Hi everyone! As most of you regular visitors know, I am a die-hard Montreal Canadiens fan. As much as I love the Seals, they were long gone before I was even born, and growing up just an hour outside of Montreal (and years before the Ottawa Senators were reborn), I became a Habs fan. I’ve seen lots of highs and lots of lows as well. I’m delighted however that this season has certainly seen more highs than lows. Whether they make the playoffs this year or not is irrelevant. What matters most is that the team has improved itself to the point where they are actually playing as a team rather than a collection of individuals. There are four solid lines emerging, some strong goaltending, and a few other surprises (Lane Hutson, anyone?) that have made Montreal games enjoyable again. What I feel has been the biggest difference, however, is that the Habs have finally learned to play half-decent defense. Last year, the team would get outshot 35-16 and 41-22 almost every night. Now, the shot totals are just about even, and when they are not, the gap between shots for and against is small. The defense has shown a remarkable improvement and it has shown in the standings.

Back in 1975-76, the Seals finally started turning that same corner, playing a more competitive style of hockey and reducing the goals against. It resulted in more wins than they had seen since 1969, and a real shot at the playoffs. Sure, the Seals never did reach the post-season, but they gave their fans hope. Games were fun once again, and even the heavyweights like Boston, Montreal, and Philadelphia knew that the Seals were no longer an easy two points. This week, I’ve posted another Ron McGrath article from late January 1976 where he gives the Seals’ unheralded, but hard-working defense crew its due. When people think of the Seals’ last NHL season, the spotlight is always on the 3-M Line, but the defense played a pivotal role in making the Seals competitive once again. You can read the article right here. Thanks to Pete Manzolillo for sending this piece my way.

Take care, and enjoy the rest of the weekend! Until next time, stay gold!