Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Frederik Andersen played in Friday's Game 5 victory over the Montreal Canadiens after his agent, Claude Lemieux, died by suicide Thursday.
ESPN reported the circumstances surrounding Andersen's appearance, noting that the goaltender took the ice carrying what the outlet described as a heavy heart. Andersen still performed his role in net as the Hurricanes closed out the game with a win.
Lemieux had served as Andersen's agent. His death came one day before a playoff game that carried significant weight for the Hurricanes' postseason run.
Andersen's decision to play under those conditions drew attention across the hockey world. Playoff rosters offer little flexibility, and goalies in particular carry an enormous burden in the postseason. The fact that Andersen suited up and helped Carolina win only added to the weight of the moment surrounding the game.
The Hurricanes' series against the Canadiens continued with Carolina holding the upper hand following the Game 5 result. No statement from the team or from Andersen was included in initial reporting on the matter.
