Golden Knights’ Fleury Steadily Climbing All-Time NHL Win List

Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Marc-André Fleury has had plenty of ebbs and flows during his illustrious career. At 36, he is on the ‘back nine’, but there are still several factors keeping him motivated. The first is his $7 million contract that extends through the 2021-21 season. He has always been known as a true professional, but the biggest motivator at this stage of his career might come from his placing on the all-time wins list.

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Marc-Andre Fleury won his fourth straight start for the @GoldenKnights, but saw his shutout streak end in the third period. #VegasBornhttps://t.co/UsFN70Xc0S

— Las Vegas RJ Sports (@RJ_Sports) February 6, 2021

It has been quite a ride for Fleury since the Pittsburgh Penguins selected him as the 1st overall pick in 2003. Three Stanley Cups (2009, 2016, 2017), five NHL All-Star appearances (2011, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020), and an Olympic Gold Medal (2010). Interestingly, he has played some of his best hockey in the latter half of his career.

NHL All-Time Wins List

That said, his hot start to the 2020-21 season should come as no surprise. Despite being slated as the back-up to 29-year-old Robin Lehner, Fleury has been outstanding in his first four starts – four wins, a microscopic 1.25 goals against average and a stingy .944 save percentage. The four wins are particularly noteworthy as they put him within striking distance of the fourth and third spot on the NHL all-time goalie win list.

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Marc-Andre Fleury earned his 460th career regular-season win to pass Henrik Lundqvist (459) for sole possession of fifth place on the NHL’s all-time list. https://t.co/fnnmXu1Gax #NHLStats pic.twitter.com/QdE5TNNx8V

— NHL Public Relations (@PR_NHL) February 7, 2020

As it stands, Fleury has 470 career wins – good for fifth on the all-time list. He is now within striking distance of fourth, which is currently held down by Ed Belfour with 484 career wins. Should he surpass Belfour, the next target would be the third spot held by Roberto Luongo and his 489 wins.

When, Not If?

How feasible is it that Fleury climbs to the fourth or even third spot this season? It is possible but it might also be a stretch with a 56-game season as opposed to the regular 82-game schedule.

Because of some COVID-19 challenges the Golden Knights have only played eight games thus far. As such, head coach Peter DeBoer has split the goaltending duties between Fleury and Lehner. If they were to continue splitting games, that would mean Fleury could be looking at around 24 more starts. Because of the seven-year age gap between the two, lets round Fleury’s potential starts down to 20.

In that case, Fleury would have to maintain a 70%-win ratio to reach Belfour. Given his early season success that is not unreasonable, but still a lofty task, nonetheless.

All that said, if Fleury is not able to overtake the fourth or third spot this season it seems unlikely that he would NOT reach them in 2021-22. In fact, he might be able to set his sights on the 500+ win club of which there are only two other members – fellow French Canadians, Patrick Roy (551) and Martin Brodeur (691).

As a fan of the game of hockey, it is hard not to cheer for Fleury. Forever a gentleman, he has become a great ambassador for the game and his place on the all-time win list will be an added bonus to his hall of fame career.

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