During the 1990s, Darren McCarty and Claude Lemieux were bitter rivals on the Detroit Red Wings and Colorado Avalanche. After the tragic death of Lemieux, McCarty shared an important message: reach out for help if you are struggling.
Claude Lemieux is one of the best playoff performers in NHL history. He won his first Stanley Cup in his debut season with the Montreal Canadiens in 1985–86. In the playoffs that year, Lemieux scored 10 goals in 20 games.
Claude Lemieux clutch player
In 1995, Claude Lemieux scored 13 goals in 20 playoff games to help the New Jersey Devils win their first-ever Stanley Cup. For once again proving himself as a clutch player, Lemieux was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy.
In fact, the only players to have scored more playoff goals in NHL history are Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Brett Hull, Glenn Anderson, Mike Bossy, Joe Sakic, and Maurice “Rocket” Richard. Quite the company, to say the least.
READ MORE: Darren McCarty changed his mind about Claude Lemieux
Career stats
Claude Lemieux finished his career with four Stanley Cups, 21 NHL seasons, 1,215 games, 786 points, and 1,777 penalty minutes. Many of those penalty minutes came against the Detroit Red Wings when Lemieux played for the Colorado Avalanche. In fact, Claude Lemieux’s hit on Kris Draper in the 1996 Western Conference Finals was one of the defining moments of the legendary Avalanche–Red Wings rivalry in the 1990s.
On the Red Wings side of that rivalry was Darren McCarty. McCarty and Lemieux were bitter rivals during those years but later became friends in life, raising money for charity together.
Darren McCarty’s important message
When it was announced on Thursday that Claude Lemieux had passed away at the age of 60, Darren McCarty posted a video speaking about the loss of his friend. He also shared an important message with everyone.
“Just found out about Claude Lemieux. Sad day. Another brother gone. That’s all I’m gonna say at this point. If you’re struggling out there, no matter what, just reach out for some help. It can never be that bad. It’s a sad day. Rest in peace, Claude,” McCarty said in the video.
Beautiful and important words.
You can watch the video below.
READ MORE: Brendan Lemieux breaks silence after father’s passing
