I am old. So I remember Habs' last season game against Chicago in 1970. It was a Sunday night. Ruel was the head coach. In the afternoon Rangers faced the Wings. The Wings (who were 3rd their Division) litterally « gave » the win to the Rangers. Rangers were taking the 4th and final position for the Playoffs). Rangers had a 38-22-16:92 points after that game. Habs were at 38-21-16: 92 points before their final game. They had to win OR scores more goals than the Rangers (wich was the tie braker). Hawks took the lead and Ruel had no choice than take his goalie out for most of the game, hoping to surpass Rangers for the « goals for » stat. Habs lost the game and fell short by 2 goals (246 to 244 for the Rangers). It was the first time in ages since Habs were missing the Playoffs. I was totally shocked. I remember the interviews on TV given by some Habs’ players the days after. They were almost crying.
The following season, they hired Al McNeil as head coach. They beat the super Bruins machine in the quarter finals, and won the Cup against the Hawks.
I feel about the same for tonight’s game.
