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Claude Lemieux returns to NHL with Sharks
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by woodpeck | January 21, 2009 at 09:39 am
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Claude Lemieux returned to the NHL on Tuesday night after an absence of more than 5 1/2 years, suiting up for the San Jose Sharks against Vancouver.
The 43-year-old Lemieux is a four-time Stanley Cup winner and former playoff MVP, but he hadn't played in hockey's top league since the 2003 postseason with Dallas. He began his comeback nearly two months ago with the top minor league affiliate of the Sharks, who recalled him for their final game before the All-Star break.
Lemieux wore a teal No. 32 jersey when he skated out among his teammates for pregame warmups. He entered the game with 17:56 left in the first period, receiving a steady round of cheers from the Shark Tank crowd while joining Jody Shelley and Tomas Plihal on the Sharks' fourth line.
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Most RecentMost Recommended Comments (5)
at 10:41 on January 21st, 2009
Sharks come out to warm up for their gkme with the Redwings
bijapuri has contributed a photo to this story.
at 12:23 on January 21st, 2009
He is almost old enough to be a coach in the league.
at 21:07 on January 21st, 2009
Carolina Hurricanes Coach Paul Maurice turns 42 at the end of the month. That puts Lemieux more than a year older than him!
at 13:31 on January 22nd, 2009
I'm not sure how to feel -- I didn't much care for him when he was on Colorado, but the guy does have 4 cups, and, along with Roenick, teach the young guys what it takes. That being said, do you really want to mess with a team that's played this well so far?
at 20:00 on January 22nd, 2009
i thought the same. they already have a sideshow with Roenick and now a vet presence with Blake too. Claude appears to be more of the same. but if he can continue to contribute and add some depth without harming chemistry than why wouldn't the Sharks take the chance? this move may be more about getting over the playoff hump for the team me thinks.