CRANBERRY — It was the beginning of a magical weekend for the Pittsburgh Penguins meant to erase any old wounds and put right what once went wrong. Marc-Andre Fleury’s retirement weekend began Friday afternoon at the UPMC Lemieux Complex, and even his entrance brought a standing ovation.
The Penguins’ championship core were part of the afternoon practice session that featured Fleury in advance of him playing one period in Saturday’s preseason game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
And then, Fleury will retire, officially, again.
Though in the featured video, you can see he’s still got it, and no, he wasn’t taking it easy, especially on Sidney Crosby.
Fleury did stacked the pads in a barrel roll save. The crowd went crazy, though Crosby noted to this reporter, “You mean the one that I tapped in? That was a pretty good initial save.”
Crosby said so with a giant smile and hearty laugh.
Crosby and the Penguins veterans were among a small group of players who began practice with Fleury on Rink 1, while the remainder of the larger practice group went to Rink 2.
Evgeni Malkin and Kris Letang were also in the group. It was like 2009 all over again.
The crowd of Penguins fans filled the practice rink to capacity, gathering and waiting in line for the noon practice well before 10 a.m.
Shelly Anderson will have full locker room coverage with Fleury, Crosby, and the team Friday afternoon.
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