Flower Power

Especially in a shortened season, two points could make all the difference between making the playoffs or hitting the golf course come May, but earning their first two points of the season isn’t what makes their win in this seasons first Battle of Pennsylvania special. No – it isn’t getting revenge for their somewhat embarrassing playoff defeat at the hands of the Flyers either, but the incredibly special milestone in fan favourite Marc-Andre Fleury’s already impressive career that this game represents.

With these two points, the starter affectionately known as Flower became the winningest goalie in Penguins history. Winning 226 games – a feat that took Tom Barrasso twelve seasons – has taken Fleury only eight seasons to tie, but he’d have to wait until the start of his ninth season to win number 227.

2013 is bound to be a career year for Fleury, with a few more milestones within reach even during this shortened season. The starter is one shutout away from becoming the Pens all time shutout leader and is within 14 wins of earning his place on the list of the NHL’s Top 50 all time winningest goalies.

What does Fleury think of today’s milestone win?

“It’s just great to play again,” Fleury said. “It was such a long wait to come back here with such a great ambience and it was loud and fun. A fun hockey day. It was definitely fun to win that one.”