As noted in the last post on this vein, January first this year marked the first day of the second decade of the millennium. Last time, we gave you some Habs High Points, this time I share with you what I thought were ten low points.
A decade that began inauspiciously enough with a roster that on a cold January day once sported Aaron Asham, Craig Darby, Chad Kilger, Eric Landry, Juha Lind, Gino Odjick and Patrick Poulin had its fair share of lows.
Here are the worst ten for me:
10. Bernie Geoffrion's passing
It wasn't anyone's fault. But although Bernie Geoffrion died knowing his #5 was to be retired by his team, he never got to see it happen - to experience again how much the city appreciated him. It was a terribly sad thing.
9. Expansion
Most of the expansion took place prior to 2001, but its effects were still felt into the pre-lockout years. The timing of expansion couldn't have been worse for the Habs. They had their worst management team in decades, scouts who weren't on the ball with player assessments (if you think it's bad now, spare a thought for your 2001 self). The Habs had been on the rebuild through a draft and had accumulated a small stable of good, if not great players. Guess who doesn't get protected in expansion drafts?
8. Not calling Larry Robinson
This one was totally avoidable. Last December at the Centennial game, Robinson feeling the nostalgia was told he'd be getting a call for later in the year re: possible ways to work together. No call. No call to a member of the all-time team, a valued alum. I don't care if there were no positions for the next 25 years, there's no excuse for not making this call. This, together with my estimation that a defenceman to coach our young defencemen might be a tonic to some ills down the road, and it still feels like a real low.
7. Randy McKay signing
In direct contrast with the Cammalleri signing is the McKay signing of 2002. It wasn't a big year for free agency, but Philippe Boucher might have looked nice. The Habs at he time dressed this up like it was big, as they were desperate that it would be. Doing nothing at all that July 4th would have led to better results.
6. Playoffs 2009
The 100th season in operation ended much like the first, and much like the early years of the Noughties - without a playoff win to speak of. It was especially disappointing considering it was the fifth year of Gainey's plan, and a year after winning the conference and challenging well enough in the playoffs. More important than the sweeping itself was the repercussions of the sweep, as those four losses became four nails in the career coffins of Koivu, Kovalev, KOmisarek, Tanguay and others. Regardless of what came later, the way those players were treated leading up to July 1 was a low point for a franchise that likes to think of itself as the embodiment of class.
5. The grooming of Mike Ribeiro
The mishandling of Mike Ribeiro began early. The Habs knew they had an egomaniac on their hands, and one that liked to party. What better way to bring him along than to play him in 19 games at the age of 19, boosting his idea of himself and burning a year of his contract in the process. The next season, he played a mere 2 games and was then on prolonged probation until he finally stopped being relegated to Quebec/Hamilton at age 23 in 2003. His grooming to that point was typical of the Canadiens approach with pure offensive players - play them with Aaron Asham and Jason Dawe. That's to say, he wasn't given much freedom. A breakout season in 2003-04 was seen as good news, but was the straw which broke the camel's back in terms of his later entitlement and corresponding work ethic. Traded for another tram's garbage, he has gone on to 5 consecutive good seasons as an offensive player. A true shame that the team could find neither the time for him on the ice, or the time for him off the ice, as he is exactly what this team craves in their Quebec recruitment program.
4. Therrien carry-on
A coach hired in the time-honoured tradition of simply looking at the QMJHL standings and nothing else, Therrien didn't have a very good time of it with the Habs. His low moment came during what had been his high moment. Following the 2002 knockout of the Bruins (courtesy, Koivu, Gilmour, Zednik, Theo), the Habs were rolling along nicely. The Habs had battled with the Hurricanes in three games to earn a 2-1 series lead. They were winning in Game 4 and looking to bury the Canes with a 3-0 going into the third. Quintal took a simple cross-checking penalty, Therrien's temper came out of check. Two-man penalty, Carolina goal, momentum shift, game slipped away, Canadiens lose in 6.
3. Brisebois contract extension, December 2001
At the time, the extension was going to make Brisebois the highest paid Montreal Canadien in all of history. Of course, he'd just had his -31 season and wasn't exactly able to hide his warts as much as previously. The contract made him untradeable even without the clause that said it in writing. It was a decision that hampered a rebuild from happening prior to the lockout.
2. Cristobal Huet trade
Probably the worst justification for any move the franchise has made since trading Patrick Roy. Huet, fresh off a hot start, an All-Star appearance, and a tiny wobble in February was traded so that Carey Price could be handed the reins without fear of losing them. We didn't even need retrospect to know this was a recipe for disaster. Starting Carey Price looks like a move of genius for a while, but then having a back-up the coach and GM are so reluctant to use they leave Carey to be dismantled by the Flyers shows why Huet should have been retained. Not even the return on the trade justifies the move. And now, with retrospect, nor does the experience Price gained.
1. The year with no hockey
There's not much to say. it was unfortunate and unnecessary. Nothing bottoms below this one. It remains the black eye of the decade for all teams (and players).
And again for those interested:
Blogs were less prevalent in 2001, this one wasn't conceived, i can assure you. But I did find one amateur account of the beginning of the decade. It's fun read.
