Breakaway on SI

Wild Goalie Earns Unique Achievement

The Minnesota Wild witnessed a rare accomplishment with their win over the Chicago Blackhawks.

Nick Horwat

Nov 29, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) sets the puck up against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period Xcel at Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
Nov 29, 2024; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Wild goalie Marc-Andre Fleury (29) sets the puck up against the Chicago Blackhawks during the first period Xcel at Energy Center. Mandatory Credit: Nick Wosika-Imagn Images / Nick Wosika-Imagn Images
In this story:

Veteran goalie Marc-Andre Fleury has been used mostly as the Minnesota Wild's backup goalie in the 2024-25 season, but he’s off to a great start. Through six games played this season, Fleury has a 5-0-1 record and is tied for the second-longest season-opening point streak in Wild franchise history at six games.

More than just a point streak, as Fleury stopped 20 of 22 in the Wild’s win over the Chicago Blackhawks, he notched his first win over the age of 40. Just a couple of days after hitting 40 years old, Fleury put himself in elite company with a rare and unique achievement.

Fleury became just the second goalie in NHL history to collect wins as a teenager and a 40-year-old. The only other netminder to do that was New Jersey Devils legend Martin Brodeur.

The Pittsburgh Penguins drafted Fleury No. 1 overall in 2003 and he played 21 games at the NHL level during the 2003-04 season, including 13 appearances while still 18 years of age. He lost his NHL debut but stopped 46 of 48 shots.

Fleury collected his first-ever win at the NHL level in his second start with a 31-save victory over the Detroit Red Wings. He was 18 years and 324 days old.

Over the next 21 seasons, Fleury would go on to pick up a 566-330-97 record in 1,031 games played. He stands second all-time in wins behind only Brodeur (691), and third all-time in games played by a goalie.

Brodeur played four games during the 1991-1992 season, a little before turning 20-years-old. In those four games, he picked up a pair of wins, his first coming against the Boston Bruins at 19 years and 325 days.

Fleury made it known that the 2024-25 season will be his last in the NHL and he is making it a memorable one, so far. He’s yet to lose in regulation and is earning rare achievements that may not be seen in the NHL again for quite some time.

Make sure you bookmark Breakaway OnSI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, recruiting coverage, and more! 

Published
Nick Horwat
NICK HORWAT

Home/News Feed Page