Claude Lemieux makes Sharks debut in win over Canucks
Claude Lemieuxs remarkable comeback is complete.
The 43-year-old Lemieux made his return to the NHL on Tuesday as the league-leading San Jose Sharks posted a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks.
Lemieux recorded three shots on goal in 7 minutes, 8 seconds of ice time in the contest, which ended with Sharks captain Patrick Marleau scoring a power-play goal with 1:52 left in the extra session.
Claude played well, Sharks coach Todd McLellan said. He wasnt a liability at all. He finished his checks and skated well, which is something we were looking for. I think he is going to feel good about himself after one game. We do.
Once called the most hated man in hockey, Lemieux retired in 2003 following a 21-year career in which he won four Stanley Cup championships.
However, he began his comeback during a brief stint earlier this season with a team in China owned by the Sharks, then spent the past two months at Worcester, San Joses affiliate in the American Hockey League.
You can only imagine, Lemieux said. Ive been dreaming about this since the day I retired, so to speak. Great building, great night to have the opportunity to play with such a great team. These fans are unbelievable. Honoring me on my first shift meant a lot to me.
After 23 games with Worcester in which he recorded three goals and eight assists, Lemieux was recalled by the Sharks on Monday.
Its more than getting in one game and showing up, he said prior to Tuesdays win. I want to contribute. I want to play well and do what I can do.
By no means is this any kind of gimmick or any kind of charity, injured San Jose center Jeremy Roenick said. This man can help our team.
Lemieux won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the Stanley Cup playoffs in 1995 with the New Jersey Devils, and also captured titles with Montreal (1986) and Colorado (1996) before adding a fourth ring with New Jersey in 2000.
Known for his agitating style, Lemieux is perhaps best remembered for his violent check on Kris Draper in the 1996 playoffs that broke the Detroit Red Wings centers jaw, nose and cheekbone.
A native of Buckingham, Quebec, Lemieux has amassed 379 goals, 406 assists and 1,756 penalty minutes in 1,198 games with the Canadiens, Devils, Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and Sharks.