Just what is it about Montreal? Is it an overindulgence in the various pleasures of the city? The haunting of 101 years of ghosts? The intimidation of 20,000 french fanatics? Or is it just an basic inability for the Rangers to match up?
On Sunday the Bleu, Blanc et Rouge beat the Blueshirts 4-1 in a game that simply wasn't that close. The Rangers' hearts were never in this one and the biggest laughingstock in the NHL skated away with a laugher of a victory.
The Frenchmen are not flying anymore, they have become the butt end of many a joke. How can one not at least snicker when you consider the recent rioting, the trading for Scott Gomez, the firing of Perry Pearn and the controversy over the lingua franca? Teams like Columbus induce sympathy. Teams like Montreal bring out the hilarity. The most accomplished franchise in the NHL has gloriously ruined their reputation.
And yet the Rangers still can't figure out a way to show up and play a competitive hockey game against them. Stupefying.
Late Hits:
*Peter Budaj is a terrible goaltender, a terrible goaltender with a fantastic mask. Perhaps it was a fear of Ned Flanders that kept the Rangers from testing the Habs backup? The keeper who collected calamitous numbers in Colorado faced 29 shots, few of which made him even move.
*If the Rangers thought that just because he stinks they would score, well that would be Torts' folly for not properly preparing them. Not the first time, won't be the last.
*Five of the so-called top-six forwards didn't come to play. The sixth being John Mitchell. Har har, I'm kidding. Derek Stepan keeps giving it his all and was probably the best of the Ranger bunch. Mitchell got a goal but seeing him out there with Step and Gabby was just disturbing. Torts was just grasping at straws. Rather than place faith in his players to play out of a funk, using the things the coach supposedly has taught the team, Torts just juggles lines at the first sign of distress. Hagelin worked great with Mitchell when they first came up so, of course, they haven't played together in weeks.
*Stu Bickel got screamed at on the bench after being on the ice for two goals. The kid was caught watching the play both times and it cost the team. It was moments like that where you remember Bickel was in the ECHL two seasons ago. Other players have gotten some slack but it wouldn't be far fetched to see Jeff Woywitka make a return to the lineup on Tuesday.*Speaking about guys who have gotten a lot of slack: Arty was awful yet again and his coverage mistake gave the Canadiens their fourth goal. Eleven games, no points and few signs of hope.
*With Bickel getting the Avery treatment, McD and Girardi both played close to 30 minutes. Against the Canadiens, a soft team without a single 'star' on offense. When Boston comes to town with their four hard nosed lines of ability McD and Girardi may be ground into dust.
*A night after getting an Abuse of Officials game misconduct with the Whale Kris Newbury was up with the Rangers. So much for accountability. He appreciated the promotion so much that he played his worse hockey with the team to date and was on the ice for three of the four Habs goals. Hope he enjoys his ride back to Hartford.
*Can't complain about Typical Montreal reffing. Devorski and Hasenfrantz were the least of the Rangers' problems.
*Man do I still hate the MexiCan't. Gomez got an assist but at least the Rangers weren't the team to give up his first goal of the season.
*PHW Three Stars3-Erik Cole - three assists.
2-David Desharnais - one goal and two assists.
1-Max Pacioretty - two goals and one assist.
Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Blunden - The kid grinded all game and ended up with goal from Gomez.
2-Cole - The former Cane usually steps up his game against the Rangers and the Blueshirt blueliners struggled to cope with him.
1-Pacioretty - Carl Hagelin's former teammate at Michigan is maturing into a real player.
Title: 28-11-4: Bleu, Blanc et Blechhh
Introduction
In the world of sports, certain numbers become iconic symbols of a team's performance, etching themselves into the collective memory of fans and enthusiasts. In the realm of ice hockey, the numbers 28-11-4 hold a distinctive significance. It's a record that stands as a stark reminder of the highs and lows that a storied franchise, the Montreal Canadiens, can experience in the National Hockey League (NHL). In this article, we'll explore the story behind the numbers 28-11-4 and delve into the history, challenges, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) surrounding this captivating chapter in Canadiens' lore.
The Numbers 28-11-4: A Tale of Two Seasons
The numbers 28-11-4 encapsulate the regular-season record of the Montreal Canadiens for the 1941-42 NHL season. It's a story of highs and lows, contrasting success and frustration within a single campaign.
Breaking Down the Numbers:
28: This represents the number of games won by the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season. Winning 28 games is a commendable achievement in any NHL season.
11: This number signifies the number of games lost by the Canadiens during the regular season. While a relatively low loss total, it's the context surrounding these losses that adds intrigue to the story.
4: The final digit, 4, indicates the number of ties the Canadiens recorded during that season. Ties were more common in the NHL at that time, as games could end without a clear winner.
The '41-'42 Canadiens: A Tale of Two Seasons
The 1941-42 Montreal Canadiens, led by coach Dick Irvin and featuring star players such as Maurice "Rocket" Richard, Toe Blake, and Buddy O'Connor, experienced a season of stark contrasts.
Highs of the Season:
Rocket Richard Emerges: The season saw the emergence of a young Maurice Richard, who would go on to become one of the greatest players in NHL history. Richard scored 32 goals in his rookie season, foreshadowing a legendary career.
Offensive Prowess: The Canadiens displayed offensive firepower, leading the league in goals scored with 223. Their dynamic scoring ability was a testament to the talent on the roster.
Lows of the Season:
Inconsistent Performance: Despite their offensive prowess, the Canadiens struggled with inconsistency throughout the season. They experienced significant goal droughts and frustrating losses.
A Historic Stumble: The most memorable aspect of the '41-'42 season was the Canadiens' record-breaking losing streak. In a remarkable turn of events, they endured an unprecedented 11-game losing streak during the season, which proved to be the difference between a good season and a historic one.
FAQs About the '41-'42 Montreal Canadiens
Why did the Canadiens experience an 11-game losing streak?
The 11-game losing streak remains one of the most puzzling and frustrating episodes in Canadiens' history. It was a combination of factors, including injuries to key players, scoring slumps, and a lack of defensive cohesion.
Did the Canadiens recover from the losing streak?
Remarkably, the Canadiens did recover from the losing streak. After the streak ended, they found their form and went on to have a respectable season. They even advanced to the Stanley Cup Finals, although they ultimately lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Was the '41-'42 season Maurice Richard's rookie year?
Yes, the 1941-42 season was Maurice Richard's rookie year in the NHL. He made an immediate impact and would go on to become one of the most iconic figures in hockey history.
Did the Canadiens win the Stanley Cup that season?
No, despite their regular-season struggles and subsequent resurgence, the Canadiens were unable to capture the Stanley Cup in the '41-'42 season. They fell to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the finals.
How did the '41-'42 season influence the Canadiens' future?
The '41-'42 season, while marked by extremes, laid the foundation for future success for the Montreal Canadiens. It showcased the emergence of young talent like Maurice Richard and provided valuable experience for the team as they continued to compete at a high level.
The numbers 28-11-4 may not represent a Stanley Cup-winning season, but they encapsulate a dramatic chapter in the storied history of the Montreal Canadiens. The '41-'42 season is a testament to the unpredictable nature of sports, where a team can experience both triumph and tribulation within the span of a few months. It's a story of resilience, determination, and the enduring legacy of players like Maurice Richard. While the Canadiens didn't hoist the Stanley Cup that year, they left an indelible mark on the NHL and the hearts of hockey fans everywhere. The numbers 28-11-4 serve as a reminder that in the world of sports, every season tells a unique and compelling story, regardless of the final outcome.
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