New Jersey Devils History

New Jersey Devils memories, facts & fun spanning the team’s 43 seasons. “Don’t mess with the Devils, buddy. We’re #1. We’ll beat anybody.”

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

@PapiLeafs34 @Shadow590 @NHLRumourReport Jack likes Jersey. Luke too.

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

@RockofAges66 @NHLRumourReport @OlympicHughes

[Tom Chorske @hockeylogic]

For those who miss hearing Jacques Lemaire press conferences, you can hear him here ⬇️

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

@GeorgeFalkowski @GrantMulvey82 Mike Levine was the best!

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

@GeorgeFalkowski @GrantMulvey82 Agreed! It was probably written by an intern who was just looking to work for some kind of big league team. Doesn't matter what sport. Knows nothing about hockey or the Devils. 🙁

[Tom Chorske @hockeylogic]

Scott and Claude were so competitive and tough.
They once got into a fight in the locker room between periods.
It wasn’t all that strange (or surprising 😉😆). There were typically several fights every season. But usually during practice.

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

Claude Lemieux being named the Conn Smythe Trophy winner on June 24, 1995.

[Tom Gulitti @TomGulittiNHL]

During 1999-2000 my former Record colleague, the late Mark Czerwinski, said the Devils should bring back Claude Lemieux, that they'd missed what he brought since he helped them win the Cup in 1995. Some called him crazy because of bad feelings at end of his first stint. (cont)

[Shawn Roarke @sroarke_nhl]

I loved watching Claude Lemieux play hockey. He could play any way he wanted or situation demanded. Mean, petty, skilled, belligerent, artistic. Whatever tool got the job done. It was all compelling; can't-miss theater. I was blessed to see him at his best.

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

RIP to one of the people most instrumental in bringing the Stanley Cup to New Jersey for the first time. It’s so shocking. He was a unique player; such a competitor. A winner.

[New Jersey Devils @NJDevils]

The New Jersey Devils organization is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of former Devil Claude Lemieux.

A clutch player on the ice and greatly appreciated by Devils' fans off it, Claude's impact in bringing the first-ever Stanley Cup to New Jersey will forever be remembered as one of the paramount performances in team history.

Widely respected throughout the NHL, both as a trusted agent and a valued colleague, Claude leaves behind a lasting legacy within our game that he gave so much to. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this time.

[ESPN @espn]

Claude Lemieux, who won the Stanley Cup four times during a memorable NHL career, has died, the NHL Alumni Association announced on Thursday. He was 60. https://t.co/08knQGG5X8

[Greg Wyshynski @wyshynski]

As I mentioned on #MvsW today, Claude Lemieux was my favorite player growing up.

First authentic jersey I ever owned. First nameplate I ever wore. Someone who personified the nefarious side of the game while being one of the greatest playoff performers I've ever witnessed. 💔

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

I'm in shock. I can't believe it.

[NHL Alumni @NHLAlumni]

The NHL Alumni Association is devastated to share that Claude Lemieux has passed away at the age of 60.

Born in Buckingham, Quebec, Claude was selected by the Montreal Canadiens in the second round of the 1983 NHL Entry Draft and would make his NHL debut just a few months later on October 13, 1983 and scored his first career NHL goal on December 4, 1983.

Claude split time between the Canadiens organization and the QMJHL from 1983 to 1985, capturing the President’s Cup with the Verdun Junior Canadiens in 1985 as QMJHL playoff champions, while earning the Guy Lafleur Trophy as Playoff MVP.

The very next season, Claude recorded 10 goals and 16 points in 20 playoff games as he and the Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup. Claude remained with the Canadiens for an additional four seasons before joining the New Jersey Devils ahead of the 1990-91 season.

In 1994-95, his fifth and final season with New Jersey, Claude led the Devils to their first Stanley Cup championship, registering 13 goals in 20 playoff games, taking home the Conn Smythe Trophy as Playoff MVP. As a member of the Colorado Avalanche in 1995-96, Claude was once again an integral part of team history as the Avalanche hoisted Lord Stanley’s Cup for the very first time in 1996.

Claude played 297 regular-season games in an Avalanche uniform before rejoining the New Jersey Devils in November of 1999, and for a fourth and final time, would be crowned a Stanley Cup champion on June 10, 2000. Claude later played for the Phoenix Coyotes and Dallas Stars before making a comeback with the San Jose Sharks during the 2008-09 season.

Internationally, Claude represented Canada on several occasions, including capturing a gold medal at the 1985 World Junior Hockey Championships and winning the 1987 Canada Cup.

He was loved by his wife and four children, and on behalf of the Lemieux family, we kindly ask that everyone respect their privacy during this difficult time.

Memorial service details to follow.

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

What was your immediate reaction to this?

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

The #NJDevils became the first NHL team to win a conference final after trailing in the series 3-1 when they beat the Flyers, 2-1, in Game 7 on May 26, 2000. Scott Stevens’ memorable hit on Eric Lindros occurred in the 1st-period.

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

@njbd23devnanc They're not trading Nico.

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

Been saying this for a year---if it is the intention of the brothers to play on the same team, then NOW may be the easiest time in which to do it. TWO of them are already on the same team. The THIRD will be a UFA next summer. Seems logical, right?

[JP Gambatese @jp_gambatese]

From @RealKyper:

#NJDevils

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

Talk to me; how nervous were you at this point in the game? And how high did you jump off your couch when Patty scored? Who traveled to Philly to see it?

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

@GeorgeFalkowski You should write a hockey book!

By the way, I always got the impression that Kurt was actually a Devils fan.

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

Talk to me; how nervous were you at this point in the game? And how high did you jump off your couch when Patty scored? Who traveled to Philly to see it?

[New Jersey Devils History @DevilsOfYore]

The #NJDevils became the first team to win a conference final after trailing in the series 3-1 when they beat the Flyers, 2-1, in Game 7 on May 26, 2000. Patrik Elias scored with 2:32 left & the Devils held on to advance to the Stanley Cup Final.