Kirk McLean, a Canadian goaltender, became a well-known figure in the National Hockey League (NHL) during his career. Born on June 26, 1966, in Willowdale, Ontario, McLean's journey to professional hockey began in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Oshawa Generals. His performance there caught the attention of NHL scouts, leading to his selection by the New Jersey Devils in the sixth round of the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
McLean's NHL debut came with the Devils, but his career truly took off after a trade to the Vancouver Canucks in 1987. It was with the Canucks that McLean established himself as a reliable and skilled goaltender. Over the years, he became known for his calm demeanor and technical proficiency between the pipes. His style was characterized by strong positional play and an ability to make crucial saves under pressure.
The 1993-94 NHL season was a standout period for McLean and the Canucks. He played a vital role in leading the team to the Stanley Cup Finals, delivering memorable performances throughout the playoffs. One of his most iconic moments came during the first round against the Calgary Flames, where he made a remarkable save in overtime of Game 7, helping the Canucks advance. Although Vancouver ultimately fell to the New York Rangers in a hard-fought seven-game series, McLean's efforts were widely praised, and he was a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender.
Throughout his tenure with the Canucks, McLean was a consistent presence in net, earning two NHL All-Star Game selections in 1990 and 1992. His time in Vancouver solidified his reputation as one of the league's top goaltenders during the early 1990s. However, as the decade progressed, the team's performance fluctuated, and McLean faced challenges, including injuries and changes in team dynamics.
In 1998, McLean was traded to the Carolina Hurricanes, marking the beginning of the latter part of his NHL career. His time with the Hurricanes was followed by brief stints with the Florida Panthers and the New York Rangers. While these years did not reach the heights of his earlier career, McLean continued to bring experience and leadership to the teams he joined.
After retiring from professional hockey, McLean remained involved in the sport, taking on roles such as coaching and broadcasting.
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