Showing posts with label Decade. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Decade. Show all posts
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Top 100 Habs By Decade:
1. 1969-1979
In recognition of the Canadiens Centennial tomorrow, we at Lions in Winter have been doing what we like best – making lists. As a precursor to publishing the definitive LIW top 100, we will be counting down the decades from least successful to most successful and naming our LIW top 10 players for the ten-year span.
This is the last in the series. if you want to find the other decades, you can use the archives or the link at the top of the home page.
The lates 1960s to late 1970s. Was there a headier time to be a sports fan in Montreal? Baseball moves in, the Olympics come to town (nearly twice if you consider Lake Placid is a 2-hour drive) and the Montreal Canadiens laid most of their competition to waste. The decade I define here has 6 Cups. It was nice to come into the decade on a run of 4 Cups in 5 years as well. 10 Cups in 15 years – it boggles the mind (are we sure they don't mean first-round appearances?).
The players to represent this elite time are all the toast of the Canadiens, with Hall-of-Fame in all of their email sign-offs. No other decade had so many Hall of Famers, no other decade would bump a two-time 100-point man to the bench. These are the final 10 names in this series.
[Note: Each player only appears in one decade's top 10 – cross-decade stars like Laperriere have been given their dues, as you know]
10. Frank "The Big M" Mahovlich (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
A ready-made all star with a Hall of Fame nod already in the bag, Frank was brought in late in his career to bolster the Habs who were about to lose their top 2 centres.
9. Steve Shutt (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
On any other team, he might be the all-time goalscoring hero. 60 goals in 80 games led the league. For Latendresse fans, Shutt put the 14-goal man to shame with 52 ES goals that year.
8. Guy "Pointu" Lapointe (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
The third corner of the Big Three, he had a definite knack for scoring goals, and important ones too.
7. Jacques "Coco" Lemaire (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Played the way he asks everyone of his players to play, with determination and intelligence. With typical efficiency, he retired on scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal in 1979.
6. Yvan "Roadrunner" Cournoyer (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
The archetypal Canadiens winger – speedy and quick-shooting goalscoring machine. His 1972-73 playoffs were magisterial.
5. Bob Gainey (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Famously described as "technically, the best player in the world" by Russian coach Tarasov, Gainey was certainly the best in the world at defending as a shadow. In a league of Bobby Orrs and Bobby Clarkes, his role was just as valuable to the team as those ahead of him on this list.
4. Serge Savard (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
If the Canadiens brass today could dream up a defender to anchor their team for the future, it would probably be Serge Savard. He could and did do everything, including adapt to the effects that 2 broken legs had on his once-great speed.
3. Ken Dryden (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Less career losses than a Vesa Toskala season. He must also be the only starting goalie in modern history to virtually double his losses with shutouts. In his 7-and-a-bit-year turn in the NHL, he won 6 Stanley Cups, 5 Vezinas and earned a law degree.
2. Larry "Big Bird" Robinson (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
If we had the stats and ran a Corsi on it, what do you think 1976-77 would look like for +120 Larry Robinson? Robinson was key to the Canadiens adapting to the new Philadelphia Flyers domination of the league. His gaudy offensive numbers can't show on paper what a good defender he was.
1. Guy "Flower" Lafleur (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
A goal more than every other game, a game-winning goal once in ten, this guy had the knack for scoring and scoring when it was called for. No one has more silverware in their Habs trophy cases than Guy, and with good reason.
* Awards: H = Hart trophy; AR = Art Ross trophy, C = Calder trophy; FS = Frank Selke trophy; N = Norris trophy; V = Vezina trophy; LP = Lester Pearson tropby; BM= Bill Masterton trophy; AS= All-star; HOF = Hall of Fame; CS = Conn Smythe trophy; SC = Stanley Cup.
This is the last in the series. if you want to find the other decades, you can use the archives or the link at the top of the home page.
1969-1979
The lates 1960s to late 1970s. Was there a headier time to be a sports fan in Montreal? Baseball moves in, the Olympics come to town (nearly twice if you consider Lake Placid is a 2-hour drive) and the Montreal Canadiens laid most of their competition to waste. The decade I define here has 6 Cups. It was nice to come into the decade on a run of 4 Cups in 5 years as well. 10 Cups in 15 years – it boggles the mind (are we sure they don't mean first-round appearances?).
The players to represent this elite time are all the toast of the Canadiens, with Hall-of-Fame in all of their email sign-offs. No other decade had so many Hall of Famers, no other decade would bump a two-time 100-point man to the bench. These are the final 10 names in this series.
[Note: Each player only appears in one decade's top 10 – cross-decade stars like Laperriere have been given their dues, as you know]
10. Frank "The Big M" Mahovlich (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1970-74 | 263 | 129 | 181 | 310 | +104 | 14 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1971-72 | 76 | 43 | 53 | 96 | +42 | 4 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1971-74 | 49 | 27 | 31 | 58 | 0 | 2 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1970-71 | 20 | 14 | 13 | 27 | 0 | SC |
A ready-made all star with a Hall of Fame nod already in the bag, Frank was brought in late in his career to bolster the Habs who were about to lose their top 2 centres.
