Peepin' Foes: Montreal Canadiens

Where We Are: Hanging on by a thread.

Where They Are: Hanging on by a little bit of a thicker thread.

Who To Watch For: Alex Kovalev - the former Ranger always seems to pop up to chip in a goal or two. The other Alex, Tanguay, is healthy and a constant offensive threat. The good news is that Markov and Schneider are out, but Roman Hamrlik and Josh Gorges didn't look too bad taking up some of the minutes lost for them during last night against Ottawa - and Hamrlik scored too.

What To Watch For: The Blueshirts have been able to jump all over the opposition early in most of their home wins. Can they do it again? How tired are the Habs? They had a demoralizing loss last night so will they roll over? How much can Bob Gainey get out of the tank now that two of his tyres have fallen off?

What We'll (Hopefully) See: The Rangers playing like it is life and death - because it is for their playoff hopes. Even though Philly has cemented a spot, they still greatly outclass the Rangers so the odds of sweeping them are slim - making this an absolutely must-win.

Also Check Out: Suiting a team of their stature, the Habs have plenty of good writers up here in the interweb. Some of them are: All Habs, Top Shelf Habs, Habs Blog, SBN's Eyes on the Prize and a thorough MSM blog in Habs Inside/Out.

 Peepin' Foes: Montreal Canadiens - A Historical Look at a Storied Franchise

The Montreal Canadiens, often referred to simply as the "Habs," are one of the most iconic and successful franchises in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). With a rich history dating back to 1909, the Canadiens have a storied tradition, a passionate fan base, and a long list of achievements. In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the history, achievements, and FAQs surrounding this legendary hockey team.

The Birth of a Hockey Dynasty

Founding the Franchise: The Canadiens were founded on December 4, 1909, making them one of the oldest NHL teams. They were part of the National Hockey Association (NHA) before the NHL was established in 1917.

Early Dominance: The Canadiens quickly established themselves as a dominant force in the NHL. They won their first Stanley Cup in the 1915-1916 season and continued to be a competitive team throughout the early years of the league.

The Rocket Richard Era: The 1940s and 1950s saw the emergence of one of the greatest hockey players of all time, Maurice "Rocket" Richard. He became the first player to score 50 goals in a season and led the Canadiens to numerous championships.

The Canadiens' Iconic Achievements

Stanley Cup Championships: The Canadiens have an astonishing record when it comes to Stanley Cup victories. They've won the championship a record 24 times, with their most recent win in 1993.

Hall of Fame Players: The franchise has produced some of the greatest players in NHL history, including Jean Béliveau, Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, and goaltender Patrick Roy.

The "Original Six" Era: During the era when the NHL consisted of just six teams (Montreal, Toronto, Boston, Detroit, Chicago, and New York), the Canadiens were a powerhouse, winning multiple championships.

FAQs About the Montreal Canadiens

Why are they called the "Habs"?

The nickname "Habs" is short for "Les Habitants," a term used to refer to early French settlers in Canada. It's a nod to the team's French-Canadian heritage.

Who is considered the greatest Canadiens player of all time?

This is a subject of much debate among fans, but many consider Maurice "Rocket" Richard or Jean Béliveau as the greatest Canadiens player in history.

Why is the Canadiens' rivalry with the Boston Bruins so intense?

The rivalry between the Canadiens and the Bruins is one of the fiercest in sports history. It's fueled by the proximity of the two cities, cultural differences, and the fact that they have faced each other in numerous playoff series.

Why did it take so long for the Canadiens to win another Stanley Cup after 1993?

While the Canadiens remained competitive, several factors, including changes in the NHL landscape, strong opponents, and management decisions, contributed to the gap between championships.

The Modern Era and Challenges

The Dry Spell: Since their last Stanley Cup win in 1993, the Canadiens have faced challenges in returning to championship glory. They've had periods of rebuilding and roster changes.

Recent Success: In the 2020-2021 season, the Canadiens made an unexpected run to the Stanley Cup Finals, showcasing their resilience and determination.

The Future: With a mix of talented young players and experienced veterans, the Canadiens continue to be a team to watch in the NHL. The hope among fans is for another championship in the near future.

The Montreal Canadiens are more than just a hockey team; they are a cultural institution in Canada. With a history that spans over a century, a legacy of excellence, and a devoted fan base, the Canadiens hold a special place in the hearts of hockey enthusiasts. While the path to championship glory has had its ups and downs in recent years, the Canadiens remain a symbol of resilience and tradition in the NHL.

As they continue to chase their 25th Stanley Cup championship, one thing is certain: the Montreal Canadiens will forever be a hockey powerhouse and a team that commands respect, admiration, and passionate loyalty from fans around the world. Whether you're a die-hard Habs supporter or a casual hockey fan, the story of the Canadiens is one that continues to captivate and inspire.