A Winning Habit
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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
MONTREAL- NOVEMBER 16: Philadelphia Flyers Montreal Canadiens  (Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images) /

Series 6: Montreal Canadiens vs. Philadelphia Flyers in 2010

It’s ironic that the end of this link between the Habs and Flyers coincides with the beginning of the Blackhawks dynasty.

Both teams had similar 2009-10 seasons finishing third and fourth with 88 points apiece. There wasn’t much expectation for the Canadiens who snuck into the playoffs as the eighth seed. And to make matters worse, they had to take on the highly lethal Washington Capitals who made the regular season look like child’s play.

That didn’t stop the Habs from getting the upset. Their overtime win in Game 1 was the start of something special as they fell 3-1 in the series but won three in a row to end it. Montreal wouldn’t get a break in the second round as the Pittsburgh Penguins off their Stanley Cup win the year before were eager at a second.

It took another seven-game series for the Habs to advance to the Conference Finals, and who would they meet? Their good Conference Final buddy in the Philadelphia Flyers.

And this is when our story meets its tragic end. The Montreal Canadiens lost in five games not able to score a goal until Game 3 and their first two games were brutal, giving up 10 goals. That was a breakout game for the Habs, starting with Mike Cammalleri, which saw Montreal put five goals past Michael Leighton.

That was all the team had to give as two more losses – including another shutout – sealed the deal.

History was Philadelphia’s side, and they went on to face Chicago in the Stanley Cup Final. And we all know how that ended.

Next. Price Leads all Habs Player Report Cards for the Qualifier. dark

It’s a fascinating trend to follow between these two teams, especially as they’re set to play again for the first time in 10 years. Perhaps history kicks in, and one of them makes the Final. It wouldn’t be surprising for the Flyers considering the team they are this year. And as for the Montreal Canadiens, well, who had them beating the Penguins?

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