For as long as nearly any hockey fan can remember, the Canadiens and Maple Leafs have been arch enemies in hockey. This all dates back over 60 years, as the Leafs and Habs have played 12 playoff series against each other, including five times in the Stanley Cup finals.
When the NHL was created in 1917, these differences received the opportunity to play themselves out in a rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. The Maple Leafs' fan base consisted mainly of English-speaking Canadians of British descent; in fact, the team's logo was in essence a stylized version of the Canadian Army's Cap Badge Insignia during World War I, This held particular significance for Leaf owner Conn Smythe, who had served as an artillery officer during the Great War.
In Montreal, the Canadiens were built around a French fan base, as the province of Quebec had its origins with the French republic. In fact, the Canadiens chose to sing "O Canada" before each game, and most of the song was recited in French over English.
The two teams had their moments in the earlier part of the 20th century, but things really began to heat up in the 60s. During the 1960s, every Stanley Cup was won by either the Leafs or the Canadiens, save for two. The most memorable season between the two may be the 1967 campaign, during which the teams faced off against each other during Canada's 100 year anniversary. The Leafs staged a major upset, beating the Canadiens that year.
Everything seemed to change after the 1967 season. Since this season, Montreal has won 10 more Stanley Cups, and the Maple Leafs have won none. In fact, they haven't even made it to the final series since 1967. Their closest campaign was the 1993 season, but they were stopped short by the Kings in the conference finals.
Eleven seasons ago, the NHL decided to switch the Maple Leafs into the same division as Montreal. While the teams often play each other and the games are heated, they haven't met in the playoffs since this shift occurred.
Two seasons ago, both teams were fighting for a playoff spot. It looked as if it would come down to a game between Montreal and Toronto, sparking all of the excitement their rivalry brings. Toronto won this game, but a win by the Islanders precluded them from the playoffs.
Interestingly enough, my family is all split between which team their loyalty goes to. While my in-laws go with Toronto, I happen to like Montreal. The family has been fighting for the loyalty of my four year old daughter, but being the great father that I am, it looks like she's going with the Habs!
When the NHL was created in 1917, these differences received the opportunity to play themselves out in a rivalry between the Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens. The Maple Leafs' fan base consisted mainly of English-speaking Canadians of British descent; in fact, the team's logo was in essence a stylized version of the Canadian Army's Cap Badge Insignia during World War I, This held particular significance for Leaf owner Conn Smythe, who had served as an artillery officer during the Great War.
In Montreal, the Canadiens were built around a French fan base, as the province of Quebec had its origins with the French republic. In fact, the Canadiens chose to sing "O Canada" before each game, and most of the song was recited in French over English.
The two teams had their moments in the earlier part of the 20th century, but things really began to heat up in the 60s. During the 1960s, every Stanley Cup was won by either the Leafs or the Canadiens, save for two. The most memorable season between the two may be the 1967 campaign, during which the teams faced off against each other during Canada's 100 year anniversary. The Leafs staged a major upset, beating the Canadiens that year.
Everything seemed to change after the 1967 season. Since this season, Montreal has won 10 more Stanley Cups, and the Maple Leafs have won none. In fact, they haven't even made it to the final series since 1967. Their closest campaign was the 1993 season, but they were stopped short by the Kings in the conference finals.
Eleven seasons ago, the NHL decided to switch the Maple Leafs into the same division as Montreal. While the teams often play each other and the games are heated, they haven't met in the playoffs since this shift occurred.
Two seasons ago, both teams were fighting for a playoff spot. It looked as if it would come down to a game between Montreal and Toronto, sparking all of the excitement their rivalry brings. Toronto won this game, but a win by the Islanders precluded them from the playoffs.
Interestingly enough, my family is all split between which team their loyalty goes to. While my in-laws go with Toronto, I happen to like Montreal. The family has been fighting for the loyalty of my four year old daughter, but being the great father that I am, it looks like she's going with the Habs!
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