The Minnesota Wild’s season finale against the Anaheim Ducks had all the makings of a classic, but it was Marc-Andre Fleury’s unexpected overtime appearance that stole the spotlight. With the Wild desperately needing a point to clinch a playoff berth, Joel Eriksson Ek tied the game with just.9 seconds left in regulation, sending the Xcel Energy Center into a roar and forcing overtime.
That’s when head coach John Hynes made a stunning call: veteran goalie Marc-Andre Fleury, set to retire at season’s end, was sent in for the extra frame. The crowd erupted as Fleury took the ice for his final regular-season appearance, a move orchestrated by starting goalie Filip Gustavsson, who asked to give Fleury the moment.
Fleury, at, delivered a vintage performance, stopping all five shots he faced—including two on a Ducks power play—while the Wild played shorthanded. With just.9 seconds left in overtime, Matt Boldy scored the game-winner, sealing a 3-2 victory and clinching the Wild’s playoff spot. Fleury’s 575th career win was met with a standing ovation, emotional tributes from teammates, and a memorable sendoff as one of the NHL’s most beloved goaltenders.
The Wild now prepare for a first-round playoff showdown against the Vegas Golden Knights, but for one night, all eyes were on Fleury and his storybook farewell.
