"Yeah, he’s pretty incredible when he makes those saves like that, it was 3-2 at the time, it was a huge save obviously, but as a coach you kind of expect that from him. He makes those saves and he’s acrobatic, he never gives up on the puck. It was a good save obviously."
-Gerard Gallant
On Tuesday evening the Vegas Golden Knights won their second game in a row, following a five-game losing streak. Normally that would be a big deal because the Golden Knights have high expectations, but the win over the Toronto Maple Leafs was trumped by an event much greater than a simple hockey win. Goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury made the save of the year, literally saving the game for the Vegas Golden Knights.
Now claiming "Save of the Year" in November is certainly bold. There is so much time, for so many more huge saves. Plenty of goaltenders around the league can match Fleury's determination and athleticism. Regardless, the save he made last night was without a doubt, the "Save of the Year" for many reasons.
Important to note: This save forced ESPN to actually show hockey and Fleury's save was the Top Play of the Day on SportsCenter.
SORCERY!!!!!! HOW THE?!?! Posts and Flowers 🌸 are killing the Maple Leafs. They should be winning this game, but here we are. Marc-Andre Fleury is not a human! #VegasBorn #LeafsForever https://t.co/4t2vb6Kwax
Timely Save:
Gripping to a 3-1 lead late in the third period and shorthanded, the Golden Knights gave up a Zach Hyman rebound goal, from a ridiculous snipe off the far-side post by potential Hall of Famer, Jason Spezza. That goal brought the game to 3-2 score with 7:13 left in the third period.
The Maple Leafs would continue to push hard for the equalizer, including another power play opportunity. Throughout the third period, the Leafs were creating dangerous chances, with their high-powered offense. At 16:16 of the third, the Maple Leafs got one of their best chances, on a shot sent extremely wide of the net.
Ilya Mikheyev's wrist shot missed the far corner and then bounced back into a high danger area to Nic Petan. Wasting no time, Petan flung a high backhander at the net with Fleury out of position, from challenging the Mikheyev drive. Instinctively, Fleury dove back toward the rebound try and made a highlight reel glove save. I saw flashes of Gold Glovers like Ozzie Smith, Omar Vizguel, Derek Jeter, and Jimmy Rollins on that save! Full effort, full extension, and it blew the roof off the T-Mobile Arena.
Referee Interference:
All too often, referees make themselves way too noticable during sporting events. A tendency to overcall games, not anticipating play correctly while getting in the way, and a general ineptitude put refs on full display on most nights. In this one, Mikheyev's errant wrist shot from the left circle missed wide and made its way back into a dangerous spot for the rebound attempt.
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This rebound was no ordinary bounce that can be anticipated by the goaltender. The wide shot bounced off a referee in the corner and right onto Petan's stick, nearly giving the official the assist of a lifetime. Somehow Fleury was able to find the puck, see the rebound chance coming, and make the diving glove stop just before the puck made it into the goal. Instinct kicks in on rebounds and although his normal timing was thrown off by the bounce off the official, he was still able to make the quick save.
Full Extension:
One of the more impressive aspects of the save was just how far he came for the shot. Aggressiveness is a staple of Fleury's game and he came out far to cut down Mikheyev's angle on the initial shot. The resulting rebound save was so impressive because of the angle his original positioning left him with. Fleury had to make a perfect diagonal move to the puck, in order to have a chance. On top of the angle, his body - both torso and arms - went full extension, in an effort to make the save.
Watch it one last time in all its glory! It got press box members up out of their seats for God's sake!
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**
To that point in the game, the Maple Leafs were desperate for a goal. They were on the heels of their fifth loss in a row - the first coming in a shootout - and needed to get back in the win column. The team is swirling around in many rumors, including a potential coach firing and newly acquired defenseman Tyson Barrie apparently wanting out of Toronto. Adding this loss, a sixth, to the resume is not good for our neighbors up north.
With the win, the Golden Knights are one step further from their own five-game losing streak they'd like to forget. With two wins in-a-row, the team will now prepare for their biggest rivals, the San Jose Sharks, who happen to be coming to town on Thursday night. That game is bound to be a physical, spirited contest. They will need to clean up in their own end as Fleury can't keep bailing the team out, as he has done so often of late. Anything can happen in rivalry games and this one is going to be a game you don't want to miss!
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