Dear Flower,
It was October 10, 2003. You made your first NHL debut, and that is when I knew, I would be a lifelong Marc-Andre Fleury fan. We did not win, but I knew you would amount to so much. Just a week later, you won your first NHL game.
When word got out, just a day after the Penguins had won their fifth Stanley Cup, I was heartbroken. You had waived your No Movement Clause, and I did not know what to do. I knew the Vegas Golden Knights would sweep you up, I mean, why would not they? You helped lead the Penguins to 3 Stanley Cups. I have been a Penguins fan my entire life, and you became my favorite player.
It was June 14, 2017. I woke up early to get to Pittsburgh. I stood for 4 hours waiting for you to come down the road. As I waited anxiously, I saw Matt Cullen come down the road, as everyone chanted "One more year!" I chanted for a second then I saw you. My life was made. I got to see you in person and I started screaming "Fleury, Fleury!” The entire crowd chanted. It was amazing, and there was no doubt in anyone's mind that you meant a lot to the Penguins.
It was June 21, 2017. The NHL awards were being held in Las Vegas. My Twitter was filled with upset Penguins fans. Each tweet was a tribute to the goalie who stole our hearts. The Penguins community came together, and said goodbye to you one last time. You were the heart of the Penguins, and now we have to learn how to go without. We all knew it was coming, but it does not make it hurt any less.
When a Penguins fan is asked what their favorite memory is, many people take about the save you made in Game 7 against Detroit. It was a tremendous save, and 8 years later people still love you for it. When a Penguins fan hears the word "Flower”, their mind doesn't wander to roses and daisies. Their mind wanders to the crease, where one of our favorite goalies calls home. You are a legacy, and you will not be forgotten. Pittsburgh will always think of you as a Penguin.
On behalf of the Penguins fans, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the 691 games you played as a Pittsburgh Penguin. Thank you for the 375 wins, 44 of which were shutouts. Thank you for wearing the black and gold with pride. Thank you for constantly being a team player. Thank you for never giving up. You are praiseworthy, and Vegas is lucky to have you.
Love,
A Pittsburgh Penguins Fan
