Ken Dryden Shines in NHL Debut With 35 Saves Against Penguins

When Ken Dryden made his NHL debut on March 14, 1971, few could have predicted the legendary career that was about to unfold. Called up late in the season from the AHL’s Montreal Voyageurs, the 23-year-old goaltender wasted no time making an impact for the Montreal Canadiens.

His first start came on the road at the Pittsburgh Civic Arena against the Penguins. Despite Pittsburgh being one of the weaker teams in the league, they peppered Dryden with 36 shots. The rookie stood tall, turning aside 35 of them. Syl Apps, Jean Pronovost, and Bob Woytowich each fired five shots on goal, but it was John Stewart who scored the lone tally for Pittsburgh. Montreal’s offense ensured Dryden’s night ended comfortably, with goals from Pete Mahovlich, J.C. Tremblay, Henri Richard, Marc Tardif, and Frank Mahovlich in a 5-1 Canadiens victory.

At the other end, Pittsburgh netminder Al Smith also faced 36 shots, with Henri Richard leading the charge with seven attempts.

Dryden’s stint in the 1970-71 regular season was short but dominant. Sharing duties with Rogie Vachon and Phil Myre, he appeared in just six games, posting a dazzling 1.65 goals-against average and a remarkable .957 save percentage.

The real magic came in the playoffs. Dryden backstopped Montreal through all 20 postseason games, guiding the Canadiens to the Stanley Cup. His brilliance earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

NHL Hockey Trivia: Ken Dryden

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. In which year did Ken Dryden make his NHL debut for the Montreal Canadiens?
   1969
   1970
   1971
   1972
   
2. How many regular season games did Dryden play before backstopping the Canadiens to the 1971 Stanley Cup?
   82
   6
   20
   12
   
3. Which trophy did Ken Dryden win as the 1971 playoff MVP?
   Vezina Trophy
   Conn Smythe Trophy
   Hart Trophy
   Calder Trophy
   
4. How many Stanley Cups did Dryden win with the Canadiens during his career?
   4
   6
   3
   5
   
5. After retiring from hockey, which profession did Ken Dryden famously pursue?
   Actor
   Lawyer & Politician
   Sports Broadcaster
   Business Executive
   

Bob Nevin’s Final Goals as a Ranger Eliminate the Maple Leafs in 1971 Playoffs

Bob Nevin’s NHL journey began with the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played a key role in two Stanley Cup championships before being traded to the New York Rangers in a blockbuster February 22, 1964 deal. Alongside Dick Duff, Bill Collins, Arnie Brown, and Rod Seiling, Nevin was sent to New York in exchange for Don McKenney and Andy Bathgate, missing out on Toronto’s third straight Cup later that spring.

Fast forward to April 15, 1971. Nevin delivered a playoff performance Leafs fans would rather forget. In Game 6 of the quarter-final series, the veteran forward scored both New York goals in a 2-1 overtime victory, single-handedly eliminating his former team. His first came at 12:39 of the second period, beating Jacques Plante with help from Walt Tkaczuk and Vic Hadfield. After Jim McKenny tied it late in the third, Nevin struck again at 9:07 of overtime to clinch the series.

Nevin was unstoppable that series, netting all five of his playoff goals in the six games against Toronto, along with two assists for seven points. However, his scoring touch cooled in the semi-final against Chicago, where he managed just one assist as the Rangers fell in seven games.

Just three weeks later, Nevin was dealt to the Minnesota North Stars for Bobby Rousseau. He spent two seasons in Minnesota before finishing his NHL career with the Los Angeles Kings and wrapping up his major league days with the WHA’s Edmonton Oilers.

Hockey Trivia: Bob Nevin

Much more NHL hockey trivia can be found at our website: World's Best Hockey Trivia

1. Bob Nevin began his NHL career with which team?
   New York Rangers
   Toronto Maple Leafs
   Minnesota North Stars
   Los Angeles Kings
2. In which playoff year did Nevin score both New York goals in game 6 to eliminate the Maple Leafs?
   1967
   1971
   1973
   1975
3. Who was the Maple Leafs goaltender Nevin scored on for the Game 6 overtime winner?
   Jacques Plante
   Johnny Bower
   Bernie Parent
   Eddie Johnston
4. After leaving the Rangers, Nevin was traded to which team?
   Chicago Blackhawks
   St. Louis Blues
   Minnesota North Stars
   Philadelphia Flyers
5. Nevin ended his major league hockey career playing in which league?
   NHL
   WHA
   AHL
   IHL