Fleury returning to Golden Knights' crease after 7-game absence

Flower is back, and likely with a heavy heart.

Vegas Golden Knights netminder Marc-Andre Fleury will be between the pipes Tuesday night against the Chicago Blackhawks after missing the last seven games, the team announced.

Fleury had returned home to Sorel, Quebec, following the death of his father, who had been ill for several months.

"It was a hard week, and I feel when you go back on the ice, it changes your mind," Fleury said after rejoining the team at practice, according to David Schoen of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "You’re trying to enjoy the game and be in the moment a bit. My teammates have been very supportive, too. And the fans. I've got so many nice notes. My friends and family. I feel very fortunate for that."

Fleury, who is often viewed as Vegas' emotional leader, is in the midst of another stellar season. He owns a .919 save percentage and a 2.54 goals-against average through 20 appearances.

Backup netminder Malcolm Subban filled in admirably during Fleury's absence, starting all seven games while posting a 4-2-1 record and a .909 save percentage.