Las Vegas Review-Journal columnist Johnny Katsilometes has seen a thing or two in this city and is a chronicler of the who's who and what's what in Vegas.
"I've seen lots of performers self-profess themselves to be the King of Las Vegas," says Katsilometes. "But the way Fleury is performing right now - he has a hold on this city. It's his town right now. That's just the truth."
Wednesday night's Game 3 of the Western Conference Final was another chapter in the growing legend of Fleury. The Winnipeg Jets mounted a furious push in the third period firing 16 shots his way and most memorably a pair of back-to-back Grade A chances off the stick of center Mark Scheifele. Vegas held on for a 4-2 win and took a 2-1 series lead.
"The day we got him we knew we got a character guy and a great goaltender, and with his résumé obviously he is doing it," said Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant. "Last night, he made some tremendous saves at key times in the hockey game for us, and that is what he does. Nothing has changed with him. He come to the rink every day, he has fun, and gets ready for the next game."
It's been a North American wide tour de force. Fleury has wowed them not only in Vegas but in NHL rinks across the continent.
In no particular order, here are some key moments and numbers in Fleury's improbable run with the Golden Knights:
1. Opening night - Fleury was magnificent in a 45-save performance staking Vegas to a 2-1 win which was also the first victory in franchise history.
2. The next night - Vegas flew into Arizona and Fleury painted another masterpiece leading his club to 2-1 win in OT pushing his team to a 2-0 start on the season.
3. 400 wins - Fleury earned his 400th career win in Philadelphia to move up at the time to 13th on the all-time wins list.
4. All Star mania - Fleury is named to the Western Conference All Star Team and leads his team to a win in the 3-on-3 tournament.
5. Punish the Pens: Fleury's old team visits Vegas for the first time and he stops 24 shots in a 2-1 win including a slide across the crease to foil a bewildered Brian Dumoulin.
6. Round 1: Fleury posts a pair of shutouts to lead a four-game brooming of the Los Angeles Kings.
7. Round 2: A highlight reel overtime save on San Jose's Logan Couture in Game 3 of the second round with the series tied 1-1 led Vegas to a win. Fleury would eventually record two shutouts in the six-game series win over the Sharks.
8. Post-season: Fleury leads all goalies remaining in the post-season with a .945 save percentage and a 1.70 goals-against average. He's the leading candidate for the Conn Smythe Trophy at this juncture.
