A three-time Stanley Cup champion and veteran of 130 playoff games, Fleury has had a career-best postseason with a 94.7 save percentage, 1.68 goals-against average and four shutouts in his 12 wins.
"His shot, that's what makes him so good," said Fleury, who blanked the Caps with a 26-save shutout in December. "His one-timer, his wrister, both of them are very tough, very fast and quick.
"It'll be a good challenge."
Ovechkin leads the Capitals with 12 playoff goals, but will be balanced out offensively by the likes of forwards Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson and Alex Tuch, who lead the Golden Knights in playoff goals with 8, 6 and 6, respectively.
A number of Vegas forwards showcased their scoring capabilities in the two regular season matchups against the Capitals.
In the Dec. 23 matchup in Vegas, Tuch, Karlsson and Oscar Lindberg all found the back of the net in the 3-0 win. In February's clash, Reilly Smith scored twice with Tuch and Ryan Carpenter each adding a goal in the 4-3 victory in Washington.
Golden Knights head coach Gerard Gallant said he's been impressed by the Capitals playoff performance but, as has been the case all season, is focused on his squad.
"I don't pay much attention to those games," said Gallant. "It's a completely new season for me. I love the way we're playing in the playoffs."
Home ice
With the matchup set, the Golden Knights know they'll be at home this weekend rather than flying across the country.
The few days extra at home prior to the start of the Stanley Cup Finals on Monday, 5 p.m. at T-Mobile Arena, could be a difference maker for the team.
"It's a huge deal this time of year," said forward James Neal. "It's nice to not have to travel at the start, stay home, be comfortable and get your rest. It shows how hard we worked all year to have this, especially in the finals."
The Golden Knights have been the top team at home in the playoffs, tallying a 6-1 record at T-Mobile Arena, only dropping a double-overtime game against San Jose in Round 2. At 6-2, the team has been nearly as good on the road, including closing all three series away from Las Vegas.
On the other side, Washington won on the road to move past Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Finals and have posted an 8-2 record on the road in the playoffs.
The Golden Knights are happy to have home ice advantage, but Fleury doesn't think it's a make-or-break factor.
"We've had a good record at home all season, all playoff long," he said. "It's fun to have fans behind us, but at the end of the day, not sure it makes a huge difference. All the series we've won the road. Washington won on the road last game.
"We're having success, but can't overthink it."
Likewise, Gallant is happy to have the extra potential home game, but so long as the team continues to play their game, it won't come down to where the ice is located.
"It's always nice to have home ice advantage, we play outstanding hockey in our building," Gallant said. "For me, it doesn't really matter where we're playing, just a matter of playing our game. Always good to start a series at home and start off on a good foot like we have."
A little history
Golden Knights defenseman Nate Schmidt was left unprotected by the Washington Capitals in last June's expansion draft, allowing another former Capital, general manager George McPhee to pick him up.
Schmidt spent four seasons in Washington, scoring eight goals and notching 35 assists in 200 games.
Now, he'll face his former team with a chance to take home the sport's top prize.
"It's a pretty incredible situation," Schmidt said. "I don't really know how to describe how I feel about it.
"I know a lot of those guys and know what they like to do. It helps me, helps our group as well."
