Highlights from Jean Béliveau’s storied NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens:
– In 1955-56, Béliveau enjoyed his best season with the Canadiens. “Le Gros Bill” led the NHL in goals (47) and points (88) on the way to winning the Hart Trophy as league MVP.
– On April 10, 1956, Béliveau won his first of 10 Stanley Cups when the Canadiens beat the Detroit Red Wings. Béliveau said he had two dreams growing up: playing for the Habs and winning the Cup, and this gave him that satisfaction.
– At the start of the 1961-62 season and at the age of 30, Béliveau succeeded Doug Harvey as Montreal’s captain. Béliveau told the Hockey Hall of Fame that he believed he was responsible to management, fans, coaches, referees and fellow players while wearing the “C.”
– In 1965, Béliveau became the only captain to score the Stanley Cup-winning goal and win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. In the first year the Conn Smythe was given out, Béliveau also got to lift the Cup as captain for the first time.
– When Béliveau retired following the 1970-71 season, he was the Canadiens’ career leader in points (1,219) and the NHL’s all-time leading playoff scorer with 176 points in 162 games. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972.
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