Early Years
In 1917 the Montreal Canadiens joined the NHL in their inaugural season. The 20s Canadiens had a lot of flair, offensive prowess, and skill leading them to the playoffs 6 times and won the Stanley Cup once. The Canadiens won their first Stanley Cup in 1924. In the 1930s the Canadiens would become the first team to win back to back Stanley Cups in 1930 and 1931. Montreal would make the playoffs every year except 1935 in the 30s but only win two Stanley Cups. The early 40s would continue to show disappointment missing the playoffs in 1940 and being knocked out in the first round the next two years.
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Montreal's original logo (19100
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Original Six Era
The Montreal Canadiens would have rookie Maurice Richard join their team in the 1942-43 season. In the mid-40s, the Canadiens saw great success, winning 3 Stanley Cups, making the playoffs in 7 of the next 8 seasons. The 1950s would begin with defeat until 1953 with the Canadiens winning their seventh Stanley Cup. On March 13th, 1955 team favorite Maurice "The Rocket" Richard was suspended for the remainder of the NHL season for punching a referee while in a scuffle with another player. 4 days later Clarence Campbell the NHL president who suspended Richard attended a Canadiens game leading to a fan attacking Campbell. After the fan attacked the NHL president a tear gas bomb was set off near Campbell's seat. This day has become known as the Richard Riot. The next season Richard promised a Stanley Cup win and would keep good on his promise, beating the Detroit Red Wings. The next 5 seasons after Richard's suspension have yet to be matched with Montreal winning 5 straight Stanley Cups. Montreal's dominance would continue in 1965 and 1966 winning their 13th and 14th Stanley Cups.
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Montreal's first logo from the Original Six era (1918-1919)
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Greatest Players
1. Offense: Maurice "The Rocket" Richard: Maurice Richard played 18 seasons (1943-1960) all with the Montreal Canadiens. Maurice Richard received the nickname "The Rocket" when former player Ray Getliffe said during a game "Look at that he's like a Rocket" Richard would win 8 Stanley Cups with the Montreal Canadiens. Richard is the first player to score 50 goals and to score 50 goals in 50 games (only 4 other players have done this since the 1944-45 season when Richard reached achievement). In his career, Richard would only win the Hart Trophy (MVP) once and would never win the scoring title. In the Canadiens all-time leading scorers, Richard ranks fourth in points (966) ninth in assists (422) and first in goals (544). In 1999 the NHL created The Rocket Richard Trophy for the league's top goal scorer that season.
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2. Offense: Guy Lafleur: Guy Lafleur played 14 seasons (1972-1984) with the Montreal Canadiens. Lafleur would win 5 consecutive Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. Lafleur was the only player to score 50 goals and 100 points in 6 straight seasons. Lafleur would win only 3 Art Ross Trophies (led the league in points), 2 Hart Trophies, 3 Ted Lindsay Awards (most outstanding player chosen by the NHL players association), and 1 Conn Smythe Award (playoff MVP). Lafleur is the Canadiens all-time leader in points (1,246), assists (728), and is second in goals (518).
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3. Defense: Serge Savard: Serge Savard played 14 seasons (1968-1981) with the Montreal Canadiens. Savard would win 9 Stanley Cups with the Canadiens. In his second season, Savard would win the Conn Smythe award and in 1971 would win the Bill Masterton award (best exemplifies sportsmanship, dedication, and perseverance). Savard made what is known as the "Savardian Spinorama" very popular as that move still is used today by players such as Patrick Kane and Evgeni Malkin. Savard ranks fifth in Canadiens all-time points by a defenseman (412), fifth in assists (312), and fourth in goals (100).
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4. Defense: Larry Robinson: Larry Robinson played 17 seasons (1973-1989) with the Montreal Canadiens. Robinson won 2 James Norris Trophies and 1 Conn Smythe award. Robinson would win 6 Stanley Cups winning 4 straight Cups. Robinson was a hard-hitting defenseman that would strike fear into the rivaling team. Larry Robinson is the Canadiens all-time leader in points by defensemen (883), first in goals (197), and first in assists (686).
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5. Goalie: Jacques Plante: Jacque Plante played 10 seasons (1954-1960, 1961-1963) with the Montreal Canadiens. Is one of the most influential goalies to play the game being the first goalie to wear a mask full time in the NHL. In his 10 years in the NHL Plante would win 6 Vezina Trophies (best goalie) and 1 Hart Trophy (MVP) with the Canadiens. Plante would help the Canadiens win 5 consecutive Stanley Cups in his time in Montreal. Plante is second in wins (314), third in goals-against average (2.22) and second in shutouts (58).
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Stanley Cups Wins
Since joining the NHL in 1917 the Montreal Canadiens have won 23 Stanley Cups (they won the Stanley Cup before the NHL officially began in the National Hockey association in 1915-16). 1923-24, 1929-30, 1931-32, 1943-44, 1945-46, 1952-53, 1955-56, 1956-57, 1957-58, 1958-59, 1959-60, 1964-65, 1965-66, 1967-68, 1968-69, 1970-71, 1972-73, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1977-78, 1978-79, 1985-86, 1992-93.