On December 4, 1909, the Montreal Canadiens were established. Over the past 114 years, they've stood as a testament to hockey excellence despite the challenges brought by NHL expansions. Few fans would argue against Montreal's prestigious status in the league.
Comparing different hockey eras is a tough challenge. The game has evolved significantly, and the sheer number of games played has increased with today's 82-game season. While direct comparisons can be tricky, some legendary players truly set themselves apart and left an indelible mark on the game.
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A team's strategy is only as good as its coach. Hector 'Toe' Blake and Scotty Bowman are two legendary figures in this role. Blake, with his eight Stanley Cups in 13 years, and Bowman, with five in just eight years before taking championships with Pittsburgh and Detroit, both have their claims.
Choosing between the two is challenging, yet Bowman's unmatched win rate and four-year dominance in Montreal's playoffs tip the scales in his favor.
Selecting the ultimate goalie for the Canadiens' all-time lineup is contentious. While Patrick Roy's fans might speak up and Carey Price holds the record for most wins, Jacques Plante's impressive stats also speak volumes. However, he narrowly misses the top spot.
Ken Dryden's relatively short time with the Canadiens doesn't diminish his 258 wins from 397 starts. Comparing Dryden's potential across as many games as Plante or Price shows he was something special.
With a 2.24 goals-against average and a .922 save percentage, Dryden's stats make him comparable to Plante. Despite what his early retirement at 31 suggests, Dryden was a remarkable figure, standing out with five Vezina trophies over eight years.
Aside from his illustrious hockey career, Dryden pursued various passions like politics and writing, almost matching his on-ice achievements. Despite his diverse endeavors, he's forever remembered among the greatest goalies.
Selecting the best defensemen from Canadiens' history is not easy. Many noteworthy players emerge, particularly left-handed shooters, making the final selection difficult.
Doug Harvey, briefly captain post-Richard and pre-Beliveau, redefined how defensemen approached the game. His strategic play, favoring puck control and forward passing, reshaped the norm.
Doug Harvey
Despite not being the biggest, Harvey's six Norris trophies over seven years highlight his strategic prowess and influence as a power play quarterback.
Larry Robinson stands out as a blue line powerhouse with 750 assists amassing 948 points. His NHL-leading +722 career rating sets him apart, a testament to his defensive aptitude.
Larry Robinson
Robinson recorded over 80 points twice, showcasing his consistency and longevity. His 85 points in 1976-77 and subsequent 82 in 1985-86 demonstrate his enduring excellence.
Despite comparatively fewer individual awards, Robinson's six Stanley Cups as a player and one as a coach highlight his impact on the game.
While many talented forwards have played for the Canadiens, these three are our picks for the all-time starting lineup, though numerous others could have joined them.
Jean Beliveau, with over 500 goals and 1200 points, ranks among the top point scorers despite retiring in 1971, an enduring icon with a decade-long captaincy.
Centre – Jean Beliveau
Beliveau's modest stats by today's standards, such as his two 90-point seasons and 40-goal achievements, are impressive against the backdrop of his time.
Recognized annually with a trophy in his name, Maurice 'Rocket' Richard's legacy lives on as a pioneering scorer and history-maker.
Right wing – Maurice Richard
Richard's groundbreaking 500-goal milestone paved the way for future NHL stars, a figure now surpassed by many but still considered a defining achievement.
With 966 points from 978 games, Richard's storied career predates widespread high scoring, emphasizing the extraordinary nature of his achievements.
While other forward positions boast greater depth, Dickie Moore's achievements on the left wing secure his place in the lineup.
Left Wing – Dickie Moore
Moore's Art Ross trophies and consecutive overachievements at 84 and 96 points mark him as a significant figure during different hockey times.
Defying his team's sheer quality, Moore consistently delivered game-winning goals, reflecting his standout talent.
Guy Lafleur narrowly misses the starting team, yet his 1246 points in 946 games argue for his inclusion.
Serge Savard's versatile game and defensive reliability could easily have secured him a defensive spot, perfectly complementing the goal-scoring prowess.
Jacques Plante, though a close contender for the starting goalie position, was instrumental in advancing netminder safety and effectiveness.
The current Canadiens don't hold a candle to their legendary predecessors, despite a 2021 Stanley Cup Final run. Their recent performance emphasizes a stark contrast.
Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield represent glimmers of future potential, with Suzuki's solid start and captaincy hinting at what lies ahead.
Celebrating 114 years of the Montreal Canadiens: Crafting the ultimate dream team
Marking the 114th anniversary since the founding of the Montreal Canadiens, we're diving into their storied legacy and selecting the cream of the crop among their players.