9. Steve Shutt (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1972-85 | 871 | 408 | 368 | 776 | +409 | 50 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1976-77 | 80 | 60 | 45 | 105 | +88 | 9 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1973-84 | 96 | 50 | 48 | 98 | (+5) | 5 | 5 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1976-77 | 14 | 8 | 10 | 18 | 3 | SC |
On any other team, he might be the all-time goalscoring hero. 60 goals in 80 games led the league. For Latendresse fans, Shutt put the 14-goal man to shame with 52 ES goals that year.
8. Guy "Pointu" Lapointe (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1968-82 | 777 | 166 | 406 | 572 | +347 | 20 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1976-77 | 77 | 25 | 51 | 76 | +69 | 6 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 2002-06 | 112 | 25 | 43 | 68 | 4 | 6 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1972-73 | 17 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 1 | SC |
The third corner of the Big Three, he had a definite knack for scoring goals, and important ones too.
7. Jacques "Coco" Lemaire (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1967-79 | 853 | 366 | 469 | 835 | +349 | 58 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1972-73 | 77 | 44 | 51 | 95 | +59 | 5 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1968-79 | 145 | 61 | 78 | 139 | 11 | 8 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1978-79 | 16 | 11 | 12 | 23 | 2 | SC |
Played the way he asks everyone of his players to play, with determination and intelligence. With typical efficiency, he retired on scoring the Stanley Cup winning goal in 1979.
6. Yvan "Roadrunner" Cournoyer (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1963-79 | 968 | 428 | 435 | 863 | (+272) | (68) | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1971-72 | 73 | 47 | 36 | 83 | +23 | 5 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1965-78 | 147 | 64 | 63 | 127 | (12) | 10 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1972-73 | 17 | 15 | 10 | 25 | 3 | CS, SC |
The archetypal Canadiens winger – speedy and quick-shooting goalscoring machine. His 1972-73 playoffs were magisterial.
5. Bob Gainey (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1973-89 | 1160 | 239 | 262 | 501 | +196 | 34 | 4 FS, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1978-79 | 79 | 20 | 18 | 28 | +11 | 1 | FS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1974-89 | 182 | 25 | 48 | 73 | (-4) | 7 | CS, 5 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1978-79 | 16 | 6 | 10 | 16 | 1 | CS, SC |
Famously described as "technically, the best player in the world" by Russian coach Tarasov, Gainey was certainly the best in the world at defending as a shadow. In a league of Bobby Orrs and Bobby Clarkes, his role was just as valuable to the team as those ahead of him on this list.
4. Serge Savard (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1966-81 | 917 | 100 | 312 | 412 | +492 | 13 | BM, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1974-75 | 80 | 20 | 40 | 60 | +71 | 2 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1968-81 | 130 | 19 | 49 | 68 | 6 | CS, 8 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1975-76 | 13 | 3 | 6 | 9 | 2 | SC |
If the Canadiens brass today could dream up a defender to anchor their team for the future, it would probably be Serge Savard. He could and did do everything, including adapt to the effects that 2 broken legs had on his once-great speed.
3. Ken Dryden (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SO | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1970-79 | 397 | 258 | 57 | 74 | 2.24 | 46 | C, 5 V, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1976-77 | 56 | 41 | 6 | 8 | 2.14 | 10 | V, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1971-79 | 112 | 80 | 32 | 0 | 2.40 | 10 | 6 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1970-71 | 20 | 12 | 8 | 0 | 3.00 | 0 | CS, SC |
Less career losses than a Vesa Toskala season. He must also be the only starting goalie in modern history to virtually double his losses with shutouts. In his 7-and-a-bit-year turn in the NHL, he won 6 Stanley Cups, 5 Vezinas and earned a law degree.
2. Larry "Big Bird" Robinson (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1972-89 | 1202 | 197 | 686 | 883 | +700 | 29 | 2 N, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1976-77 | 77 | 19 | 66 | 85 | +120 | 3 | N, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1973-89 | 203 | 25 | 109 | 134 | (+6) | 3 | CS, 6 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1977-78 | 15 | 4 | 17 | 21 | 0 | CS, SC |
If we had the stats and ran a Corsi on it, what do you think 1976-77 would look like for +120 Larry Robinson? Robinson was key to the Canadiens adapting to the new Philadelphia Flyers domination of the league. His gaudy offensive numbers can't show on paper what a good defender he was.
1. Guy "Flower" Lafleur (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1971-85 | 961 | 518 | 728 | 1246 | +477 | 93 | 2 H, 3 AR, 3 LP, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1977-78 | 78 | 60 | 72 | 132 | +73 | 12 | H, AR, LP, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1972-84 | 124 | 57 | 76 | 133 | (-2) | 14 | CS, 5 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1976-77 | 14 | 9 | 17 | 26 | 2 | CS, SC |
A goal more than every other game, a game-winning goal once in ten, this guy had the knack for scoring and scoring when it was called for. No one has more silverware in their Habs trophy cases than Guy, and with good reason.
