1943–44 Montreal Canadiens season
Encyclopedia
The 1943–44 Montreal Canadiens
season was the club's 35th
season
, 27th in the National Hockey League
(NHL). The team would win the Stanley Cup
for the fifth time. Bill Durnan would join the club as its new goaltender and he won the Vezina Trophy
in his rookie season.
Montreal wins best-of-seven series 4–0.
Goaltending
Goaltending
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
season was the club's 35th
Montreal Canadiens seasons
This is a list of seasons completed by the Montreal Canadiens professional ice hockey club. This list documents the records and playoff results for all seasons the Canadiens completed in both the National Hockey Association and the National Hockey League .-NHA :Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins,...
season
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...
, 27th in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL). The team would win the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
for the fifth time. Bill Durnan would join the club as its new goaltender and he won the Vezina Trophy
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team...
in his rookie season.
Offseason
At the Habs' training camp in 1943, Canadiens manager Tommy Gorman settled on Durnan as his goalie. Durnan stated that he was happy as an amateur and happy with less money if it meant avoiding the stress of the professional game. On opening night, Durnan was not yet signed. Ten minutes before the first faceoff, he spoke with Gorman and reached a deal. Durnan signed the contract and played in the game. The result was a 2-2 draw with the Boston Bruins. The rookie netminder was a few months shy of his 27th birthday.Regular season
Some of Durnan’s teammates included the Punch Line of Elmer Lach, Rocket Richard and Toe Blake. Durnan was a key element that took Montreal back to the Stanley Cup after 13 years of frustration. Durnan led the league in games played, wins and goals-against average in the regular season.Game log
| Regular season results | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No. | R | Date | Score | Opponent | Record |
| 1 | T | October 30, 1943 | 2–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
0–0–1 |
| 2 | W | November 2, 1943 | 2–1 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
1–0–1 |
| 3 | W | November 4, 1943 | 5–3 | @ Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
2–0–1 |
| 4 | W | November 7, 1943 | 5–1 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
3–0–1 |
| 5 | W | November 13, 1943 | 4–1 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
4–0–1 |
| 6 | W | November 14, 1943 | 2–0 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
5–0–1 |
| 7 | T | November 16, 1943 | 2–2 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
5–0–2 |
| 8 | W | November 18, 1943 | 5–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
6–0–2 |
| 9 | W | November 20, 1943 | 7–2 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
7–0–2 |
| 10 | W | November 21, 1943 | 13–4 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
8–0–2 |
| 11 | W | November 27, 1943 | 6–3 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
9–0–2 |
| 12 | T | November 28, 1943 | 2–2 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
9–0–3 |
| 13 | W | December 2, 1943 | 6–2 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
10–0–3 |
| 14 | W | December 4, 1943 | 8–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
11–0–3 |
| 15 | L | December 5, 1943 | 4–5 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
11–1–3 |
| 16 | L | December 11, 1943 | 2–4 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
11–2–3 |
| 17 | W | December 12, 1943 | 5–1 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
12–2–3 |
| 18 | W | December 19, 1943 | 3–1 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
13–2–3 |
| 19 | W | December 25, 1943 | 5–1 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
14–2–3 |
| 20 | W | December 30, 1943 | 8–3 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
15–2–3 |
| 21 | W | January 1, 1944 | 4–0 | @ Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
16–2–3 |
| 22 | W | January 2, 1944 | 5–2 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
17–2–3 |
| 23 | W | January 4, 1944 | 6–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
18–2–3 |
| 24 | W | January 8, 1944 | 8–2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
19–2–3 |
| 25 | W | January 9, 1944 | 6–5 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
20–2–3 |
| 26 | L | January 11, 1944 | 0–5 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
20–3–3 |
| 27 | T | January 13, 1944 | 2–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
20–3–4 |
