97 years and counting

Monday, 04.12.2006 / 12:00 AM / News
Montreal Canadiens
The Canadiens are celebrating their 97th anniversary on December 4.

Here is a look back at some of the memorable moments that have marked the franchise's birthday over the years.

 


Goals scored by Jean Beliveau, including the game-winner, in a 7-5 win over the Blackhawks in Chicago on December 4, 1960. The hat trick was the 11th of Beliveau's brilliant career.


Number of Canadiens victories over the Rangers, their favorite December 4th foe.


Number of goals scored by the Canadiens in an 8-1 win over the Bruins on December 4, 1993, the highest goal total ever notched by Montreal on their birthday.


Total number of points put up by Jacques Lemaire on Dec. 4 over the course of his career. Lemaire's greatest performance on the Canadiens' B-day came in 1971, when he exploded for three goals and two assists in a win over Vancouver.
Jacques Lemaire did his share of celebrating on December 4 during this Hall of Fame career.

Rookie Ken Dryden picked up his third career shutout on December 4, 1971.


Bill Durnan extends his unbeaten streak to 14 games (12-0-2) with an 8-2 victory over the Red Wings on December 4, 1943. Durnan's string sets a league record for the best-ever start to a career by a rookie goalie. The mark would stand until Patrick Lalime went unbeaten in 16 games after breaking in with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 1996-97.


Number of saves made by would-be NHL rookie of the year Ken Dryden on December 4, 1971 in a 7-0 victory over the Canucks at the Forum. It was the third shutout of Dryden's young career.


Number of home-ice goals scored by the Canadiens on their birthday en route to posting an 8-6-2 all-time mark at home and outscoring the opposition by a 48-38 margin in those 16 games.