* Awards: H = Hart trophy; AR = Art Ross trophy, C = Calder trophy; FS = Frank Selke trophy; N = Norris trophy; V = Vezina trophy; LP = Lester Pearson tropby; BM= Bill Masterton trophy; AS= All-star; HOF = Hall of Fame; CS = Conn Smythe trophy; SC = Stanley Cup.
Wednesday, December 02, 2009
Top 100 Habs By Decade:
2. 1949-1959
In recognition of the Canadiens Centennial next Friday, we at Lions in Winter have been doing what we like best – making lists. As a precursor to publishing the definitive LIW top 100, we will be counting down the decades from least successful to most successful and naming our LIW top 10 players for the ten-year span. You should expect a few each day for the next few days.
Though this celebration has inevitably lost some steam due to relentless marketing and pre-game ceremonies for all of living memory, it would be a shame to let it pass unnoticed just because Mr. Gillett wanted to cash in before he cashed out.
I can only venture a guess as to what it must have been like to support a team like the 1950s Canadiens. Hundreds of games against the Leafs, Red Wings, Hawks, Bruins and Rangers. Tough rivalries night after night. Ones that more often than not the Canadiens were in a position to dominate. Would it be satisfying? Would it get tired? Judging by what fans of the time tell me, the answers to those questions are "no" and "no".
For a city that adores itself as a winner, the 1950s were a coming out party. While Toronto was overtaking Montreal in population and slowly to take the place as most important city in the country, Montreal launched a new self-image boosting pastime – winning hockey games. And did they win? First of second in the league all but one season (3rd that year) and 9 Cup finals in 10, with 5 Cups.
The players selected for the 1950s teams were banging at the door to get in. Virtually every player brings 5+ Cups to the table with a trophy, gaudy stats and a place in the Hall of Fame. These 10 names are names of Canadiens lore.
[Note: Each player only appears in one decade's top 10 – Beliveau and Henri Richard, therefore will be missed]
10. Jean-Guy Talbot (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
A mainstay of the big 1950s dynasty, Talbot could do whatever was asked of him.
9. Bert "Dirty Bertie" Olmstead (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
The left wing plumber for some of the top lines in NHL history.
8. Claude Provost (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
One of the best shadows in league and Habs history.
7. Tom Johnson (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Doug Harvey's sidekick for many seasons.
6. Dickie Moore (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
The Canadiens first back-to-back winner of the Art Ross Trophy. He set a league scoring record in 1958-59 with 96 points.
5. Bernard "Boom Boom" Geoffrion (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Trophies and honours line up for the innovator of the slap shot. He was the second man in history to score 50 goals in 1960-61.
4. Jacques Plante (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
An innovator at his position, what really set him apart was not his mask, but his gaudy statistics. He won 5 straight Vezina trophies in the late decade and 6 in 7 years in all.
3. Doug Harvey (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
People aren't laughed out of the room when suggesting he's the best defenceman of all-time. Certainly, if they had to rename the Norris trophy they could do worse than naming it the Harvey trophy. More of a classic defender than, say, Orr, he nevertheless had the nous to go forward.
2. Maurice "Rocket" Richard (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
5-time leading goalscorer in the league, his legacy will never be his own personal trophy cupboard. Known for scoring in the biggest games and tightest situations, he out-hockeyed Mr. Hockey by capturing 8 Stanley Cups in his career. Iconic for the fans of the Habs, he could and would be first on many other lists.
1. Jean "Gros Bill" Beliveau (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
The enduring face of the franchise and its leading scorer and best centre-iceman. The epitome of Hart and Conn Smythe laureat, he won both in his long career.
* Awards: H = Hart trophy; AR = Art Ross trophy, C = Calder trophy; N = Norris trophy; V = Vezina trophy; BM= Bill Masterton; AS= All-star; HOF = Hall of Fame; CS = Conn Smythe trophy; SC = Stanley Cup.
Though this celebration has inevitably lost some steam due to relentless marketing and pre-game ceremonies for all of living memory, it would be a shame to let it pass unnoticed just because Mr. Gillett wanted to cash in before he cashed out.
1949-1959
I can only venture a guess as to what it must have been like to support a team like the 1950s Canadiens. Hundreds of games against the Leafs, Red Wings, Hawks, Bruins and Rangers. Tough rivalries night after night. Ones that more often than not the Canadiens were in a position to dominate. Would it be satisfying? Would it get tired? Judging by what fans of the time tell me, the answers to those questions are "no" and "no".
For a city that adores itself as a winner, the 1950s were a coming out party. While Toronto was overtaking Montreal in population and slowly to take the place as most important city in the country, Montreal launched a new self-image boosting pastime – winning hockey games. And did they win? First of second in the league all but one season (3rd that year) and 9 Cup finals in 10, with 5 Cups.
The players selected for the 1950s teams were banging at the door to get in. Virtually every player brings 5+ Cups to the table with a trophy, gaudy stats and a place in the Hall of Fame. These 10 names are names of Canadiens lore.
