NHL's Most Unbreakable Records & History of the Ice Rink
Also, some "Today in Hockey History", the myth of the Canadiens' early success, and more.
Welcome to the THW Hockey History Substack newsletter, with all the best from our extensive archives.
In today’s edition, we have a couple “Today in Hockey History” posts, the NHL’s most unbreakable records, a brief history of the ice rink, the myth of the Montreal Canadiens’ early success, and more.
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Today in Hockey History: Feb 7
The greatest single offensive performance in National Hockey League history took place on this date. Plus, some of the biggest names to ever play the game made memories and hit personal milestones. The THW time machine is all fired up and ready to go, so let’s take a ride through the years and relive the best of what Feb. 7 has had to offer.
The NHL’s Most Unbreakable Records
Many athletes believe – or at least pretend to believe – that records are made to be broken. If that’s the case, they haven’t taken a look at the NHL’s record books, or should I say the book that Gretzky re-wrote.
Wayne Gretzky’s name is scribbled throughout the pages of this particular book. In fact, he holds or shares 61 current records acknowledged by the National Hockey League. While some of his records will find their way onto this list, some of these untouchable records may surprise the average hockey fan.
Regardless of how shocking or unbelievable some of these milestones are, they all of one thing in common. Good or bad, they are all at the top of the NHL’s most untouchable records.
Myth of the Montreal Canadiens’ Early Success
I’ve heard it more than once. You’ve probably heard it yourself, especially if you’re a fan of the Montreal Canadiens. Some misinformed anti-Habs fan usually brings it up. It’s a myth passed on from one generation to the next, an old wives’ tale stoked by jealousy or emotions even more sinister. You know where I’m headed — the Montreal Canadiens have won all of those Stanley Cups in their team history because the NHL traditionally gave them exclusive territorial rights to all French Canadian players. Ugh, such ignorant nonsense!
Throughout its history, the NHL has been governed by a President and board of governors whose best interest has always been equal and fair competition. Do you really believe the NHL could have survived over 90 years if one team had been given such an obviously huge and advantageous privilege?
Today in Hockey History: Feb. 6
Arguably the best father and son duo in National Hockey League history had huge moments on this date. One of the greatest goal scorers in the game did something no other player had ever done before. Plus, a number was retired league-wide, and a bunch of Hall of Famers made some history of their own. It is time to take our daily trip back in time to relive the best moments from Feb. 6.
The Ice Rink: A Brief History
And the music from the skating rink drifts across the town …
All across the world, the ice rink has become a home away from home for scores of hockey players and fans. From the sushi-serving confines of Scotiabank Arena in Toronto to the frozen metal bleachers of your local arena, as well as the wide range of outdoor locations in between, ice rinks are a place where the game can be learned, viewed and cherished by folks of all ages and backgrounds.
They’re a reminder that all you really need is a patch of ice, a stick, a puck and a net to enjoy the game we all love so much.
2021-22 Avalanche Are the Best Team in Franchise History
Although the 2021-22 edition of the Colorado Avalanche just missed out on collecting a second consecutive Presidents’ Trophy, their play this season has warranted comparisons to the heralded 2000-01 outfit. That year’s team held the previous franchise record for wins and points in a single campaign, both broken by the current collection of Avalanche talent. On top of their regular-season excellence, the 2021-22 group claimed the third Stanley Cup in franchise history, conquering the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Final, a team looking to cement their legacy as a modern-day dynasty with three consecutive titles.
It’s impossible to fully compare the two, but that won’t stop me from proclaiming the 2021-22 team as the best version ever iced in the franchise’s brief, but storied history. From successfully navigating unfortunate injury luck, boasting unparalleled offensive depth, and slaying a dynasty, coach Jared Bednar’s charges stand alone. Let’s dig into how the two squads – separated by two decades – compare in a number of regular-season and playoff statistical categories.