30 Facts About Canadiens Vs. Devils

Canadiens vs. Devils: A Storied Rivalry

The Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils have a rich history in the NHL. Their matchups are always exciting, filled with memorable moments and intense competition. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about these two iconic teams.

Historical Background

Understanding the history of these teams provides context for their rivalry.

1. The Montreal Canadiens were founded in 1909, making them the oldest professional hockey team in the world.
2. The New Jersey Devils were established in 1974 as the Kansas City Scouts before relocating to New Jersey in 1982.
3. The Canadiens have won a record 24 Stanley Cup championships.
4. The Devils have secured three Stanley Cup titles, with their first win in 1995.
5. The Canadiens' home arena is the Bell Centre, which opened in 1996.
6. The Devils play at the Prudential Center, which has been their home since 2007.

Legendary Players

Both teams have seen some of the greatest players in NHL history.

7. Maurice "Rocket" Richard, a Canadiens legend, was the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games.
8. Martin Brodeur, a legendary goaltender for the Devils, holds the record for most wins by a goalie in NHL history.
9. Jean Béliveau, another Canadiens icon, won 10 Stanley Cups during his career.
10. Scott Stevens, a key player for the Devils, was known for his hard-hitting defensive style.
11. Guy Lafleur, a Canadiens superstar, was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals and 100 points in six consecutive seasons.
12. Patrik Elias, the Devils' all-time leading scorer, played his entire NHL career with New Jersey.

Memorable Moments

Their matchups have produced some unforgettable moments.

13. In 1995, the Devils swept the heavily favored Detroit Red Wings to win their first Stanley Cup.
14. The Canadiens' 1993 Stanley Cup win included 10 overtime victories, a record for a single playoff year.
15. The Devils' 2000 Stanley Cup win featured a thrilling double-overtime victory in Game 6 against the Dallas Stars.
16. The Canadiens' 1976-77 team is considered one of the greatest in NHL history, losing only eight games in the regular season.
17. The Devils' 2003 Stanley Cup win was marked by a seven-game series against the Anaheim Mighty Ducks.
18. The Canadiens' 1986 Stanley Cup win featured a standout performance by rookie goaltender Patrick Roy.

Coaching Legends

Great coaches have led both teams to success.

19. Scotty Bowman, who coached the Canadiens to five Stanley Cup victories, is considered one of the greatest coaches in NHL history.
20. Jacques Lemaire, who coached the Devils to their first Stanley Cup, was known for his defensive strategies.
21. Toe Blake, another legendary Canadiens coach, won eight Stanley Cups with the team.
22. Pat Burns, who coached both the Canadiens and the Devils, won the Jack Adams Award three times.
23. Claude Julien, who has coached both teams, led the Canadiens to multiple playoff appearances.
24. Larry Robinson, a former Canadiens player, also served as an assistant coach for the Devils during their 2000 and 2003 Stanley Cup wins.

Fan Culture

The fans of both teams are passionate and dedicated.

25. Canadiens fans are known for their "Ole, Ole, Ole" chant, which echoes through the Bell Centre during games.
26. Devils fans have a tradition of chanting "Marty's Better" in honor of Martin Brodeur when facing rival goaltenders.
27. The Canadiens' mascot, Youppi!, was originally the mascot for the Montreal Expos baseball team before joining the Canadiens.
28. The Devils' mascot, NJ Devil, is a popular figure at games and community events.
29. Canadiens fans celebrate each goal with a loud horn and a rendition of "Le But" by Loco Locass.
30. Devils fans have a tradition of throwing hats onto the ice when a player scores a hat trick.

The rivalry between the Montreal Canadiens and New Jersey Devils is rich with history, legendary players, memorable moments, coaching legends, and passionate fan culture. Each game between these two teams adds another chapter to their storied history.

Final Whistle

The Canadiens vs. Devils rivalry has given us countless memorable moments. From intense playoff battles to record-breaking performances, this matchup never disappoints. Both teams have rich histories and passionate fanbases that make every game electric. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual observer, there's always something exciting about these clashes.

The Canadiens, with their storied past, and the Devils, known for their defensive prowess, bring unique styles to the ice. This blend of tradition and innovation keeps the rivalry fresh and thrilling. As we look forward to future games, one thing's for sure: the Canadiens vs. Devils rivalry will continue to captivate hockey fans for years to come. So, grab your jersey, get ready to cheer, and enjoy the ride. Hockey doesn't get much better than this!