| 28 | T | January 16, 1944 | 1–1 | @ Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
20–3–5 |
| 29 | W | January 22, 1944 | 6–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
21–3–5 |
| 30 | W | January 23, 1944 | 4–1 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
22–3–5 |
| 31 | T | January 27, 1944 | 2–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
22–3–6 |
| 32 | W | January 30, 1944 | 5–3 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
23–3–6 |
| 33 | W | February 5, 1944 | 6–1 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
24–3–6 |
| 34 | L | February 8, 1944 | 0–3 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
24–4–6 |
| 35 | W | February 12, 1944 | 3–2 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
25–4–6 |
| 36 | T | February 13, 1944 | 2–2 | @ Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
25–4–7 |
| 37 | W | February 17, 1944 | 3–2 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
26–4–7 |
| 38 | W | February 19, 1944 | 5–2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
27–4–7 |
| 39 | W | February 20, 1944 | 7–2 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
28–4–7 |
| 40 | W | February 24, 1944 | 3–1 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
29–4–7 |
| 41 | W | February 26, 1944 | 10–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
30–4–7 |
| 42 | W | February 27, 1944 | 5–1 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
31–4–7 |
| 43 | W | March 4, 1944 | 5–2 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
32–4–7 |
| 44 | W | March 5, 1944 | 8–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1943–44 1943–44 Toronto Maple Leafs season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Transactions:*September 11, 1943: Acquired Garth Boesch from the Brooklyn Americans in Dispersal Draw... ) |
33–4–7 |
| 45 | W | March 9, 1944 | 3–2 | @ Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
34–4–7 |
| 46 | W | March 11, 1944 | 4–3 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1943–44 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season The 1943–44 Detroit Red Wings season was the eighteenth season of the Detroit NHL franchise. The Red Wings qualified for the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Chicago Black Hawks.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
35–4–7 |
| 47 | L | March 12, 1944 | 5–6 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1943–44 1943–44 Boston Bruins season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-References:... ) |
35–5–7 |
| 48 | W | March 16, 1944 | 3–2 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1943–44 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1943–44 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 5th place finish in 1942–43, failing to qualify for the playoffs.... ) |
36–5–7 |
| 49 | W | March 18, 1944 | 11–2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
37–5–7 |
| 50 | W | March 19, 1944 | 6–1 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1943–44 1943–44 New York Rangers season The 1943–44 New York Rangers season was the 18th season for the team in the National Hockey League . During the regular season, the Rangers had a 6–39–5 record and compiled 17 points, the fewest of any team in franchise history... ) |
38–5–7 |
Playoffs
In the Stanley Cup playoffs, Durnan allowed only 1.53 goals per game as the Canadiens skated to the title. At season’s end, Durnan was awarded the Vezina Trophy, the first rookie to win the award, and was selected to the league's First All-Star Team.Semi-final: Montreal vs. Toronto
Rocket Richard scored seven goals in the series, including all five for Montreal in game two. After giving up the first game at home to Toronto, Montreal took over, winning the next four, finishing the series with a 11–0 shellacking in game five.| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 21 | Toronto | 3 | Montreal | 1 | |
| March 23 | Toronto | 1 | Montreal | 5 | |
| March 25 | Montreal | 2 | Toronto | 2 | |
| March 28 | Montreal | 4 | Toronto | 1 | |
| March 30 | Toronto | 0 | Montreal | 11 |
Stanley Cup Final: Montreal vs. Chicago
Maurice 'Rocket' Richard made his Stanley Cup debut with a five goal performance in the series, including a hat-trick in game two. The Punch Line of Richard, Elmer Lach and Toe Blake scored 10 of the Canadiens 16 goals. Blake scored the Cup winner in overtime. In the same overtime, Bill Durnan stopped the first penalty shot awarded in the finals, awarded to Virgil Johnson.| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 4 | Chicago | 1 | Montreal | 5 | |
| April 6 | Montreal | 3 | Chicago | 1 | |
| April 9 | Montreal | 3 | Chicago | 2 | |
| April 13 | Chicago | 4 | Montreal | 5 | OT |
Montreal wins best-of-seven series 4–0.