[Note: Each player only appears in one decade's top 10 – Beliveau and Henri Richard, therefore will be missed]
10. Jean-Guy Talbot (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1954-67 | 791 | 36 | 209 | 245 | 884 | AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1958-59 | 69 | 4 | 17 | 21 | 77 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1956-67 | 105 | 3 | 16 | 19 | 112 | 7 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1957-58 | 10 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 12 | SC |
A mainstay of the big 1950s dynasty, Talbot could do whatever was asked of him.
9. Bert "Dirty Bertie" Olmstead (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1950-58 | 508 | 103 | 280 | 383 | 609 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1955-56 | 70 | 14 | 56 | 70 | 94 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1951-58 | 8 | 8 | 34 | 42 | 78 | 4 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1955-56 | 10 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 8 | SC |
The left wing plumber for some of the top lines in NHL history.
8. Claude Provost (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1955-70 | 1005 | 254 | 335 | 589 | 469 | BM, AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1957-58 | 70 | 19 | 32 | 51 | 71 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1956-69 | 126 | 25 | 38 | 63 | 86 | 9 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1958-59 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 8 | 2 | SC |
One of the best shadows in league and Habs history.
7. Tom Johnson (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1947-63 | 857 | 47 | 183 | 230 | 897 | N, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1958-59 | 70 | 10 | 29 | 39 | 76 | N, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1950-62 | 111 | 8 | 15 | 23 | 109 | 6 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1952-53 | 12 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 8 | SC |
Doug Harvey's sidekick for many seasons.
6. Dickie Moore (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1951-63 | 654 | 254 | 340 | 594 | 575 | 2 AR, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1958-59 | 70 | 41 | 55 | 96 | 61 | AR, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1952-63 | 112 | 38 | 56 | 94 | 101 | 6 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1958-59 | 11 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 8 | SC |
The Canadiens first back-to-back winner of the Art Ross Trophy. He set a league scoring record in 1958-59 with 96 points.
5. Bernard "Boom Boom" Geoffrion (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1950-64 | 766 | 371 | 388 | 759 | 636 | C, H, 2 AR, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1954-55 | 70 | 38 | 37 | 75 | 57 | AR, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1951-64 | 117 | 56 | 59 | 115 | 88 | 6 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1956-57 | 10 | 11 | 7 | 18 | 2 | SC |
Trophies and honours line up for the innovator of the slap shot. He was the second man in history to score 50 goals in 1960-61.
4. Jacques Plante (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SO | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1952-63 | 556 | 314 | 133 | 107 | 2.23 | 58 | H, 6 V, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1955-56 | 64 | 42 | 12 | 10 | 1.86 | 7 | V, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1953-63 | 90 | 59 | 28 | 0 | 2.13 | 10 | 6 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1956-57 | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 | 1.66 | 1 | SC |
An innovator at his position, what really set him apart was not his mask, but his gaudy statistics. He won 5 straight Vezina trophies in the late decade and 6 in 7 years in all.
3. Doug Harvey (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1947-61 | 890 | 76 | 371 | 447 | 1042 | 7 N, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1956-57 | 70 | 6 | 44 | 50 | 92 | N, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1949-61 | 123 | 8 | 59 | 67 | 138 | 6 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1958-59 | 11 | 1 | 11 | 12 | 22 | SC |
People aren't laughed out of the room when suggesting he's the best defenceman of all-time. Certainly, if they had to rename the Norris trophy they could do worse than naming it the Harvey trophy. More of a classic defender than, say, Orr, he nevertheless had the nous to go forward.
2. Maurice "Rocket" Richard (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1942-60 | 978 | 544 | 421 | 965 | 1285 | H, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1950-51 | 65 | 42 | 24 | 66 | 97 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1944-60 | 133 | 82 | 44 | 126 | 188 | 8 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1957-58 | 10 | 11 | 4 | 15 | 10 | SC |
5-time leading goalscorer in the league, his legacy will never be his own personal trophy cupboard. Known for scoring in the biggest games and tightest situations, he out-hockeyed Mr. Hockey by capturing 8 Stanley Cups in his career. Iconic for the fans of the Habs, he could and would be first on many other lists.
1. Jean "Gros Bill" Beliveau (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1950-71 | 1125 | 507 | 712 | 1219 | +67 | (23) | H, AR, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1963-64 | 68 | 28 | 50 | 78 | 2 | H, AS | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1954-71 | 162 | 79 | 97 | 186 | (2) | CS, 10 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1964-65 | 13 | 8 | 8 | 16 | CS, SC |
The enduring face of the franchise and its leading scorer and best centre-iceman. The epitome of Hart and Conn Smythe laureat, he won both in his long career.
* Awards: H = Hart trophy; AR = Art Ross trophy, C = Calder trophy; N = Norris trophy; V = Vezina trophy; BM= Bill Masterton; AS= All-star; HOF = Hall of Fame; CS = Conn Smythe trophy; SC = Stanley Cup.
Top 100 Habs By Decade:
3. 1959-1969
In recognition of the Canadiens Centennial this Friday, we at Lions in Winter have been doing what we like best – making lists. As a precursor to publishing the definitive LIW top 100, we will be counting down the decades from least successful to most successful and naming our LIW top 10 players for the ten-year span.
