‘Emotional’ Frederik Andersen Thanks Canes Teammates for Support Following Passing of Claude Lemieux

Frederik Andersen made 23 saves in Game 5 as the Carolina Hurricanes crushed the Montreal Canadiens 6-1 to reach Stanley Cup Final.

‘Emotional’ Frederik Andersen Thanks Canes Teammates for Support Following Passing of Claude Lemieux

Frederik Andersen and Claude Lemieux (Image via X/@NHL/NHL.com)

In Short
  • Frederik Andersen expressed gratitude to his Carolina Hurricanes teammates for their support after the passing of his agent, Claude Lemieux.
  • Lemieux, a four-time Stanley Cup champion, was found dead in Florida, shocking the NHL community.
  • Andersen achieved his 12th win in 13 playoff games, leading the Hurricanes to the Stanley Cup Final against the Vegas Golden Knights.

Frederik Andersen and the Carolina Hurricanes are heading to the 2026 Stanley Cup Final. Following a 6-1 victory over the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5, an emotional Andersen thanked his teammates for their support following the passing of his agent and NHL great Claude Lemieux.

On Thursday, the NHL world was left shocked following the demise of Lemieux. The 4-time Stanley Cup champion was reported to have taken his own life and was found dead in a warehouse in Florida.

This came just a few days after he made an appearance at the Bell Centre. Lemieux, who was drafted by the Canadiens and spent 7 seasons with them, was the official torchbearer ahead of Game 3 of this Eastern Conference Final on Monday.

After a 21-year career, Lemieux became an agent. He had represented the goaltender since 2016 and had been on his side in every contract negotiation. Andersen considered him more than an agent. So the game on Friday was an emotional one for him following his passing.

In a thunderous Lenovo Center, Andersen made 23 saves. His strong showing in front of the net helped the Canes run out as 6-1 winners and reach the Stanley Cup for the first time since 2006.

Following the win, the Canes players would share huge hugs with their netminder. It was his 12th win in the playoffs this year in 13 starts.

In a conversation with Jackie Redmond, the 36-year-old thanked his teammates and paid tribute to Lemieux.

Incredible, can’t talk enough good things about this team and the way they supported me. It’s so special to be able to show up for him and make him proud. Just to go out and battle. And then the whole team supported me as well. Just can’t speak enough (good) things about this team. It’s been so special to be a part of.

Frederik Andersen said

Andersen and his team will now take on the Vegas Golden Knights in the final. Like their opponents, this will be their third time playing in the Final, having lost in the first attempt in 2002 before winning in 2006 against the Edmonton Oilers.

Another interesting story for them is regarding their current head coach, Rod Brind’Amour. He was the team’s captain in 2006 and the one who lifted the team’s only Stanley Cup in franchise history. He could lift the trophy once again if they can take down the Golden Knights.

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Frederik Andersen puts himself in an exclusive list of goaltenders following Game 5 victory

The Carolina Hurricanes are living up to their name. The team has swept apart every opponent so far. Following the Game 5 win, their goaltender, Frederik Andersen, put himself in an exclusive list of goaltenders.

Frederik Andersen
Frederik Andersen (Image via NHL)

The win on Friday was Andesen’s 12th win in 13 games. After sweeping the Ottawa Senators in the first round, they swept the Philadelphia Flyers 4-0 in the second round.

In the first game of the Eastern Conference Final, the Canadiens crushed them 6-2. Andersen, who was 8-0 before this game, finally suffered a defeat.

The Canes, however, came roaring back. Two successive 3-2 overtime victories were followed by thumping 4-0 and 6-1 wins in Games 4 and 5, respectively.

Andersen is thus now the 3rd goaltender in NHL history to have 12 wins through his first 13 games in a playoff year. He joins Ken Dryden of the Canadiens in 1976 and Gerry Cheevers of the Bruins in 1970 in this list.

The big goal for Andersen and his team now is to lift the Cup. The Canes will have home-field advantage and play Games 1 and 2 at the Lenovo Center. The first game of this series will be played on June 2.

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