Regular season
Scoring| Player | Pos | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C | 48 | 24 | 48 | 72 | 23 | |
| LW | 41 | 26 | 33 | 59 | 10 | |
| RW | 46 | 32 | 22 | 54 | 45 | |
| C | 44 | 12 | 42 | 54 | 6 | |
| C/LW | 44 | 28 | 25 | 53 | 44 | |
| RW/C | 44 | 17 | 32 | 49 | 61 | |
| RW | 43 | 28 | 20 | 48 | 12 | |
| LW | 47 | 15 | 32 | 47 | 85 | |
| C/LW | 44 | 20 | 18 | 38 | 39 | |
| C/D | 44 | 8 | 23 | 31 | 32 | |
| LW | 41 | 7 | 23 | 30 | 14 | |
| D | 42 | 7 | 17 | 24 | 98 | |
| D | 43 | 5 | 16 | 21 | 36 | |
| D | 39 | 5 | 14 | 19 | 52 | |
| C | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| G | 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| C/RW | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goaltending
| Player | MIN | GP | W | L | T | GA | GAA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 | 50 | 38 | 5 | 7 | 109 | 2.18 | 2 | |
| Team: | 3000 | 50 | 38 | 5 | 7 | 109 | 2.18 | 2 |
Playoffs
Scoring| Player | Pos | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW | 9 | 7 | 11 | 18 | 2 | |
| RW | 9 | 12 | 5 | 17 | 10 | |
| C | 9 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 4 | |
| C/LW | 9 | 5 | 4 | 9 | 16 | |
| LW | 9 | 5 | 3 | 8 | 12 | |
| RW/C | 9 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 16 | |
| D | 9 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 4 | |
| D | 9 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | |
| RW | 7 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 8 | |
| D | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 16 | |
| C | 8 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| C/D | 9 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | |
| G | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| LW | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| C/LW | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goaltending
| Player | MIN | GP | W | L | GA | GAA | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 549 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 1.53 | 1 | |
| Team: | 549 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 14 | 1.53 | 1 |
Awards and records
- Bill DurnanBill DurnanWilliam Ronald Durnan was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
, Vezina TrophyVezina TrophyThe Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team... - Bill Durnan, NHL First Team All-Star
- Emile "Butch" BouchardEmile BouchardÉmile Joseph "Butch" Bouchard, CM, CQ is a former Canadian ice hockey player who played defence with the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League from 1941 to 1956. He is member of the Hockey Hall of Fame, won four Stanley Cups, was captain of the Canadiens for eight years and was voted...
, Defense, NHL Second Team All-Star - Elmer LachElmer LachElmer James Lach is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 14 seasons for the Montreal Canadiens in the National Hockey League. He was part of the Punch line, along with Maurice Richard and Toe Blake. He led the league in scoring twice, and was awarded the Hart Memorial...
, CentreCentre (ice hockey)The centre in ice hockey is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play is the middle of the ice, away from the side boards. Centres have more flexibility in their positioning and are expected to cover more ice surface than any other player...
, NHL Second Team All-Star - Maurice RichardMaurice RichardJoseph Henri Maurice "the Rocket" Richard, Sr., was a French-Canadian professional ice hockey player who played for the Montreal Canadiens of the National Hockey League from 1942 to 1960. The "Rocket" was the most prolific goal-scorer of his era, the first to achieve the feat of 50 goals in 50...
, Right WingWinger (ice hockey)Winger, in the game of hockey, is a forward position of a player whose primary zone of play on the ice is along the outer playing area. They typically work by flanking the centre forward. Originally the name was given to forward players who went up and down the sides of the rink...
, NHL Second Team All-Star - Dick IrvinDick IrvinJames Dickinson Irvin, Sr. was a Canadian ice hockey player and coach in the National Hockey League.Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Irvin was one of the greatest players of his day, balancing a torrid slapshot and tough style with gentlemanly play...
, CoachCoach (ice hockey)Coach in ice hockey is the person responsible for directing the team during games and practices, prepares strategy and decides which players will participate in games....
, NHL First Team All-Star