28-10-4: Blowing Away The Leafs

The New York Rangers rebounded from their 3-0 loss to Ottawa on Thursday with a 3-0 win over the other Ontario team - the Toronto Maple Leafs - on Saturday. It was nice to see them shake off the stench of the Sens failure with a victory.

They are in first in the NHL and, according to the AP, are on pace for the best season in franchise history.

That being said, they beat an over-hyped, utterly exhausted team missing their top center. To the Blueshirts credit, they hit everything that moved early and helped grind the rest of the life out of the Leafs, setting up a strong second period. There is still much work to be done, as was blatantly apparent after watching Wings/Hawks earlier in the day.

Late Hits:

*Few goals this season have been as pretty as the first tally of the night by Mike F-ing Rupp. Step, Wolski and Rupp made Cody Franson look stupid, the monkey in the middle as they passed the puck around before beating Gustavsson. What a highlight. Mike F-ing Rupp. Again. Unreal.

*Have to admit loving his work in front of the paint on the power play - doing exactly what Boyle should have been doing for the last few years.

*Called out Rupp on Twitter ahead of the Winter Classic and he scored two goals outdoors. Called out Boyle in this space after last game, and he scored against Toronto. Didn't see much change in Boyle's quality of play but his luck certainly improved - Franson perfectly screened Gustavsson, allowing his hail mary shot from the circle in. But sometimes it takes some help to get out of a slump and Boyle got it. On the other side of the coin, his hit on Kessel in the first period was one of the most awkward things I've seen in the NHL this season.

*It could have been a totally different result if Kessel's redirection hadn't hit the post late in the second period. Instead the American rang one off the iron and Boyle scored two minutes later to go up 2-0. That's the way the puck bounces I guess.

*The Ranger power play remained incompetent.

*Brad Richards remained heartbroken. At least he played like he was. He had three giveaways and he attempted five shots - one missed the net and four were blocked.

*Dan Girardi had his hands full with Kessel and skated a game-high 28:40 - six minutes more than any other Ranger. What happens when the Blueshirts play against a team with more than one line? Will he play all 60? This is getting ridiculous.

*Del Zaster was playing in his hometown but he certainly did not step up his game. He was beaten to the puck, he was caught watching the play and his hits did little to stop the opposing attack (for those demanding examples, watch him with five minutes left in the first period). All of that would be acceptable if he did something on the other end of the ice but he was largely ineffective. Again. Six games with just one assist despite 14 minutes of power play time. Fourteen. Thankfully the Rangers still won five of the six ... Credit is due to the kid for holding the blue line on the power play at the beginning of the second period - it was a really play.

*Anton Stralman had quite a good game. Bet that shocked those Leaf fans that remembered him as a Buds blueliner.

*Saw Biron get bumped more than once. With no retribution. Unacceptable.

*Paging Artem Anisimov ...

*There is surely more but Montreal is looming. Let's hope Henrik doesn't have his typical game at the Bell Centre.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Brandon Prust - one assist.
2-Marty Biron - 20 saves.
1-Derek Stepan - one goal and one assist.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Cally - The captain was all over the ice.
2-Prust - One of his best games in weeks and it didn't require him to fight in the first two minutes.
1-Step - Great game by the Badger.

Title: 28-10-4: Blowing Away The Leafs

Introduction

In the world of ice hockey, certain numbers carry a special significance, representing historic moments, incredible achievements, and unforgettable victories. For fans of the Montreal Canadiens, the numbers 28-10-4 evoke memories of a remarkable season, a memorable rivalry, and an enduring legacy. In this article, we'll delve into the story behind the numbers 28-10-4, exploring the events of that season, the fierce rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and answering some frequently asked questions (FAQs) about this iconic chapter in hockey history.

The Numbers 28-10-4: A Season to Remember

The numbers 28-10-4 represent the regular-season record of the Montreal Canadiens for the 1944-45 NHL season. This particular season is etched in the memories of hockey enthusiasts for several reasons.

