Marc-Andre Fleury's Career Closes After Dramatic OT Loss

Marc-Andre Fleury, a legendary NHL goaltender, made a dramatic and unexpected return to the ice for the Minnesota Wild during Game 5 of the first-round playoff series against his former team, the Vegas Golden Knights. Called in after starter Filip Gustavsson fell ill, Fleury stopped six of seven shots in the third period and overtime but ultimately saw the Wild fall 3-2 in a heartbreaker. The moment was especially poignant as Fleury, at age 40 and in his final season, received a warm ovation from Golden Knights fans at T-Mobile Arena, where he played some of his best hockey and won a Vezina Trophy. His appearance set an NHL record for playoff seasons by a goalie and served as a fitting, if bittersweet, chapter in his storied 21-year career. Though the Wild could not secure the win, teammates and fans alike recognized Fleury's resilience and ability to rise to big moments, reaffirming his reputation as one of hockey's all-time greats. The game served as a reminder of Fleury's enduring impact on the sport and the deep connections he forged with multiple franchises.