Though this celebration has inevitably lost some steam due to relentless marketing and pre-game ceremonies for all of living memory, it would be a shame to let it pass unnoticed just because Mr. Gillett wanted to cash in before he cashed out.
1959-1969
The 1960s are consistently sold as the forgotten dynasty or the decade of the overlooked. But just like articles that pump up the same players time after time for being underrated, so too the 1960s – all the talk of being underrated sometimes risks making pundits overrate what happened in the 1960s.
While it is true that the Canadiens won 4 Stanley Cups in the 1960s proper and 5 Cups in the decade I have set from 1959-69, generally it is fair that this span of years should be relegated behind the incredible 1950s and unbelievable 1970s. Any other team would cite the Canadiens 1960s as their Golden Age. However, the 1960s were a bit of a changing of the guard and it showed for the early years.
The players selected for the 1960s were chosen either because they represented the 1960s well. In some cases, the 1960s was the core of their career, in others the beginning and some the twilight. Here they are.
[Note: Each player only appears in one decade's top 10 – so you may have to wait for the next update for your favourites]
10. John Ferguson (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1963-71 | 500 | 145 | 158 | 303 | (+61) | (30) | AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1968-69 | 71 | 29 | 23 | 52 | +30 | 7 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1964-71 | 85 | 20 | 18 | 38 | (4) | 5 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1968-69 | 14 | 4 | 3 | 7 | 2 | SC |
The most feared man in the NHL during his time. His ability to play hockey as well made him supremely valuable to the dynasty of the 1960s.
9. Bobby Rousseau (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1960-70 | 643 | 200 | 322 | 522 | (+42) | (32) | C, AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1965-66 | 70 | 30 | 48 | 78 | 4 | AS | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1962-69 | 78 | 16 | 29 | 45 | (3) | 4 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1964-65 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 13 | SC |
Talented scorer. Second in league scoring in 1965-66, while leading in assists.
8. Charlie Hodge (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SO | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1954-67 | 237 | 115 | 72 | 40 | 2.46 | 21 | V, AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1963-64 | 62 | 33 | 18 | 11 | 2.26 | 8 | V, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1955-65 | 16 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 2.39 | 2 | SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1964-65 | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 2.00 | 1 | SC |
Lucky enough to have a good back-up, the Habs finally got to see what Hodge was worth (and it was Vezinas) after Plante was gone.
7. Dick Duff (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1964-70 | 305 | 87 | 85 | 172 | (-12) | 17 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1967-68 | 66 | 25 | 21 | 46 | +6 | 8 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1965-69 | 60 | 16 | 26 | 42 | (2) | 4 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1968-69 | 14 | 6 | 8 | 14 | 1 | SC |
Brought in to replace Dickie Moore's scoring, Duff produced well. 1967-68 was his highlight for the Habs, where he shot 22.5% with 8 GWGs.
6. Rogatien Vachon (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SO | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1966-72 | 206 | 110 | 56 | 30 | 2.65 | 13 | V |
| Decade best (Season) | 1967-68 | 39 | 23 | 13 | 2 | 2.48 | 4 | V |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1967-69 | 19 | 14 | 5 | 0 | 1.94 | 1 | 2 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1968-69 | 8 | 7 | 1 | 0 | 1.42 | 1 | SC |
His brief stint with the Canadiens was notable for its consistency and excellence in the playoffs. Only the arrival of Dryden kept him from more.
5. Ralph Backstrom (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1956-71 | 844 | 215 | 287 | 502 | (+28) | (17) | C, AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1961-62 | 66 | 27 | 38 | 65 | AS | ||
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1959-69 | 100 | 22 | 26 | 48 | (3) | 6 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1965-66 | 10 | 3 | 4 | 7 | SC |
The pan-dynastic talent is perhaps best remembered as the Candiens 3rd fiddle behind Beliveau and Richard. However, he had plenty of offensive talent himself and contributed much. One of the most interesting contributions he made to the Canadiens were his 27 points in 33 games to close out the season for the LA Kings in 1971, lifting them out of the cellar and granting the Candiens a first overall pick in the process.
4. Jean-Claude Tremblay (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1959-72 | 794 | 57 | 306 | 363 | (+130) | (11) | AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1968-69 | 75 | 7 | 32 | 39 | +29 | 1 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1961-72 | 108 | 14 | 51 | 65 | (5) | 5 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1965-66 | 10 | 2 | 9 | 11 | SC |
Slick skating, smart defenceman who QBed a successful PP for more than a decade.
3. Lorne "Gump" Worsley (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SO | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1963-70 | 172 | 92 | 44 | 25 | 2.42 | 16 | 2 V, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1967-68 | 40 | 19 | 9 | 8 | 1.98 | 6 | V, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1965-69 | 39 | 29 | 7 | 0 | 1.91 | 4 | 4 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1967-68 | 12 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 1.88 | 1 | SC |
The vet brought in to man the fort after Plante's departure. He kept the young goalies honest and the fans of goalies satisfied with 2 Vezina trophies himself.
