1967: Leafs, Canadiens Face Off In Canada's Centennial

The year is 1967. All of Canada is celebrating the centennial year of the country's existence. What better way to celebrate than to have an all-Canadian Stanley Cup final between the legendary Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens.

The Canadiens had won the previous two Stanley Cups, and were in the midst of what would quietly become another dynasty as they would win 5 Cups in 7 years.

The Leafs were the previous dynasty, winning three successive Cups from 1962 through 1964. Much of those teams remained in tact here in 1967, and many of the players were into their 40s.
Regardless, the "Over The Hill Gang" had a centennial surprise in store for the Habs. The Leafs would win the finals 4-2, becoming the oldest team in history to ever win the Stanley Cup. The Leafs were led by the likes of Johnny Bower, Frank Mahovlich, George Armstrong, Tim Horton, Red Kelly and Jim Pappin. Dave Keon became the only Leaf player in history to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.

I previously wrote an article entitled "Celebrating the 1967 Toronto Maple Leafs" where I have much more on the Leafs much-celebrated 1967 team, including profiles of every player.