{"id":132298,"date":"2022-09-21T15:45:49","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T19:45:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=132298"},"modified":"2025-12-01T20:31:07","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T01:31:07","slug":"boston-bruins-and-montreal-canadiens-a-rivalry-relived","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/09\/21\/boston-bruins-and-montreal-canadiens-a-rivalry-relived\/","title":{"rendered":"Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens A Rivalry Relived"},"content":{"rendered":"

Without any playoff matchups since the 2013-14 season the Bostons Bruins<\/a> and Montreal Canadiens<\/a> rivalry has cooled off in recent years. The greatest rivalry in National Hockey League history, the Bruins and Canadiens have made for plenty of memorable moments over the years. Take a look at some of the biggest moments ever to come from the two legendary franchises.<\/p>\n

Boston Bruins and Montreal Canadiens Rivalry Relived<\/h2>\n

Beginning of the Rivalry<\/h3>\n

Before digging deep into the most memorable moments between these two rivals, look at how the rivalry began in the first place. Being one of the oldest rivalries in all of sports, 1930 marked the beginning of the rivalry. The Bruins had won their first ever Stanley Cup in 1929 knocking the Canadiens out in the semifinal. The following year, Montreal won the Stanley Cup beating the Bruins in the finals. In 1931, the Canadiens would win the Stanley Cup again, however knocking Boston out in the semifinals.<\/p>\n

Three consecutive playoff matchups and the rivalry was born. By 1938 the league re-structured its divisions causing the two storied franchises to be placed in the same division. The two teams played each more frequently due to the restructuring, only adding to the early beginnings of the rivalry.<\/p>\n

Most Notable All-Time Moments<\/h3>\n

The rivalry has seen many memorable playoff moments, reflect back on them listed chronologically here.<\/p>\n

1946 Stanley Cup Final<\/h4>\n

Montreal opened the series with a win in overtime on a goal by Maurice \u201cRocket\u201d Richard. The Bruins were never able to rebound from that initial loss as they went down 3-0 in the series and would eventually lose 4-1.<\/p>\n

This was the first time the teams had played each other in a seven-game series. The series win for the Canadiens also marked the start of 18 consecutive series wins against the Bruins.<\/p>\n

1952 Maurice Richard Game Seven Comeback<\/h4>\n

The 1952 semifinals went to a deciding seventh game. Richard tried to split the defence and was caught with a hit from Bruins defenceman Leo Labine. While falling the Rocket\u2019s head collided the Bruins defencemen\u2019s knee, knocking Richard unconscious and leaving him a nasty cut requiring stitches. The Canadiens legendary scorer left the game, only to return for the third period with his face full of bandages. The Rocket scored the game-winning goal. Some say it is the greatest goal ever scored by Richard<\/a>. The result is one of the most iconic photos of Maurice Richard ever taken.<\/p>\n

March 1955 the Richard Riot<\/h4>\n

On March 13, 1955, the Canadiens and Bruins played a regular season game in Boston. Maurice Richard was again front and center this time culprit of a violent outrage.<\/p>\n

Boston defenceman Hal Laycoe caught Richard in the head with a high stick. When play was blown dead on the delayed penalty a brawl broke out. Richard charged at Laycoe striking him in the shoulders and face with his stick. In an effort to subdue Richard the linesman stepped in, Richard punched the linesman as he tried to break free.<\/p>\n

The incident resulted in Richard being suspended for the rest of the 1954-55 season, including playoffs. Four days later the man who handed out the suspension, NHL president Clarence Campbell, visited the Montreal Forum. A riot broke out in Montreal, known as the \u201cRichard Riot\u201d<\/a>.<\/p>\n

1971 Ken Dryden Steals Series<\/h4>\n

Following the 1970\u2019s Stanley Cup Championship the Boston Bruins had an excellent regular season and scored a record 399 goals in 1971. The Bruins roster boasted legends Bobby Orr, Phil Esposito, Ken Hodge and Johnny Bucyk. Montreal had failed to make the playoffs in the previous season. The Bruins looked poised for a dynasty.
\nEmbed from Getty Images<\/a>