NHL Greatest Games in Montreal

 

 

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Someone's collection of the 10 most memorable games in the Canadiens' long history. A pretty good selection at that:

> Stanley Cup Finals Game 4 at Maple Leaf Gardens, April 14, 1960. The Canadiens sweep the Maple Leafs in four games to win their fifth straight Stanley Cup, establishing an NHL record of dominance. In a fitting end to his career, Rocket Richard raises the Cup for an eighth time in his final NHL game

> New Year's Eve Showdown vs the Soviet Central Red Army in 1975, Montreal Forum. Three years after the Summit Series, the Soviet Central Red Army squad, led by Vladislav Tretiak, invades the Montreal Forum to face off with the Canadiens. Despite their lopsided 38-13 shot advantage, Scotty Bowman's charges are forced to settle for a 3-3 draw in a cold war considered one of the fiercest contests in hockey history. (A personal aside on this game. I watched it live on TV in 1975 and would have ranked it amongst the most intense Games I had seen at the time. Curiously, re-watching it 30+ years later, the hockey doesn't seem as exciting. Has the game changed that much? Perhaps it is the result of European players imbedded throughout the NHL but European play-making seemed much more intense in 1975!)

> Stanley Cup Finals Game 4 at Boston Garden, May 14, 1977. After posting a league record 60-8-12 regular season mark, the 1976-77 Canadiens - arguably the most dominant team in NHL history - continue their domination through the spring. Jacques Lemaire's overtime winner caps an almost flawless post-season for the Habs, who go 12-2 to secure their second straight Stanley Cup title

> "Too many men...", Stanley Cup Semifinal Game 7 vs Boston Bruins, May 10, 1979. With the Canadiens trailing Boston 4-3 in the late in the third period, Don Cherry's Bruins are called for too many men with just 2:34 remaining in regulation. Guy Lafleur pounces on the opportunity to force Overtime, where Yvon Lambert's heroics send the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup Finals and an eventual fourth straight cup

> Adams Division Final, Game 6 vs Quebec Nordiques, April 20, 1984. The Battle of Quebec reaches its boiling point when a total of 198 penalty minutes are handed out and 12 players are ejected from the game. The Canadiens erase a 2-0 deficit en route to a 5-3 victory, eliminating the Quebec Nordiques from the playoffs.

> Stanley Cup Finals, Game 5 at Calgary Saddledome, May 24, 1986. Despite their rookie-laden lineup, the Canadiens close out their surprising playoff run by downing the Flames to win their 23rd Stanley Cup. Twenty-year old goaltending sensation Patrick Roy earns the Conn Smythe Trophy, becoming the youngest player ever to be named playoff MVP.

> Stanley Cup Finals, Game 5 vs L.A. Kings, June 9, 1993. With Patrick Roy holding the fort and a different hero emerging almost every night, the Canadiens roll through their series against Wayne Gretzky and the Los Angeles Kings to earn their record 24th Stanley Cup. The win concludes an historic run, making history with an NHL record 10 straight Overtime victories in the post-season

> "Final Game at the Monteal Forum" vs Dallas Stars, March 11, 1996. The Canadiens play their final game at the Montreal Forum; Andrei Kovalenko scores the final goal at the legendary arena and the Habs beat the Stars 4-1. Following the game, an emotional ceremony is held reuniting a number of Hab legends, including Jean Beliveau and Henri Richard.

> "Heritage Classic" vs. Edmonton Oilers, Commonwealth Stadium, November 22, 2003 - see below

> "Greatest Comeback in Team History" vs New York Rangers, February 19, 2008 - see below

Given the number of great games played over some 100 years, the choices are almost endless. In my opinion, a couple of the choices above seem a bit questionable. Two in particular come to mind and I have 2 suggestions to replace them...

