Visitor, but not a villain

Emotions flare as Fleury returns to Pittsburgh ice

PITTSBURGH — Marc-andre Fleury has had almost eight months to prepare for what is going to be an emotional night. And he’s still not sure how he’s going to handle it.

Fleury, who won three Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins and endeared himself to Western Pennsylvania fans with his charity work, returns to PPG Paints Arena on Tuesday against his former team. He returns wearing a Golden Knights sweater and dressing in the visitors’ locker room. He remains a beloved figure in Pittsburgh’s sports culture after playing there for 13 seasons.

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“It’s definitely weird,” Fleury said Monday as he held court with the news media. “I want to win the game, but I don’t want to block everything out either. It’s my first game back here. I want to enjoy the moment.

“It’s the first time I’ve been through it, and I don’t think there’s anything that prepares you for it.”

Fleury’s wife, Veronique, their two daughters, his parents and his sister will be in attendance. He’ll receive his 2017 Stanley Cup championship ring at the Knights’ morning skate from Penguins team President Mario Lemieux. There will be a video tribute to Fleury prior to the game that figures to be emotional.

“I have had such great support here over the years,” Fleury said. “Through the good and through the bad. The people have always been very supportive of me, always cheering me on. So I think it will be fun.”

Fleury was front-page news in the Pittsburgh Post-gazette on Monday. He spent nearly 20 minutes answering questions after practice from a throng of local and national reporters. He said he misses his Pittsburgh friends, is grateful for the opportunity the Knights have given him and is excited about what his new team has accomplished with an NHL expansion record 35 wins and 74 points.

Knights coach Gerard Gallant said the team understands the emotion