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Kevin Allen: HOFer Guy Lafleur was dynamic presence on and off the ice |
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Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur, one of the most electrifying players in NHL history, has died after battling cancer. He was 70.
LaFleur jetting up the wing with his longish hair flowing and jersey flapping behind him was one of the lasting images of NHL hockey in the 1970s.
"What flair, style, elegance in his game," former NHL player and current television analyst Ray Ferraro said about Lafleur on Twitter this morning. "The stride, the Forum exploding as he flew down the wing. My childhood on Saturdays nights. An opponent for a few games. Awe."
The Montreal Canadiens made him the No. 1 pick in the 1971 draft and he helped the Habs win five Stanley Cups (1973, and then four in a row from 1976-79). From 1974-75 to 1979-80, his season goal-scoring totals were 53, 56, 56, 60, 52, 50.
Mario Lemieux grew up idolizing Lafleur, as did many Canadian kids, particularly in Quebec. Lafleur had a 'wow' factor. He has a presence about him on and off the ice. His speed was intoxicating. His scoring ability seemed magical.
He was a must-see performer, a player who was as flashy as he was productive. Lafleur was a magnificent athlete who could brings crowds to their feet even on the road.
For the hockey world, it seems particularly cruel that Lafleur's death comes so quickly after the loss of iconic Islanders scorer Mike Bossy.
"Another heart breaking day for hockey," broadcaster Chris Cuthbert tweeted Friday. "Guy Lafleur was the most exciting player I ever watched live. There was nothing better than Guy going end to end with the Forum crowding roaring in anticipation. Rocket, Beliveau, Flower. The Habs have the best line in Heaven. Rest In Peace.
Lafleur didn't lose his scoring touch, even after his retired the first time in 1985 when he was 33. He came back to play for the New York Rangers at age 37 and still scored 18 goals in 1988-89. Lafleur played his final two NHL seasons for the Quebec Nordiques.
"He was a one of a kind," Brian Lawton said on social media. "Honored to play with him in NY on a line with Brian Mullen & in Quebec. One of the funniest, kind, thoughtful players I ever played with. He made you forget he was a legend. He lit up everyone room he entered. Such an impressive man"
After Lafleur NHL career, he flew helicopters.
"When I was on the ice, I felt like a free man,"Lafleur told Sports Illustrated. "With flying, it's the same thing. When I'm flying by myself on an afternoon, I feel free."
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