A Winning Habit
Fansided

Playoff series with the Canadiens and Flyers usually lead to the Stanley Cup Final

By Omar L

MONTREAL - NOVEMBER 16: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens trips behind the net during the NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre on November 16, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Flyers 3-0. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)
MONTREAL - NOVEMBER 16: Carey Price #31 of the Montreal Canadiens trips behind the net during the NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the Bell Centre on November 16, 2010 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Canadiens defeated the Flyers 3-0. (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images) /
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Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 3: Montreal Canadiens Philadelphia Flyers (Photo by Melchior DiGiacomo/Getty Images) /

Series 1: Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers in 1973

I mentioned earlier that the Philadelphia Flyers won their first Stanley Cup in 1974, but they felt they could get it done the season before.

The Flyers finished third in the West Division behind the Chicago Blackhawks and the Minnesota North Stars with 37 wins and 85 points. The Montreal Canadiens, on the other hand, dominated the regular season, ending with the most points of any team at 120 to lead the East Division.

Montreal’s first-round series saw them take on the Buffalo Sabres while Philadelphia faced the North Stars. The Habs started out hot, winning the first three games, making it look as if they were going to sweep the Sabres but unfortunately allowed them to make a series out of it. Buffalo won the next two, including an intense overtime winner in Game 6. But before they could force a Game 7, the Canadiens did away with them winning 4-2 and advancing.

The Flyers had a tougher time with Minnesota getting shutout in Game 1. The two teams then traded wins for Games 2 and 3 before Philadelphia grabbed the series by the horns winning three straight to move on.

It was the Habs and Flyers for the second round. Fortunately for the Canadiens, it wasn’t as tasking as a series save for the start of it. They were on their heels early with the boys in orange taking Game 1 in overtime 5-4. It looked as if Game 2 would end the same way in Philly’s favour, but the Habs came out on top 4-3, setting them off for three more wins to take the series.

The Montreal Canadiens then went on to face and defeat the Blackhawks to grab their 18th Stanley Cup.

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