Marc-Andre Fleury’s Hall of Fame night came with a message from a familiar face — and a reminder that Sidney Crosby first saw the goaltender from the other side of the QMJHL.
Crosby congratulated his former Pittsburgh Penguins teammate in a video shown Thursday during Fleury’s induction into the QMJHL Hall of Fame. The two would go on to win three Stanley Cups together in Pittsburgh, but their first meetings came when Crosby was skating against Fleury and the Cape Breton Eagles.
“It was great playing against you back then,” Crosby said, recalling their junior rivalry. “I don’t think I scored on you in the Q. That changed in the NHL.”
Crosby remembered his first game against Fleury in Cape Breton, with the goalie’s unmistakable bright yellow pads seeming to be everywhere as he made saves for the Eagles.
After the horn
Fleury, visibly moved while watching the tribute, heard Crosby point to the quality that followed him through all 21 NHL seasons: the energy he carried into the rink regardless of the circumstances.
“His attitude and mindset every day at the rink stood out,” Crosby said. “Whether the team was winning or losing, whether things were going well or poorly, he showed up with the same drive, energy and enthusiasm. That rubs off on people. It’s enjoyable to be around, and every team he played for appreciated having him.”
Fleury’s career took him from Cape Breton to the Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks and Minnesota Wild. Through it all, he remained one of the game’s most popular teammates, a reputation Crosby saw firsthand during their championship runs in Pittsburgh.
Crosby wished Fleury a chance to enjoy the Hall of Fame moment with the people closest to him, telling his longtime teammate that the honour was richly deserved.
