By the Numbers: Five Games, One Dynasty—How the ’57 Stanley Cup Final Helped Forge the Montreal Canadiens' Legacy
In the long history of hockey, certain digits carry more weight than others. The number “57” isn't just a mid-range jersey number worn by modern veterans like David Perron or the towering Tyler Myers; it’s shorthand for a year that defined a dynasty. At the end of the 1956-57 season, the ‘57 Stanley Cup Final was a direct collision of titans that solidified the Montreal Canadiens as the gold standard of the Original Six era.
A Clash of Cathedrals: The Forum vs. The Garden
The 1957 Stanley Cup Final featured a classic matchup: the defending champion Canadiens against the Boston Bruins. This final series was more than just a battle of rosters; it was a battle of atmospheres. The games alternated between two of the most iconic venues in sports: the Montreal Forum and the Boston Garden.
The Scores: Five Games to Glory
The series showcased Montreal’s offensive firepower and Jacques Plante's stifling presence in net.
Game 1 (Forum): Montreal 5, Boston 1 (Richard scores four; Plante stops 22 of 23)
Game 2 (Forum): Montreal 1, Boston 0 (Béliveau scores; Plante stops 24 of 24)
Game 3 (Garden): Montreal 4, Boston 2 (Geoffrion scores two in the first period; Plante stops 25 of 27)
Game 4 (Garden): Boston 2, Montreal 0 (Simmons earns a shutout; Plante stops 27 of 28)
Game 5 (Forum): Montreal 5, Boston 1 (scoring by committee [5 different goal scorers for the Habs]; Plante stops 26 of 27)
Montreal secured the series 4-1 on April 16, 1957. Dickie Moore buried the Cup-winning goal just 14 seconds into the second period of Game 5.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP: No Conn Smythe Trophy Until 1965
A crucial piece of hockey trivia: the Conn Smythe Trophy did not exist until 1965. While legends like Maurice "Rocket" Richard or Jacques Plante would have been absolute locks for the Stanley Cup Playoffs MVP, the award wasn't inaugurated until Jean Béliveau won the first one in 1965.
‘57 Stanley Cup Final: Legends Forging a Dynasty
The ‘57 Stanley Cup Final series was played by hockey giants. Montreal featured the Maurice Richard, Jean Béliveau, Bernie Geoffrion, and Jacques Plante. Boston countered with stalwarts like Fernie Flaman, Don McKenney, and Don Simmons.
Following their ‘57 Stanley Cup championship, the Montreal Canadiens repeated as champions in 1958, 1959, and 1960 (5 consecutive Stanley Cup championships beginning in 1956; Toe Blake was coach for all of these championships).