HABS7: For Fans of the Canadiens

During the NHL lockout, there hasn't been much to talk about, so I thought I'd start a weekly series identifying the players who wore a number for the Montreal Canadiens. Each week there will be a poll asking you to vote on who, from selected candidates,  you thought wore it best.

Number 1 - (Paul Bibeault, André Binette, Len Broderick, Marty Burke, Frederic Chabot, Lorne Chabot, Claude Bourque, Ab Cox, Wilf Cude, Claude Cyr, Denis Dejordy, Bill Durnan, Tony Esposito, Claude Evans, Bert Gardiner, Herb Gardiner, Tony Graboski, George Hainsworth, Brian Hayward, Charlie Hodge, Mike Karakas, Alphonse Lacroix, Michel Larocque, Cesare Maniago, Gerry McNeil, Roland Melanson, Hal Murphy, Tom Murray, Robert Perreault, Jacques Plante, Michel Plasse, Claude Pronovost, Herb Rheaume, Babe Siebert, Doug Soetaert, Ron Tugnutt, Rogatien Vachon, Georges Vézina, Ernie Wakely, Rick Wamsley, Lorne Worsley, Roy Worters)

Here is some background information on four goaltenders who might be more familiar to you:

Georges Vézina: In 328 regular season games played, Vézina posted a record of 175-146-6 with 15 SO and a GAA of 3.42. He won 2 Stanley Cups with the Habs during the 1915-1916 & 1923-1924 seasons. The Hockey Hall of Famer held the goaltending record for the most consecutive starts (328) that stood for over 30 years. Georges Vézina passed away on March 27th, 1926.

Brian Hayward: As a back-up goalie to Patrick Roy, Hayward posted impressive numbers with a regular season record of 71-48-17 with 5 SO and a GAA of 2.96. Hayward shared 3 consecutive William H. Jennings Trophies with Roy between 1986-1989 behind one of the defensive teams in the NHL. Brian Hayward played his last season with the San Jose Sharks in 1993.

Jacques Plante: Not only remembered for taking a shot to his bare face, Plante was very successful with the Montreal Canadiens. A winner of 6 Stanley Cups, 6 Vézina Trophies and 1 Hart Trophy - Plante posted a regular season record of 314-133-107 with 58 SO and a GAA of 2.23. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1978. Plante passed away on February 26th, 1986. His jersey (No. 1) was retired by the Montreal Canadiens in 1995.

George Hainsworth: Known for his small stature, but also for his ability to shutdown his opponents, Hainsworth posted an impressive 75 SO in 318 regular season games. With a  record of 167-97-54, and a GAA 1.78, Hainsworth added 2 Stanley Cups and 3 Vézina Trophies to his remarkable career. Hainsworth also wore other jersey numbers: 12, 14 & 17. George Hainsworth passed away on October 9th, 1950.

What do you think? Who wore # 1 the best? Click here to vote.

Go Habs Go!