Top 25 Montreal Canadiens of all time: #8 (Tie-Breaker)
5% or less separated Ken Dryden and Henri Richard for the number 8 position on our list. This thread have been created to separate them. The winner will take the #8 position while the other player will be back on the list for poll #9.
Out of this list, which of these hockey players has been the best while playing with the Montreal Canadiens?
Please, only take into consideration the time they played for the Montreal Canadiens. For example, while being great hockey players, Rod Langway and Tony Esposito are excluded from this list as they only played a handful of game with the Habs. Moreover, you should take note that players like Chris Chelios and Patrick Roy, while worthy of considerations, only played part of their career in Montreal. While their legacy outside Montreal is undeniable, you should focus your attention on what they have accomplished in the Canadiens sweater. At last, any skaters who've played for the Canadiens in the pre-NHL ERA (1909-1917) are included.
Only poster with a least a little knowledge about these players should give their vote. Anyone who don't have a clue about any of the players mentioned should enjoy the show, read and learn about these players, but not cast their vote.
In every poll, I will add a little text plus statistics on every players to refresh memories.
Every fans of every boards are welcome to give their opinions. Discussion and opinions are greatly encourage and are a must to make this list a success.
If you showed good results on a farm team, you would get to suit up for more pro matches. Dryden appeared in six games and surprised everybody by putting on a superb performance, but also by helping the team to win six straight games. But nobody expected to see the young goaltender in the playoff series. [...] Dryden's contribution was a major one, and his goals-against average was almost unparalleled in the league for a rookie. It came as no surprise when he was awarded the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoffs' most outstanding performer.
All-Time Montreal Canadiens Statistics
Ken Dryden
Regular Season
Game Played
Wins
Losts
Ties
Shutouts
GAA
SV%
397
258
57
74
46
2.24
Playoff
Game Played
Wins
Losts
Ties
Shutouts
GAA
SV%
112
80
32
10
2.40
8 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens
3rd All-Time among goaltenders in wins
3rd All-Time among goaltenders in shutouts
3rd All-Time among goaltenders in Goals Against Average
6 Stanley Cup (1971, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)
Calder Memorial Trophy (1972)
Conn Smythe Trophy (1971)
Vezina Trophy (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)
First All-Star Team Goalie (1973, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979)
Following a brilliant amateur career in Montreal with the Nationales and Junior Canadiens, Henri Richard joined the Habs as they began their run of five straight Stanley Cup wins in 1956. In his third year, 1957-58, Richard led the NHL with 52 assists and was placed on the NHL First All-Star Team. When the Habs established a new record with their fifth consecutive Cup in 1960, Richard tied teammate Bernie Geoffrion with 12 post-season points.
All-Time Montreal Canadiens Statistics
Henri Richard
Regular Season
Game Played
Goals
Assists
Points
Penalty Minutes
+/-
1256
358
688
1046
929
Playoff
Game Played
Goals
Assists
Points
Penalty Minutes
+/-
180
49
80
129
181
20 seasons with the Montreal Canadiens
8th All-Time among players in Goals
3rd All-Time among players in Assists
3rd All-Time among players in Points
11 Stanley Cup (1956, 1957, 1958, 1959, 1960, 1965, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1971, 1973)
I think I stirred the pot by bumping the thread. Dryden was ahead by more than 5 like 20 minutes ago I think. Not surprised it's close. Moderately short term super greatness vs super long term very goodness.
