There was the first save, then quickly a second and finally a third late in the second period Tuesday. The Boston Bruins were at it again and putting shot after shot on Marc-André Fleury. He was answering them, as he had all evening.
It was that final save that brought a stop to play and the Blackhawks fans to their feet. Chants of “Fleury” rang throughout the United Center. The Blackhawks have been treated to plenty of brilliance in net over the past decade, and they recognized they were witnessing it again and let Fleury know it.
The likelihood has always been that Fleury’s time in Chicago would be short. He was in the final year of his contract when the Blackhawks acquired him from Vegas last offseason. He needed persuading to even report to the Blackhawks, and unless this season ended in some magical playoff run, the odds were Fleury would finish his career in another uniform.
It’s quite possible Fleury was making his final appearance in front of the Blackhawks fans at the United Center on Tuesday. We’ll soon know whether he also finishes this season elsewhere. He is probably general manager Kyle Davidson’s biggest trade chip and could kick off Davidson’s rebuild plans. A lot of variables have to align for Davidson to trade Fleury, including Fleury’s consent, but if they fall into place, Fleury’s time with the Blackhawks is running out.
(Photo: Bill Smith / NHLI via Getty Images)
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