Breaking Down the Numbers:

28: This number signifies the total number of games won by the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season. Winning 28 games is an impressive feat in any NHL season.

10: The digit 10 represents the number of games lost by the Canadiens during the regular season. A relatively low loss total, it underlines the team's consistency.

4: The final digit, 4, indicates the number of ties the Canadiens recorded during that season. Ties were more common in the NHL at the time, as games could end without a clear winner.

The '44-'45 Canadiens: A Season of Excellence

The 1944-45 Montreal Canadiens, coached by Dick Irvin, were a formidable force in the NHL. With a roster filled with talent, they were poised for success from the start.

Key Highlights of the Season:

Rocket Richard Shines: The '44-'45 season marked the arrival of a young Maurice "Rocket" Richard, who would later become a hockey legend. Richard made an immediate impact, scoring 50 goals in just 50 games.

Balanced Offense: The Canadiens featured a well-rounded offensive unit, with contributions from key players like Elmer Lach, Toe Blake, and Richard. Their scoring prowess was a cornerstone of their success.

Defensive Excellence: The Canadiens' defensive unit, anchored by players like Butch Bouchard and Ken Reardon, was solid. They allowed only 122 goals against, an average of just 2.05 goals per game.

Stanley Cup Victory: The Canadiens' regular-season success translated into a Stanley Cup championship. They clinched the Cup by defeating the Detroit Red Wings in the finals.

The Fierce Rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs

The '44-'45 season was not just about the Canadiens' accomplishments; it was also marked by an intense rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadiens and the Leafs have one of the oldest and most storied rivalries in NHL history.

Key Aspects of the Rivalry:

Original Six Rivalry: Both the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs are part of the Original Six, the six founding teams of the NHL. This rivalry is steeped in tradition and history.

Geographic Proximity: The two teams represent Canada's two largest cities, Montreal and Toronto, which are separated by approximately 541 kilometers (336 miles). The rivalry mirrors the larger cultural and regional tensions between Quebec and Ontario.

Playoff Clashes: Over the years, the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs have faced each other numerous times in the playoffs, creating memorable moments and heated battles.

Iconic Players: The rivalry has featured some of the greatest players in NHL history, from Rocket Richard and Jean Béliveau to Dave Keon and Darryl Sittler.

FAQs About the '44-'45 Canadiens

Did Maurice Richard's 50 goals in 50 games set a record?

Yes, Maurice Richard's achievement of scoring 50 goals in 50 games was a remarkable feat and a record at the time. It remains one of the most iconic achievements in NHL history.

What impact did Maurice Richard have on the Canadiens' success that season?

Maurice Richard was a catalyst for the Canadiens' success in the '44-'45 season. His scoring ability and passion for the game energized the team and ignited their offensive firepower.

How did the Canadiens' rivalry with the Maple Leafs influence their season?

The rivalry with the Maple Leafs added an extra layer of intensity to the '44-'45 season. Matches against the Leafs were highly anticipated and emotionally charged, fueling the Canadiens' drive to succeed.

Did the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup that season?

Yes, the Canadiens' regular-season success culminated in a Stanley Cup victory. They defeated the Detroit Red Wings to capture the championship.

What is the current status of the Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs rivalry?

The Canadiens vs. Maple Leafs rivalry remains one of the most storied rivalries in the NHL. While the dynamics of the teams and the league have evolved, the passion and intensity of the rivalry persist.

The numbers 28-10-4 tell the story of a remarkable season, a fierce rivalry, and the enduring legacy of the Montreal Canadiens. The '44-'45 Canadiens showcased excellence in every aspect of the game, from offense to defense, and they etched their names in hockey history with their Stanley Cup victory. The rivalry with the Toronto Maple Leafs added drama and excitement to the season, creating moments that are still celebrated by fans today. As we look back on the '44-'45 season, we celebrate the legacy of the Canadiens and their place in the rich tapestry of NHL history.