2. Jacques Laperriere (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 2001-06 | 691 | 40 | 242 | 282 | (+241) | (5) | C, N, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1965-66 | 57 | 6 | 25 | 31 | 2 | N, AS | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1963-73 | 88 | 9 | 22 | 31 | (1) | 5 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1967-68 | 13 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 0 | SC |
The intelligent, stay-at-home, big defender we all hope all of our current players could be.
1. Henri "Pocket Rocket" Richard (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | +/- | GWG | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1955-75 | 1256 | 358 | 688 | 1046 | (+126) | (28) | BM, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1962-63 | 67 | 23 | 50 | 73 | AS | ||
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1956-75 | 180 | 49 | 80 | 129 | (3) | 11 SC | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1959-60 | 8 | 3 | 9 | 12 | SC |
Always a bit lost in Canadiens lore. No player had more to overcome than he, with a small stature and a big shadow from his older brother. That he went on to become the winningest athlete in hockey and North American sports history is a feat. That he did it with modesty and grace is an all-too seldom mentioned accomplishment.
* Awards: N = Norris trophy; V = Vezina trophy; C = Calder trophy; BM= Bill Masterton; AS= All-star; SC = Stanley Cup.
Tuesday, December 01, 2009
Top 100 Habs By Decade:
4. 1939-1949
In recognition of the Canadiens Centennial next Friday, we at Lions in Winter have been doing what we like best – making lists. As a precursor to publishing the definitive LIW top 100, we will be counting down the decades from least successful to most successful and naming our LIW top 10 players for the ten-year span. You should expect a few each day for the next few days.
Though this celebration has inevitably lost some steam due to relentless marketing and pre-game ceremonies for all of living memory, it would be a shame to let it pass unnoticed just because Mr. Gillett wanted to cash in before he cashed out.
The 1940s came in with a whimper. The team could only have been lower if they had folded in the late 1930s like the Maroons and many others did. But ownership were restless and made some key moves in this decade to turn things completely around.
The first move was to poach Dick Irvin from the more successful Toronto Maple Leafs (he who had been to 7 Stanley Cup finals in 9 years and won once with the Leafs) – he was added in 1940-41. The second move was to be quick on the uptake when Frank Selke got restless in 1946. The moves served two purposes – to bring the winning tradition and know-how to Montreal and to cut their main rivals off at the knees.
In terms of Stanley Cups, this decade looks like all before it, but it was the laying of groundwork and grooming of star players that gave the 1940s the edge on the 1930s and 1980s in the decade rankings.
The ten players form the 1940s represent the decade well. They give a glimpse in the birth of a winning attitude and a winning tradition.
[Note: Each player only appears in one decade's top 10 – so don't fret that Georges Mantha isn't recognised here]
10. Joe Benoit (Not ranked in Top 100, Profile)
The 30-goal-a-season precursor to Richard on the Punch line. His going off to war left the vacancy on that line that needed to be filled.
9. Ray Getliffe (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
A multi-purpose player who could do it all. Even coined the most famous nickname in Canadiens history.
8. Ken Mosdell (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
A star of the early 1950s who made a great impact in the 1940s in both the 1946 finals and as Dick Irvin's handpicked roommate for Maurice Richard.
7. Billy Reay (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Second-line offense and defensive centre. Was a key cog in the near Cup of 1947.
6. Ken Reardon (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Rugged defender who was feared across the league. One of the first NHL stars to enlist in the armed forces. He served overseas during his 3-year service (1942-45) in the RCAF.
5. Herbert "Buddy" O'Connor (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Prolific second-liner and possibly involved in Selke's worst trade (he scored 60 points and won the Hart trophy the year after being sent to the Rangers).
4. Emile "Butch" Bouchard (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
One of the longest serving Canadiens and captains in team history. Played that brand of defence you need to win Cups.
3. Bill Durnan (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
6 Vezina trophies in his 7-year career – need I say more? OK, does Habs captain add to the lustre?
2. Elmer Lach (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
Offensive machine and passing key to the famous Punch line. He won the inaugural Art Ross trophy in 1946 after cruising to his second league scoring title. He briefly held the all-time scoring lead and retired the all-time assists leader.
1. Hector "Toe" Blake (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
The perennial scoring star was heir to Howie Morenz in the Canadiens world. He captained two teams to Stanley Cup wins and scored both Cup winning goals.
* Awards: H = Hart trophy; AR = Art Ross trophy; LB = Lady Byng trophy; V = Vezina trophy; AS= All-star; HOF = Hall of Fame; SC = Stanley Cup.
Though this celebration has inevitably lost some steam due to relentless marketing and pre-game ceremonies for all of living memory, it would be a shame to let it pass unnoticed just because Mr. Gillett wanted to cash in before he cashed out.
1939-1949
The 1940s came in with a whimper. The team could only have been lower if they had folded in the late 1930s like the Maroons and many others did. But ownership were restless and made some key moves in this decade to turn things completely around.
The first move was to poach Dick Irvin from the more successful Toronto Maple Leafs (he who had been to 7 Stanley Cup finals in 9 years and won once with the Leafs) – he was added in 1940-41. The second move was to be quick on the uptake when Frank Selke got restless in 1946. The moves served two purposes – to bring the winning tradition and know-how to Montreal and to cut their main rivals off at the knees.
