The Hurricanes and Canadiens took a moment to pay respects to the late Claude Lemieux ahead of Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final.
Shortly before the Hurricanes clinched a spot in the Stanley Cup Final with a 6-1 win over Montreal on Friday, the big screen at the Lenovo Center displayed a picture of Lemieux as players from both teams stood at center ice. Lemieux spent the first seven seasons of his career with the Canadiens.
“The hockey world lost a great champion yesterday with the passing of Claude Lemieux,” Hurricanes public address announcer Wade Minter told the crowd. “Known across the League as a fierce competitor, the winner of four Stanley Cups and known to our organization as a father and advisor.
“Claude left a lasting legacy on our great game. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and every player his life impacted.”
The fans in the stands then applauded as the screen panned to an image of Lemieux at a Canadiens’ playoff game just days before he tragically died at 60 years old by suicide at his family business in Florida on Thursday.
Authorities previously told The Post on Friday that Lemieux hanged himself in the back of the warehouse of the home-design business in Lake Park, Fla.
Lemieux, a Quebec native, was drafted by Montreal in 1983 and won his first cup with the team in 1986.
“Today is a dark day for the Canadiens family and the entire hockey community. I wish to express my most sincere and deepest condolences to Claude’s family and loved ones,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. “A fierce competitor who rose to the occasion in big moments, Claude was a relentless, courageous, and tenacious player who led the team to the highest honors.
“He embodied the very essence of being a Montreal Canadiens player. Today we mourn the untimely passing of one of our champions. Our thoughts are with his family on this difficult day.”
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis, you can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org for free and confidential crisis counseling.