The 1955–56 NHL season was a pivotal year for the Montreal Canadiens, marking the beginning of an unprecedented era of dominance. After the Detroit Red Wings' seven-season reign at the top of the league, the Canadiens emerged as the new powerhouse, setting records and ultimately securing the first of five consecutive Stanley Cup championships. This season showcased the team's strategic leadership, the emergence of new talent, and the continued brilliance
of established stars.
A New Coaching Era and Record-Breaking Performance
The Canadiens' success in 1955–56 was significantly influenced by the arrival of their new coach, Hector "Toe" Blake. A former All-Star left-winger for the team, Blake took the helm and guided Montreal to a record-breaking regular season. The team achieved an impressive 45 wins, establishing a new league record for victories in a single season. This strong performance was a clear indicator of the shift in power within the NHL.
Under Blake's leadership, and with general manager Frank Selke, there was a concerted effort to manage the fiery temperament of star player Maurice Richard. The aim was to channel his intensity into scoring goals rather than engaging in altercations. This approach proved effective, as Richard played a crucial role in the team's championship run, fulfilling a promise he had made to fans following a previous controversial incident.
Key Players and Memorable Moments
The Canadiens' roster was brimming with talent, both seasoned veterans and promising rookies. Maurice Richard, despite an injury scare on March 15 when he fell into the goal and required stitches and X-rays, remained a formidable force. He quickly returned to the lineup, demonstrating his resilience by scoring a hat trick in a dominant 7–2 victory over the New York Rangers on St. Patrick's Day.
Jean Beliveau, another offensive leader, had a record-setting season for a center, scoring his 45th goal on March 15. This achievement underscored his growing importance to the team's offensive output. The season also introduced Henri Richard, Maurice's younger brother, to the Canadiens' lineup. Nicknamed the "Pocket Rocket," Henri made an immediate impact, scoring two goals in a 6–0 shutout win against the Chicago Black Hawks on October 22, showcasing the depth of talent that would fuel Montreal's dynasty.
The Path to the Stanley Cup
The Canadiens' dominant regular season performance set the stage for their playoff success. Their ability to consistently score, particularly on power plays, was a notable aspect of their game. NHL President Clarence Campbell even commented on Montreal's frequent two or three-goal power plays, leading to discussions about revising the penalty rule to allow a penalized player to return to the ice after a power play goal on a minor penalty. Interestingly, the Canadiens were the sole club to vote against this proposed legislation, indicating their confidence in their existing power play effectiveness.
Ultimately, the 1955–56 season culminated in the Montreal Canadiens securing the Stanley Cup championship. This victory was not just a single triumph but the foundational step of an unprecedented streak of five consecutive Stanley Cup wins, solidifying their place as one of the most dominant teams in NHL history.
