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Montreal Canadiens |
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10 Interesting Facts About the Montreal Canadiens
40 players that have worn the Montreal Canadien jersey are now in the hockey hall of fame.
The Montreal Canadiens or as the franchise is officially known as Le club de hockey Canadien organization was founded in 1909-1910 making them the oldest team in professional hockey.
After playing goaltender for the Canadiens for a remarkable 15 seasons in a row without missing a single game, November 28, 1925 Georges Vezina fell to the ice with blood rolling from his mouth and short of breath breath marking the end of a brilliant NHL career. Just a few months later George "The Chicoutimi Cucumber" Vezina died as a result of severe tuberculosis.
During the 1927-28 season George Hainsworth led the league in goaltending posting an amazing 22 shutouts a record that still stands today. That season Hainsworth became the very first recipient of the Vezina trophy which was in honour of his predecessor, George Vezina.
The early 30s were rough for the Habs and by 1935/1936 the once dominant Canadiens had the worst record in the league. Stunned by such a horrible performance the NHL gave Montreal the rights to all French Canadian players for two years. The following season they had the 2nd best record in the league.
During the 1943/1944 season, the Montreal Canadiens were nearly unbeatable losing only five games in the entire 50 game schedule, they kept rolling through the playoffs to take home the Stanley Cup.
In 1945 Maurice "Rocket" Richard became the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games and held that distinction until the 1980–81, when New York Islanders sniper Mike Bossy tied that mark. In the history of the NHL only 5 players have accomplished this feat including Brett Hull doing so in 1990–91 (52 in 50 games) and again in 1991–92 (50 in 50 games), Mario Lemieux in 1988–89 (50 in 46) and Wayne Gretzky who managed it 3 times : 1981–82 (50 in 39), 1983–84 (50 in 42), 1984–85 (50 in 49). Maurice Richard also led the NHL in goals five times and was the league's first 500 goal scorer. In honour of his achievements, the NHL created an annual award in 1999, the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy which is to be presented to the NHLs top goal scorer.
On March 17, 1955 all hell broke loose at the Montreal Forum in response to Maurice Richard getting a suspension for the remainder of the season and playoffs for punching a linesman during a fight in Boston a few nights earlier. Fans showed up for the game that night already outraged at the suspension handed out the previous day and when NHL president Clarence Campbell arrived halfway through the first period fans started to boo and hurl things such as eggs, vegetables, and various debris. Then when at the end of the 1st period a tear gas bomb was set off inside the arena the Forum was ordered evacuated and Campbell awarded the Red Wings the victory due to a forfeit. Canadiens fans spilled out into the street starting a riot with many stores being looted and vandalized. When all was said a
In 1956 Montreal Canadiens power play was so devastating, the NHL created a new rule allowing a player to come out of the penalty box after a one man-advantage goal.
In 1959, Jacques Plante changed the goalie position forever when after taking a slapshot that severely bloodied up his face he returned to the ice wearing a goalie mask. Although coach Toe Blake was furious about Plante wearing the mask, the determined netminder refused to stop wearing it and after going on an 18 game winning streak coach Blake finally caved on the issue.
...and here are some more quick facts submitted by our awesome members
- The Canadiens are also know as The Habs and The Flying Frenchmen.
- The team logo is a C with an H in the centre representing Club de Hockey Canadien.
- 1910 saw the Montreal Canadiens play their first game after joining a new league called the National Hockey Association.
- The long storied history of the NHL battles began December 19, 1917 as the Montreal Wanderers defeated the Toronto Arenas, 10-9, and the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Ottawa Senators, 7-4.
- In 1956 the Canadiens established a farm team in Peterborough now known as the Peterborough Petes which compete in the OHL. The owners of the Molson brewery then bought the team in 1957.
- Strange but true...In 1970-71, Ken Dryden became the first player in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup (and a Conn Smythe to boot!) and then follow it up with Rookie of the Year honours the following season. Since Dryden only played 6 regular season games before leading the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup championship he was still able to qualify as a rookie in the 71-72 NHL season!
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