The Montreal Canadiens have been in the middle of the action with unforgettable goal moments for the fans. These iconic goal moments defined careers, lifted teams to glory, and inspired generations of fans. Here, we take a closer look at some of these genuinely legendary goals in Canadiens history and celebrate skill and determination.
So put away your online shopping, social media-ing, online gaming, and let’s get into some “real” gaming. Not the games we play on our phone, sitting on our easy chair (although these games are fun too), but the rough and tough games out on the ice making the goals! Let’s go…..
Maurice Richard: 50-Goal-in-50-Games Moment
Maurice Richard, popularly known as Ricket made history in 1944-45 when he performed exceptionally well in the season. With an exceptional performance of being the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games of the same season, he redefined hockey brilliance. Maurice set a very high goal-scoring record that year, which inspired generations of players to come. By the 50th goal, he was already one of the most iconic players in hockey history.
Key Points:
● This was won in times when the NHL season was not as long, so the achievement of Richard brought a new dimension to the record.
● Richard’s milestone is used as a benchmark for goal scorers, and his tenacity combined with skill have significantly influenced the game played today.
Jean Béliveau in 1965
The 1965 Stanley Cup Finals were crazy as both the Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks wanted to win. However, the game ended with the Canadiens as the winners with the help of Béliveau who scored only 14 seconds into the game. Beyond his leadership, Béliveau demonstrated his ability to respond swiftly to high-pressure situations.
Key Points:
● The performance by Béliveau classified him as a clutch performer who could rise to the occasion when needed.
● Béliveau was the team captain and he led the Canadiens to numerous championships as he was a good leader both on and off the game time.
Yvan Cournoyer’s in 1971
The Canadiens were in the Stanley Cup Finals when Yvan changed their fate against the Chicago Blackhawks in 1971. The player made an overtime score that changed the outcome of the game in favor of the Canadiens. With that goal, he was recognized as a fast and highly talented hockey player. He even got the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs.
Key Points:
● The Canadiens needed Cournoyer’s performance to win the 17th Stanley Cup.
● Yvan was both a talented scorer and a great leader.
Saku Koivu’s Comeback Goal after Battling with Cancer
Saku Koivu’s returned to the field from a fight with cancer and his first goal was very inspiring. He came back in April 2002 after getting a Burkitt’s lymphoma diagnosis in September 2021 and it was highly emotional. His first goal after his comeback was such a strong statement of strength and courage that it remains etched in people’s memories.
Key Points:
● Koivu’s comeback and performance created an impactful storyline of grit and perseverance.
● This was the fully cementing moment between the team and fans. It showed that sports players are human too and make numerous sacrifices to be phenomenally successful.
Guy Lafleur’s Overtime Winner in 1979
In Game 7 of the 1979 Stanley Cup Semifinals against the Boston Bruins, Lafleur scored a tying goal that has become part of the Canadiens wall of fame. Lafleur scored the game-tying goal when less than two minutes were remaining in regulation.
It was ultimately this that would send that match into overtime before the Canadiens finally won. This sort of thing epitomized Lafleur’s flare for the dramatic and his ability to perform under pressure.
Key Points:
● Lafleur’s goal was one of those performances that saved the season and pushed the Canadiens to another Stanley Cup.
● Lafleur, as an extremely fast and skilled scorer, made great contributions to the 1970s games, and that alone justified his status on the Canadiens list of legends.
Jaroslav Halak’s Magnificent Saves, 2010
Jaroslav Halak was a goalkeeper in the 2010 playoffs where the Canadiens showed their strength as a team through saves and not necessarily goals. It was a stellar performance from this highly celebrated goalie that most fans remember to date. It was Halak’s excellent display during Game 6 versus the Washington Capitals, where he made 53 saves towards a 4-1 win that propelled the victory of the Canadiens over the top-seeded Capitals.
Key Points:
● Halak proved that defending plays can be as iconic as goals.
● The Canadiens’ run as the eighth seed, powered by Halak’s heroics, sparked the imagination of hockey fans everywhere.
Max Pacioretty in 2011
The overtime goal by Max Pacioretty against the Boston Bruins in 2011 was quite iconic. That goal helped eliminate the arch-rival Bruins and solidify Pacioretty as a key player on the team.
Key Points:
● Getting an overtime win against a fierce rival added to the goal’s significance.
● The goal by Pacioretty was a statement of his emergence as one of the top scorers on the team and a future captain.
Conclusion
The Montreal Canadiens have a history marked by iconic goals defining the franchise and inspiring fans. From Maurice Richard breaking barriers to Saku Koivu’s emotional comeback, such moments tell of the spirit and legacies left behind by the true Canadiens.
Every goal represents skill, determination, and resilience, which are the ingredients of the players who wear the Canadiens jersey. Due to such legendary moments, the magic of hockey has lived on, and the passion that links the Canadiens to their fans remains solid.