Bryan Bickell put a dramatic touch on the final game of his NHL career Sunday as the Carolina Hurricanes finished their season with a 4-3 victory over the Philadelphia Flyers.
Coach Bill Peters put Bickell, who is battling multiple sclerosis, into his shootout lineup and the 31-year-old forward scored to give the Hurricanes the advantage. The Hurricanes eventually won the shootout, 2-1.
Bickell, a three-time Stanley Cup champion as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks, returned to game action Thursday after a months-long absence and announced Saturday he would retire at the end of the Hurricanes’ season.
“It kinda felt like fate,” said Hurricanes goalie Eddie Lack, fighting back tears. “It’s just one of those things, no matter what move he does, if he’s going to shoot or deke, you just know he’s going to score.”
Lack added: “What a player, what a huge career he’s had, and I’m proud to say I had him as a teammate this year.”