These two NHL dynasties separated by a decade seem more alike than different. They were two of the most offensively talented teams ever.
Yet despite their similarities and their closeness in time, they still represent two different eras of NHL hockey and two different types of teams.
The Canadiens dominated a smaller 18-team NHL. However, that league was a North American league, with the majority of players coming from Canada. The 1972 Summit series with the Soviet Union and the subsequent arrival of Borje Salming in Toronto to play for the Maple Leafs in the 1973-74 season marked the beginning of European players and their influence in the NHL.
The Oilers played in a 21-team league where European players made a significant contribution. By 1980, over eight percent of all NHL players came from Europe. The Oilers featured Esa Tikkanen and Jarri Kurri on their championship teams.
The Canadiens dominated the 1970s, winning seven cups in 10 years. They enjoyed seasons during which they lost only 11, 10 and eight games out of 80 in a season.
The Edmonton Oilers joined the NHL when the WHA folded. The ...
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Article written by Scott Weldon
Clash of NHL Dynasties: 1970s Montreal Canadiens vs. 1980s Edmonton Oilers
October 8th, 2011 by Scott Weldon Leave a reply »
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