The NHL is bracing for a tough goodbye as a true legend, Marc-André Fleury, gets ready to hang up his skates at the end of the 2024-25 season. This time, it’s for real. “I’m more certain than last year. It’s going to be the last,” Fleury admitted, determined to soak in every moment of his final ride. The three-time Stanley Cup champ, Vezina Trophy winner, and Olympic gold medalist has built a resume most goalies could only dream of.

With nearly 1,000 career wins, a 2.60 GAA, and a .912 save percentage, he’s cemented his place as one of the best to ever stand between the pipes. But for Fleury, it’s never been just about the stats—it’s about the love of the game, the thrill of the save, and leaving it all on the ice. And just days before his final career game on April 15, the NHL Wild’s veteran goalie kept it real about Alex Ovechkin’s record chase.

B/R Open Ice hit up X on April 2 to drop a spicy little update straight from Marc-André Fleury himself. And let’s just say—he’s keeping it real for the goalie squad. “Marc-Andre Fleury sets the record straight for the goalie union: No one WANTS to be the guy in net for when Ovi makes history.” Because let’s be honest, who wants to be the person in every highlight reel, every throwback clip, every “remember when” moment for years to come?

The Wild’s veteran netminder didn’t hold back, doubling down with some choicest words about the nightmare scenario. “I’d be pissed in the moment. I’d still be pissed a few days later because then you’ll be on TV for the next f—— many years.” Fleury knows the game, and he knows the sting of being on the wrong side of history. Sure, Ovi chasing the record is legendary, but no goalie is volunteering to be the guy watching that puck fly past them in slow motion while the world celebrates.

And well, just a few days ago, the Washington Capitals’ legend fired in his 891st career goal against the Boston Bruins at TD Garden, creeping just four tallies away from The Great One’s untouchable 894-goal record. At 39, with 38 goals in 58 games—even after missing time with a fractured fibula—Ovi is still proving that age is just a number. With 1,484 games under his belt, Ovechkin is chasing history at a ridiculous pace, standing toe-to-toe with Gretzky, who set his mark in 1,487 games. 

The NHL has been waiting for this moment since March 23, 1994, when Gretzky dethroned Gordie Howe by netting his 802nd career goal. Now, Ovi is two snipes away from hitting 40 goals yet again, extending his record to 14 seasons at that milestone. He already owns the most 30-goal seasons (19) and is tied with Gretzky and Mike Bossy for the most 50-goal campaigns (nine). And guess what? Ovi even made sure to honor the goalie in their recent clash!

NHL goalie receives a special goodbye!

A few nights back, after the NHL’s Minnesota Wild snagged a win over the Washington Capitals at Xcel Energy Center, Alex Ovechkin made sure the night had one more legendary moment. As his teammates were ready to skate off, Ovi stopped them in their tracks—no one was leaving until they showed some love to Marc-Andre Fleury. The future Hall of Famer, sitting second on the all-time goalie wins list and set to hang up his pads after this season, got the respect he deserved. So, the Capitals lined up, one by one, shaking hands with the man who’s been a thorn in their side for years.

Ovi and Fleury go way back—their battles during Fleury’s Pittsburgh Penguins days were the stuff of hockey legend. From playoff wars to highlight-reel saves and goals, these two have spent years on opposite ends of the ice, trying to outdo each other. But on this night, there was no rivalry—just pure respect. 

Funny enough, neither of them took center stage during the game—Fleury wasn’t in net, and Ovechkin stayed stuck at 889 goals, five away from Gretzky’s record. But the moment between these two icons was bigger than stats. Ovi gave hockey fans yet another unforgettable scene, proving once again why the game is as much about respect as it is about records.