Fleury Leads Penguins to Farewell Preseason Win

Marc‑André Fleury, who retired in May after a 21‑season, 1,051‑game NHL career, returned to Pittsburgh on a Professional Tryout Contract this weekend for a curtain‑call preseason appearance at PPG Paints Arena arranged by GM Kyle Dubas. A sellout crowd and packed practices at the UPMC Lemieux Sports Complex created an emotional atmosphere as fans and teammates including Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang honored Fleury. Fleury entered for the third period, made eight saves, closed the game in the shootout, was named the game's first star, and the Penguins beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4‑1. Reporters and fans celebrated his decorated career — three Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh, franchise goaltending records for games, wins and shutouts, and a Vezina Trophy with Vegas. Fleury initially hesitated to return because he didn’t want to take reps from current goalies but agreed when he realized how much the team, teammates, family and city wanted a final goodbye. Tickets traded at a premium on the secondary market.