Who will win in a showdown between the St. Louis Blues and the Montreal Canadiens? This question sparks debates among hockey fans everywhere. Both teams have rich histories, passionate fan bases, and a knack for thrilling games. The Blues, known for their resilience and physical play, often clash with the Canadiens, who bring speed and finesse to the ice. Each team has its own set of strengths and weaknesses, making every matchup unpredictable. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, understanding the dynamics between these two teams can add a new layer of excitement to the game. Let's dive into 30 fascinating facts about these iconic NHL teams.
The Rivalry Begins
The rivalry between the St. Louis Blues and the Montreal Canadiens is one of the most intriguing in the NHL. Here are some fascinating facts about their matchups.
- The St. Louis Blues joined the NHL in 1967 as part of the league's first expansion beyond the Original Six teams.
- The Montreal Canadiens, founded in 1909, are the oldest professional hockey team in the world.
- The first game between the Blues and Canadiens took place on October 14, 1967, ending in a 2-2 tie.
- The Canadiens have won the Stanley Cup 24 times, the most in NHL history.
- The Blues have won the Stanley Cup once, in 2019, breaking a 52-year championship drought.
Memorable Moments
Over the years, these teams have had some unforgettable moments on the ice.
- In the 1968 Stanley Cup Finals, the Canadiens swept the Blues in four games to win their 15th championship.
- Blues' goalie Glenn Hall won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1968 despite his team losing the Finals.
- The Canadiens' legendary goalie Ken Dryden made his NHL debut against the Blues in 1971.
- In 1981, the Blues defeated the Canadiens 6-4 in a game where Wayne Babych scored a hat trick.
- The Blues' Brett Hull scored his 500th career goal against the Canadiens on December 22, 1996.
Star Players
Both teams have had their share of hockey legends.
- The Canadiens' Maurice "Rocket" Richard was the first player to score 50 goals in a season.
- Blues' Bernie Federko was the first player in franchise history to score 1,000 points.
- Canadiens' Jean Béliveau won 10 Stanley Cups as a player, the most in NHL history.
- Blues' Al MacInnis won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman in 1999.
- Canadiens' Guy Lafleur was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals and 100 points in six consecutive seasons.
Coaching Legends
Coaches have played pivotal roles in shaping the teams' legacies.
- Scotty Bowman, who coached the Canadiens to five Stanley Cups, also coached the Blues from 1967 to 1971.
- Al Arbour, another legendary coach, started his coaching career with the Blues before leading the New York Islanders to four consecutive Stanley Cups.
- Jacques Demers, who coached the Blues in the 1980s, later led the Canadiens to a Stanley Cup victory in 1993.
- Ken Hitchcock, who coached the Blues from 2011 to 2017, is one of the winningest coaches in NHL history.
- Toe Blake, who coached the Canadiens to eight Stanley Cups, was known for his strategic brilliance.
Fan Culture
The fans of both teams bring energy and passion to every game.
- The Blues' fans are known for their tradition of playing "Gloria" after every home win, a practice that started during their 2019 Stanley Cup run.
- Canadiens' fans are famous for their "Ole, Ole, Ole" chant, which echoes through the Bell Centre during games.
- The Blues' mascot, Louie, is a fan favorite and often seen interacting with the crowd.
- The Canadiens' mascot, Youppi!, was originally the mascot for the Montreal Expos baseball team before joining the Canadiens in 2005.
- Blues' fans have a tradition of throwing hats onto the ice when a player scores a hat trick.
Records and Achievements
Both teams have set numerous records and achieved significant milestones.
- The Canadiens hold the record for the most consecutive Stanley Cup wins with five from 1956 to 1960.
- The Blues set an NHL record for the most wins in a single month with 13 in February 2019.
- Canadiens' goaltender Carey Price holds the franchise record for most wins by a goalie.
- Blues' defenseman Chris Pronger won both the Hart Trophy and Norris Trophy in 2000, a rare feat for a defenseman.
- The Canadiens' 1976-77 team is considered one of the greatest in NHL history, losing only eight games all season.
Final Whistle
The Blues vs. Canadiens rivalry is packed with history and excitement. From their first face-off in 1968 to the unforgettable moments on the ice, this matchup has given fans plenty to cheer about. Both teams have had their ups and downs, but their dedication and passion for the game remain unmatched. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to hockey, understanding these facts adds depth to your appreciation of the sport. The next time these teams clash, you'll have a richer perspective on what makes this rivalry so special. Keep these tidbits in mind, and you'll be the go-to person for Blues vs. Canadiens trivia. Hockey isn't just a game; it's a story of tradition, rivalry, and unforgettable moments. Enjoy the next game, and may the best team win!
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