Here is the second installment of the 100 greatest people and events in Canadiens history.
21. Carey Price
When the Habs drafted unknown goalie Carey Price fifth-overall in the 2005 NHL entry draft, it sent the province into an uproar. Montreal was supposedly well-stocked in the goalie department—why pick up another?
Little did we know that Bob Gainey knew exactly what he was getting himself into.
You could call Price the Triple Threat of 2007. First, he led Montreal's farm team, the Hamilton Bulldogs, to the Calder Cup. Also that year, he earned the title as Tournament MVP and top goaltender at the Under 20 World Junior Championships, after leading Team Canada to a nail-biting gold0medal victory. Then, Price signed on with the Habs, making his debut on October 10, 2007.
At just 21 years of age, he earned the role as the starting goaltender. He just may be their next Patrick Roy or Ken Dryden.
22. The Kostitsyn brothers
On December 13, 2007, Sergei Kostitsyn made his Canadiens debut, joining his brother, the already-Hab Andrei Kostitsyn. This duo became the thirteenth pair of brothers to be on the Canadiens roster, something that had not happened since the times of Pete and Frank Maholovich.
Not only are they on the same roster, they are sometimes paired up on the same line.
23. Scotty Bowman
It was Mr. Bowman that led the Habs to their 1970s dynasty, the most memorable and noteworthy dynasties in NHL history. There is nothing wrong with being second- winningest coach of the Habs. Nothing wrong with that at all.
24. Toe Blake
Hector "Toe" Blake was both a famous player and coach of the Habs. He got to play with the team on the "Punch Line," his linemates being Elmer Lach and Maurice Richard.
Just seven years following his retirement as a player, he became the coach of the Canadiens. He still holds the most wins for a Habs coach, and the second-most all-time in the NHL.
25. Bob Gainey's loss
Yet another saddening moment to the Canadiens' history was on December 8, 2006, when 25-year-old Laura Gainey, Bob's daughter, was swept off the deck of a ship.
26. Trent McCleary
A rather frightening moment happened during a game back on January 29, 2000. Trent McCleary went down to block a shot, and caught the puck in his throat, requiring an emergency tracheotomy right there at the arena. It ended his career, but saved it his life.
27. Elmer Lach
Lach was a man of his times, beginning his career as a Hab in the 1940-1941 season. He was one of the easiest to remember due to his time on the "Punch Line," playing together with Toe Blake and Maurice Richard.
Try finding a line like that in modern times. You can't.
28. Lyle Odelein
Odelein has had one key game throughout his career, and it came with the Montreal Canadiens. On February 20, 1994 he tallied five assists during a game against the Hartford Whalers, tying a record for Habs defensemen.
29. Jacques Demers
While his stint as the Canadiens' coach was short (lasting just four seasons), his rookie year as the club's coach was the most successful—bringing home the 1993 Stanley Cup.
30. Jan Bulis
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about 1 month ago
great read! great work on the list, that is a hit!
bowman and demers will be my fav in ur list! :)
POTD
from about 1 month ago
Aww, thanks Miah!! :)
I'm working on part 3 now...slowly lol.
about 1 month ago
Great Read :)
I can't wait to read what's next :).. Thanks for writing the memories :)
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