Frederik Andersen saves 23 as Claude Lemieux grief shadows Game 5

Frederik Andersen said claude lemieux died earlier this week, then stopped 23 of 24 shots in Carolina’s 6-1 win over Montreal in Game 5. The performance pushed the Hurricanes into the Stanley Cup Final, but Andersen said the night also carried a personal weight that had nothing to do with the scoreboard.

Andersen and Claude Lemieux

Andersen described Lemieux as “like family,” and said going to the Stanley Cup Final was “surreal” after a difficult couple of days. He also thanked the Hurricanes for their support after Lemieux’s death.

That support sat beside the numbers. Carolina’s 6-1 win ended the Eastern Conference final, and Andersen’s 23 saves came in the same game that sent the Hurricanes on with a 12-1 playoff run behind them.

Montreal and Game 3

Lemieux had just lit the Canadiens’ ceremonial torch ahead of Game 3 in Montreal days before his death. He was a key part of Montreal’s 1986 Cup-winning team and a four-time champion.

That recent public appearance gives the loss an unusually visible edge. A longtime agent died just after being honored in the same city where Carolina finished the series.

On the ice after Game 5, Andersen said, “It’s so special to be able to show up for Lemieux and make him proud, just go out and battle.” He added, “Can’t speak (highly enough) about this team.”

Vegas Golden Knights Tuesday

Carolina advanced to the Stanley Cup Final on Friday, and the series against the Vegas Golden Knights was scheduled to begin Tuesday. The open question now is whether Andersen’s workload and level hold up after the emotional start to the Final run.