29-11-4: Saw This Story Before

It is nice to see other teams have the same trouble with playing a full 60 the way the Rangers do. For the second straight game Nashville played for just one period but this time the result did not go in their favour. The Preds scored three goals in the first period against the Isles Monday and cruised to a 3-1 win. Well, Tuesday they faced a real franchise and found Henrik Lundqvist more than up to the challenge in the first period. Hank held tough and Preds retracted their claws the rest of the way, gifting the Rangers a 3-0 win.

The Blueshirts seem to be in a little cycle - they played terribly against Ottawa and bounced back against a tired and largely uninterested Toronto team. Then they played terrible against Montreal and bounced back against a tired and largely uninterested Nashville team. Where the Rangers amped up their checking to wear down the Leafs early, they just let the Preds punch themselves out before going on to the win.

We just have to hope that they can break the cycle and crush the injury-ravaged Pens on Thursday.

Late Hits:

*Very interesting that the Predators decided to start Rinne against the Isles and Lindback - he of the .893 save percentage - against the Rangers. They put their starter in to get the 'guaranteed' points while playing the backup in the game with more of a dubious outcome. Plenty of teams do that - Carolina did it last year for one - and it showed that the Ranger reputation has grown.

*Most of the Ranger success this season can be attributed to Henrik Lundqvist and yet again the Rangers stood by when their goaltender got ran. Marty Erat hit the King and no one did anything other than offer some (likely) harsh words. Erat was called for goaltender interference. The Blueshirts were up 2-0 and their power play is terrible, so there shouldn't have been any fear of negating the call - which ended up happening thanks to a poor high sticking call for what actually was Predator on Predator violence. Hank got hit a few times in Montreal too, and has taken plenty of contact this season. I thought having a goon on the team was supposed to discourage that kind of thing but so far Mike Rupp has only fought to justify his fellow neanderthals' careers. (Shocked he didn't take on Brian McGrattan, who took a few spins looking for a tussle.)

*Big, big fan of Carl Hagelin - as is well known - but he extended his goal drought to eight games. He got a charity assist on Girardi's fluke goal but he hasn't been able to put the puck in. His speed is tantalizing and he has worked hard to move up the lineup but perhaps it is time to put him back with John Mitchell full time, as the two worked quite well together. In fact, it was Hagelin's forecheck that set up the play that Mitch scored on.

*That defensive play Del Zaster made in the second period? Best play he has made the entire season. Credit definitely due and given. No credit for the other 23 mediocre minutes he played though ...

*For the Swiss out there, Roman Josi was nothing special. Sorry. I watched him and rookie Ryan Ellis closely and came away unimpressed. Both have talent, but neither have tapped it yet and it is hard to say if they will be able to in Nashville's system.

*Oh, Brad Richard$. He has to realize that his ex was one of the most unfunny, uninteresting people to contribute to the Daily Show ever and get over her already. Another sub-par performance by the big-money signing.

*Brian Boyle played a motivated game but still choked when he had a chance to score. Old school Ranger fans, help me out here - is Boyle indeed the biggest waste of size since Willie Huber?

*Dubi made his return and was largely silent. But the two or three times he did get involved (that blocked Weber shot for one) the Garden crowd was quick to recognize his contribution with Duuuuuuubbbbbbbbs. Ruslan Fedotenko did not receive the same recognition.

*Saw the Garden put tweets up from people claiming there was a playoff-like atmosphere and that the place was going crazy. Um, no. Was the building dead? Far from it. Was it electric? Not even close.

*Arty and Stuuuuu were both in the doghouse and for good reason. Poor Stu made a poor play early on that gave Nashville a good scoring chance and Arty was a whole lot of nothing yet again. Guess after playing him up and down the lineup Torts decided a benching might be a better motivator. Not so sure that will work with him but we will find out soon enough.

*There was a guy in my section (329) wearing a yellow Preds jersey with Mike Fisher's #12 and the Underwood nameplate. Ridiculous. I did not get a good picture, sorry, but I did yell "Carrie, sit the hell down" at one point.

*PHW Three Stars
3-Brandon Prust - Um, nothing.
2-Dan Girardi - one goal.
1-Henrik Lundqvist - 27 saves.

