Henrik Lundqvist vs. Marc-André Fleury: Comparing the Legacies of Two Goaltending Greats—Who Would You Choose in Their Prime?
In the storied history of NHL goaltending, few names command as much respect as Henrik Lundqvist and Marc-André Fleury. Both goalies have defined eras for their respective franchises, led their teams through deep playoff runs, and earned accolades that place them firmly in the conversation of the greatest of their generation. But if you could build a team and take one in their prime—who would you choose?
The King in New York
Henrik Lundqvist, affectionately known as “The King,” was the face of the New York Rangers for over a decade. Drafted in the seventh round in 2000, Lundqvist defied the odds to become one of the league’s most consistent and technically sound goaltenders. With a career save percentage of .918 and 459 wins—good for sixth all-time—Lundqvist was a model of excellence and durability.
What set Lundqvist apart was his ability to steal games, especially under pressure. He led the Rangers to the Stanley Cup Final in 2014 and made countless playoff appearances where his calm, poised presence in net gave New York a fighting chance night after night. Despite never winning a Stanley Cup, his Vezina Trophy win in 2012 and five nominations underline just how elite he was.
Fleury’s Flash and Flair
Marc-André Fleury, known as “Flower,” has taken a different path to greatness. Drafted first overall in 2003 by the Pittsburgh Penguins, Fleury came into the league with sky-high expectations—and delivered. With over 550 wins (currently third all-time) and three Stanley Cups to his name, Fleury’s legacy is built not only on numbers but also on moments of brilliance and resilience.
Fleury’s career has had its ups and downs—losing the starting job in Pittsburgh to Matt Murray and being left exposed in the 2017 expansion draft—but he’s always bounced back. His resurgence with the Vegas Golden Knights, leading them to a Stanley Cup Final in their inaugural season, was a testament to his perseverance and elite athleticism. In 2021, at age 36, he won his first Vezina Trophy.
Style vs. Stability
Comparing Lundqvist and Fleury often comes down to style. Lundqvist was a master of positioning and economy of movement, rarely caught out of place. Fleury, by contrast, has dazzled fans with explosive saves and unorthodox techniques, sometimes making the difficult look unnecessarily dramatic—but thrilling nonetheless.
In terms of team impact, Lundqvist often carried average Rangers squads farther than expected, while Fleury was a key piece in dynastic Pittsburgh and a transformative figure in Vegas.
The Verdict
So, who would you choose in their prime?
If you value technical mastery, poise under pressure, and elite consistency—Lundqvist might be your pick. But if you favor dynamic athleticism, big-game pedigree, and a proven winner with rings to back it up—Fleury makes a compelling case.
In the end, there’s no wrong answer—just two legends whose careers helped shape the modern era of goaltending.