Fleury Makes History, Just By Being Born: Happy Birthday, Flower!

Today, the Minnesota Netminder turns 38 years old, making him the 3rd oldest active goalie, and oldest goaltender to play for the Wild. (Though you'd

He was also the oldest to play for Vegas, and the 5th oldest to play for Chicago and Pittsburgh. Fun fact - Pittsburgh's oldest goaltender was Gilles Meloche, who played there until he was 37, and on whose mask Fleury based his current Reverse Retro design.

Currently, the Birthday Boy is sitting at Number 3 on the all-time win list, coming off his 527th with the win against Arizona, yesterday. He only needs 14 more to tie one of his idols, Patrick Roy at 551. He has also neared that milestone in considerably less games, as it took Roy 1029 to get there, and Fleury is only at 953. Here's hoping the Wild can stand behind him and help him reach that record, sooner rather than later.

Since Minnesota doesn't have a game until Thursday, Fleury is most likely spending his special day with his family - something he doesn't get to to too often during the busy season.

Fleury has been my goalie since 2003, and he will be until the end of time. Not only is he one of the best goalies in the history of the game, he's also one of the all-time best humans. He is beloved by every team he plays for, and even some he doesn't. When he returns to former home team towns, the arenas are filled with his jersey from both sides.

There is nothing any of us wouldn't do to get that thousand watt smile. All around the NHL, one of the most used words to describe him is «humble». And he proves it in every interview, by always thanking his teammates, no matter what the outcome of the game happens to be. And of course, every good goaltender knows you have to thank your posts, as well.

Advice from the Birthday Boy, himself:

Happy Birthday to the kindest, funniest, and one of the most amazing goalies in history!