Scotty Hockey Three Stars
3-Hagelin - Bork, bork, bork.
2-McDonagh - One of Mac's best performances in a month. He probably played a little too much but with Staal slowly rounding into form his minutes will go down and this experience will only help.
1-Hank - The King helped the Rangers survive the early onslaught and avoided allowing any soft goals.

Title: 29-11-4: Saw This Story Before

Introduction

In the world of sports, certain numbers can become iconic, etching themselves into the collective memory of fans and enthusiasts. For hockey aficionados, the numbers 29-11-4 hold a particular significance. It's a record that's been etched in history, often invoked in discussions about remarkable achievements and enduring legacies. In this article, we'll explore the story behind the numbers 29-11-4 in the world of ice hockey, delving into the past and addressing some frequently asked questions (FAQs).

The Numerical Legend: 29-11-4

The numbers 29-11-4 represent a remarkable regular-season record set by the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League (NHL). These three numbers signify the Canadiens' dominance in a season that will forever be etched in the annals of hockey history.

Breaking Down the Numbers:

29: This represents the number of games won by the Montreal Canadiens during the regular season. Winning 29 games in an NHL season is an impressive feat in its own right.

11: This number signifies the fewest games lost by the Canadiens in the regular season. An astonishingly low loss total, it demonstrated their ability to consistently come out on top.

4: The final digit, 4, indicates the number of ties the Canadiens recorded during that memorable season.

The Unparalleled Dominance of the '76-'77 Canadiens

The 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens, coached by Scotty Bowman, boasted one of the most formidable lineups in NHL history. Led by stars like Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, Ken Dryden, and Bob Gainey, this Canadiens team was a force to be reckoned with.

Key Highlights of Their Dominance:

The Streak: The Canadiens embarked on a 28-game unbeaten streak during that season, which included 23 wins and five ties. This remarkable run showcased their consistency and resilience.

Offensive Prowess: Montreal's offense was a powerhouse, led by the electrifying Guy Lafleur, who won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's top scorer. The team scored a total of 387 goals, averaging 4.98 goals per game.

Defensive Excellence: While known for their offensive prowess, the Canadiens also boasted an exceptional defensive unit anchored by Larry Robinson and Ken Dryden. They allowed only 171 goals against, an average of just 2.21 goals per game.

Stanley Cup Victory: The Canadiens capped off their historic regular season with a Stanley Cup championship, further cementing their legacy as one of the greatest teams in NHL history.

FAQs About the '76-'77 Montreal Canadiens

How does the 1976-77 Canadiens' record compare to other NHL teams' records?

The 29-11-4 record achieved by the 1976-77 Canadiens is often regarded as one of the greatest regular-season records in NHL history. While some teams have matched their win total or had fewer losses, the combination of 29 wins, 11 losses, and 4 ties is a unique accomplishment.

Who were the key players on the '76-'77 Canadiens?

The team featured several Hall of Fame players, including Guy Lafleur, Larry Robinson, Ken Dryden, Steve Shutt, and Bob Gainey. These players played pivotal roles in the team's success.

Did the Canadiens' dominance continue in subsequent seasons?

The Canadiens remained a competitive team in the following years, winning more Stanley Cups in the late 1970s and early 1980s. However, replicating the 29-11-4 record proved to be a monumental task, given the competitive nature of the NHL.

What made the '76-'77 Canadiens so special?

The '76-'77 Canadiens were special due to their balanced roster, stellar offense, and outstanding defense. They combined skill, depth, and teamwork to create a dominant force on the ice.

Is it possible for a modern NHL team to match or surpass this record?

While it's theoretically possible for a modern NHL team to match or surpass the 29-11-4 record, the competitive landscape of the league and the changes in the game's style make it a formidable challenge. The '76-'77 Canadiens achieved their record in an era with different rules and playing conditions.

The numbers 29-11-4 are more than just a statistical record; they are a symbol of excellence, dominance, and hockey greatness. The 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens' remarkable season is a testament to the incredible talent, teamwork, and dedication that can make a team stand out in the annals of sports history. As hockey fans and enthusiasts, we may continue to see records broken and new legends emerge, but the '76-'77 Canadiens will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who saw this story before. Their legacy serves as an enduring reminder of the heights to which a team can aspire in the world of professional hockey.