In terms of Stanley Cups, this decade looks like all before it, but it was the laying of groundwork and grooming of star players that gave the 1940s the edge on the 1930s and 1980s in the decade rankings.
The ten players form the 1940s represent the decade well. They give a glimpse in the birth of a winning attitude and a winning tradition.
[Note: Each player only appears in one decade's top 10 – so don't fret that Georges Mantha isn't recognised here]
10. Joe Benoit (Not ranked in Top 100, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1940-47 | 185 | 75 | 69 | 144 | 94 | |
| Decade best (Season) | 1942-43 | 49 | 30 | 27 | 57 | 23 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1941-43 | 11 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 11 | |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1940-41 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 4 | 2 |
The 30-goal-a-season precursor to Richard on the Punch line. His going off to war left the vacancy on that line that needed to be filled.
9. Ray Getliffe (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1939-45 | 265 | 99 | 97 | 196 | 193 | |
| Decade best (Season) | 1943-44 | 44 | 28 | 25 | 53 | 44 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1941-45 | 26 | 6 | 7 | 13 | 24 | SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1943-44 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 16 | SC |
A multi-purpose player who could do it all. Even coined the most famous nickname in Canadiens history.
8. Ken Mosdell (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1944-59 | 627 | 132 | 155 | 287 | 449 | AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1944-45 | 31 | 12 | 6 | 18 | 16 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1946-59 | 80 | 16 | 13 | 29 | 48 | 4 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1945-46 | 9 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 6 | SC |
A star of the early 1950s who made a great impact in the 1940s in both the 1946 finals and as Dick Irvin's handpicked roommate for Maurice Richard.
7. Billy Reay (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1945-53 | 475 | 103 | 162 | 265 | 202 | AS |
| Decade best (Season) | 1948-49 | 60 | 22 | 23 | 45 | 33 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1946-53 | 63 | 13 | 16 | 29 | 43 | 2 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1946-47 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 7 | 14 |
Second-line offense and defensive centre. Was a key cog in the near Cup of 1947.
6. Ken Reardon (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1940-50 | 341 | 26 | 96 | 122 | 604 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1947-48 | 58 | 7 | 15 | 22 | 129 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1941-50 | 31 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 62 | SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1945-46 | 9 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 | SC |
Rugged defender who was feared across the league. One of the first NHL stars to enlist in the armed forces. He served overseas during his 3-year service (1942-45) in the RCAF.
5. Herbert "Buddy" O'Connor (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1941-47 | 271 | 78 | 155 | 233 | 22 | HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1943-44 | 44 | 12 | 42 | 54 | 6 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1942-47 | 35 | 10 | 15 | 25 | 2 | 2 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1942-43 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 0 |
Prolific second-liner and possibly involved in Selke's worst trade (he scored 60 points and won the Hart trophy the year after being sent to the Rangers).
4. Emile "Butch" Bouchard (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1941-56 | 785 | 49 | 144 | 193 | 863 | AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1944-45 | 50 | 11 | 23 | 34 | 34 | |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1942-56 | 113 | 11 | 21 | 32 | 121 | 4 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1944-45 | 6 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 4 |
One of the longest serving Canadiens and captains in team history. Played that brand of defence you need to win Cups.
3. Bill Durnan (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | W | L | T | GAA | SO | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1943-50 | 383 | 208 | 112 | 62 | 2.36 | 34 | V, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1943-44 | 50 | 38 | 5 | 7 | 2.18 | 2 | V, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1944-50 | 45 | 27 | 18 | 0 | 2.07 | 2 | 2 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1943-44 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 1.53 | 1 | SC |
6 Vezina trophies in his 7-year career – need I say more? OK, does Habs captain add to the lustre?
2. Elmer Lach (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1940-54 | 664 | 215 | 408 | 623 | 478 | H, AR, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1944-45 | 50 | 26 | 54 | 80 | 37 | H, AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1941-54 | 76 | 19 | 45 | 64 | 36 | 3 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1945-46 | 9 | 5 | 12 | 17 | 4 | SC |
Offensive machine and passing key to the famous Punch line. He won the inaugural Art Ross trophy in 1946 after cruising to his second league scoring title. He briefly held the all-time scoring lead and retired the all-time assists leader.
1. Hector "Toe" Blake (Top 100 all-time, Profile)
| Years(s) | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | Awards* | |
| Habs career (Season) | 1935-48 | 569 | 235 | 292 | 527 | 272 | H, LB, AS, HOF |
| Decade best (Season) | 1944-45 | 50 | 29 | 38 | 67 | 25 | AS |
| Habs career (Playoffs) | 1937-47 | 57 | 25 | 37 | 62 | 23 | 2 SC |
| Decade best (Playoffs) | 1943-44 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 2 | SC |
The perennial scoring star was heir to Howie Morenz in the Canadiens world. He captained two teams to Stanley Cup wins and scored both Cup winning goals.
* Awards: H = Hart trophy; AR = Art Ross trophy; LB = Lady Byng trophy; V = Vezina trophy; AS= All-star; HOF = Hall of Fame; SC = Stanley Cup.
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