Guy Lafleur, the Montreal Canadiens legend, passed away on April 22, 2022, at the age of 70 after a battle with lung cancer. Known as "The Flower," Lafleur was an iconic figure in hockey, celebrated for his offensive brilliance and electrifying style that captivated fans in Quebec and across the world. His death marked the end of an era, leaving fans to remember him as the last of the truly great Habs skaters.
Lafleur's career with the Montreal Canadiens spanned 14 seasons, beginning in 1971. He quickly became a cornerstone of the team, leading them to five Stanley Cup championships, including four consecutive titles from 1976 to 1979. During this period, Lafleur was the league's most dominant offensive force, becoming the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in six straight seasons, between 1974-75 and 1979-80. His contributions were not limited to regular-season play, as he also excelled in the playoffs, amassing 58 goals and 134 points in 128 games.
Beyond the statistics, Lafleur's impact was immeasurable. He possessed a rare combination of speed, skill, and charisma that made him a captivating player to watch. He played with a flair and panache that distinguished him from his contemporaries, earning him the adoration of fans and the respect of opponents. Lafleur's offensive prowess was matched by his leadership qualities, making him a key figure in the Canadiens' dynasty of the 1970s.
Lafleur's individual accolades include three scoring titles and two Hart Trophy wins as the league's most valuable player. He also received the Lester B. Pearson Award (now the Ted Lindsay Award) three times, an honor given to the league's most outstanding player as voted by his peers. In 1985, after disagreements with the coach about his playing style, Lafleur retired but made a comeback in 1988, playing for the New York Rangers and the Quebec Nordiques before retiring again in 1991. In recognition of his remarkable career, Lafleur was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.
In his later years, Lafleur faced health challenges, including undergoing a quadruple coronary bypass in 2019 and battling a recurrence of lung cancer. Despite these difficulties, he remained a beloved figure in the hockey world, making public appearances and contributing to cancer research.
The passing of Guy Lafleur was met with widespread grief and tributes from across the hockey world. His legacy as one of the game's all-time greats is secure, and he will forever be remembered as "The Flower," the last of the great Habs skaters, whose skill and charisma brought joy to generations of hockey fans.
