with all Back in Sorel.

“I share that game with my dear. Ever since I was young, my family and friends have always been there for me, in the good moments and the bad. I hope we play a good game and that I have a good start.

Fleury is 12-6-3 with a 2.67 goal against average .911 savings percentage and two shutouts in 21 games at the Bell Center. In his latest game in Montreal on October 17, 2023, he made 26 savings for Wild in a 5-2 win. He appointed the first star of the game and greeted the crowd, which continued to sing his name after the last sum.