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Former Hab Lemieux Passes Away Days After Carrying Torch
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- Former Hab Lemieux Passes Away Days After Carrying Torch
IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
There was some unfortunate news on Thursday, as former Montreal Canadiens forward Claude Lemieux passed away at the age of 60.
Lemieux spent 21 seasons in the NHL, scoring 369 goals and 407 assists in 1215 regular-season games, however, his true brilliance came to the forefront in the playoffs, where he quickly established a reputation as a player who was willing to do whatever it takes to capture the Stanley Cup.
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After being selected 26th overall in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft by the Canadiens, Lemieux would go on to capture Lord Stanley's Grail on four occasions, with three separate teams.
His first Stanley Cup victory took place with the Habs in 1986, however, his playoff impact became legendary when he won his second Stanley Cup in 1995, with the Colorado Avalanche . On top of winning hockey's ultimate prize with a different organization, he was also named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner, awarded annually to the player judged to be the most valuable in the NHL playoffs.
Lemieux helped the Avalanche repeat as champions in 1996, before eventually making his way to the New Jersey Devils in 2000, for one last, glorious playoff run.
In 234 playoff games, Lemieux scored 80 goals and 78 assists, while epitomizing the attitude necessary to ensure success.
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The news of Lemieux's passing is particularly shocking, as he appeared to be in good health just a few days ago, when he was chosen as the torch-bearer before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final versus the Carolina Hurricanes .
On behalf of the Montreal Canadiens family, we would like to extend our condolences to the Lemieux family in these trying times.
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