Hurricanes’ Freddie Andersen hopes he made Claude Lemieux proud with Game 5 win

The hockey world was stunned on Thursday when news broke that Claude Lemieux had died at the age of 60. A known agitator and four-time Stanley Cup champion in his playing days, Lemieux became a player agent after hanging up his skates. One of his clients, Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen, was thinking of him on Friday night.

The Hurricanes made the Stanley Cup Final on Friday with a Game 5 win over the Montreal Canadiens. Lemieux represented Andersen in 2016 when he joined the Toronto Maple Leafs. And he negotiated every contract the veteran netminder signed with the Hurricanes. After winning the East Final, Andersen hopes his longtime friend is smiling down upon him.

“(The Hurricanes) are a family. Can’t really say much more. It’s so special to show up (for Lemieux), make him proud, and go out and battle. The whole team supported me, as well. Just can’t speak enough of this team, it’s so special to be apart of,” the Hurricanes netminder said in an emotional interview with TNT’s Jackie Redmond.

It has certainly been an emotional time in the hockey community. Tributes to Lemieux have poured in from around the hockey world. Current players have sent heartfelt tributes to the respected agitator. Longtime rival Darren McCarty was among the cascade of former players who also shared their tributes after Lemieux’s passing.

Lemieux played 21 seasons in the NHL before becoming an agent. He skated with six different teams, and as mentioned, won four Stanley Cups. In 1215 games, he scored 379 goals and 786 points. He earned the 1995 Conn Smythe Trophy, scoring 13 goals in 20 playoff games as the New Jersey Devils swept the Detroit Red Wings in the Stanley Cup Final.

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