Guy Lafleur, five-time Stanley Cup champion with Montreal Canadiens, dies at 70

[Ohio Joe]

Montreal Canadiens legend Guy Lafleur has died, the team announced Friday. He was 70.

No cause of death was given, but Lafleur had announced his most recent right lung cancer diagnosis in October 2020. He had previously had a cancerous lobe removed from his left lung in 2019.

"We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Guy Lafleur," Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said in a statement. "All members of the Canadiens organization are devastated by his passing. Guy Lafleur had an exceptional career and always remained simple, accessible, and close to the Habs and hockey fans in Quebec, Canada and around the world. Throughout his career, he allowed us to experience great moments of collective pride. He was one of the greatest players in our organization while becoming an extraordinary ambassador for our sport."

The winger affectionately known as "The Flower" and "The Blond Demon" played 14 seasons with Montreal (1971-85) and was a cornerstone of five Stanley Cup-winning teams, including in 1977, when he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Lafleur was electric on the ice, becoming the first player in league history to produce six consecutive seasons with 50-plus goals and 100-plus points (1974-80).

https://www.espn.com/nhl/story/_/id/33784103/guy-lafleur-five-stanley-cup-champion-montreal-canadiens-dies-70

Ahhh.... So very sad... RIP

[bucolic_frolic]

1. He was exciting to watch with lots of speed

Last edited Fri Apr 22, 2022, 06:11 PM - Edit history (1)

So many athletes die young.

Guy Lafleur championship game, 1976

[cachukis]

2. Uncanny balance.

How he kept his body over his skates sometimes was wizardry. He could deke one way with his upper body and his skates would take off the other way watching jockstraps fall to the ice as he went around defenders.