The Heritage Classic was an outdoor ice hockey game played on November 22, 2003, in Edmonton. OK, it was the first National Hockey League game to be played outdoors as a part of regular season play. The crowd was over 57,000 despite temperatures of close to -18 °C (-30 °C with wind chill) and the CBC broadcast drew some 2.75 million, the second-highest audience for a regular-season NHL game. Montreal won the game 4-3, but aside from the win and the "unusual" venue, I'm not clear that this game was more memorable than, say, the November 1, 1959 game versus New York Rangers - Jacque Plante's nose was broken when he was hit by a shot fired by Andy Bathgate three minutes into a game. After receiving stitches in the dressing room, he returned wearing a crude home-made goaltender mask that he had been using in practices. Although Coach Toe Blake was livid Plante refused to return unless he wore the mask and Blake had no other goaltender to call upon. The Canadiens won the game 3-1, went on an 18 game unbeaten streak and won their record fifth straight Stanley Cup. Don't dismiss this game because of the silly CBC vignette on the mask - this one appears to qualify on it's own merits. The fact it led to the April 14, 1960 final game vs the Leafs (i.e. the first game in the set which means 2 games in the collection from one season) makes it no less memorable.

I will have to take their word for it that the February 19, 2008 game vs the Rangers was the "Greatest Comeback in Team History". Facing a 5-0 deficit after 25 minutes of play, the Canadiens slowly chip away at the Rangers' lead until Alex Kovalev evens the score with less than five minutes to play in regulation and Saku Koivu seals the deal in the shootout. Compare that to the 1971 quarterfinal game two vs Boston where the Bruins squandered a 5-1 lead vs the Canadiens (backed-up by rookie goaltender Ken Dryden) to lose 7-5. The Bruins never fully recovered from losing the game, lost the series to the Habs in seven games and the Habs went on to win the 1971 cup. On the face of it, maybe 5-1 isn't as impressive as a 5-0 comeback, but the turn-around was done in regulation time and with a convinving final score of 7-5. The win knocked the Bruins off their game (the Bruins were the powerhouse in 1970-71, had seven of the league's top ten scorers, set the record for wins in a season, had four 100-point scorers, four players were named First Team All-Stars (Orr, Esposito, Bucyk & Hodge) and were heavily favored to repeat as Cup champions), laid the foundation for their defeat in the series, and paved the way for the the 1971 cup win.

Personally, I believe these 2 games could easily count amongst the 10 greatest. Everyone has an opinion of course....

I still score it 4 of 5 stars and recommend it for any serious fan. Go Habs!

This is a wonderful collection of games from many different times in Canadians history. Many hours of great games. Its always good to have a watch of the old games to see what could be missing in today's games. I for one love watching Patrick Roy be the best goal in the NHL in his era. For any Hab's fav this is a must.

I have totally enjoyed watching all the games contained in this set.. From late 60's Montreal vs Toronto to 1975 New Years Eve games between Montreal and Soviet Hockey team. Includes playoff games from 1978, 1979, 1982, 1986 and 1993. The memories of legends in Canadiens history, broadcasters and coach's were exhilirating. I have watch some of these games more than a couple of times, and yes I am a Canadien Fan and I miss the old team. Watching that great line of Guy Lafleur (10), Jacques Lemaire (25), Steve Shutt (22) with Serge Savard (18) & Guy Lapointe (5) reminded me of the greatest line in Montreals history.. There is also a heritage game between Montreal and Edmonton outdoors.

You will enjoy this set and keep in mind that on the box, the title refers to Montreals greatest games.....but the caption suggests all games in Montreal.. not the Case..

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5.0 out of 5 stars Great experience
This was my first transaction with this merchant. Great service and fast delivery! I recommend this store to anyone wanting professionalism ans speedy service.

Published 6 months ago by kikinet1

4.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, but basic
Great selection of games, but some features beyond just the game and an introduction to the game would have made the experience much more enjoyable.

Published 7 months ago by Irwin

5.0 out of 5 stars Great DVD set
DVD set is a great view and is a great addition to any Habs fan's collection of Habs memorabilia.

Published on May 12 2010 by John A. Cooper

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