1935-36: Mud And The Longest Game

Mud Bruneteau

The Three Stars:

Mud Bruneteau Ends Longest Playoff Game - In his first Stanley Cup game, Detroit Red Wings rookie Modere "Mud" Bruneteau finally beats Montreal Maroons goalie Lorne Chabot with the only goal after 176:30 of playing time, ending the longest game in Stanley Cup history. Detroit's goalie Normie Smith, also in his first Stanley Cup game, wins the game 1-0 and extends the shutout streak into the game 3, setting a NHL record of 248:32 of shutout playoff hockey. Detroit goes on to win the Stanley Cup.

Montreal Canadiens Almost Moved To Cleveland? The Cleveland Canadiens nearly happened. With the Great Depression hampering attendance at NHL games in Montreal, Canadiens owners Leo Dandurand and Joe Cattarinich consider selling the team to investors who would relocate the team to Ohio. The Canadiens, who reportedly lost $40,000 the previous season, were sold to Montreal interests for $165,000.

Eagles Fold, Amerks Run By NHL - Faced with another financial crisis, the NHL takes over the St. Louis and New York Americans franchises. The NHL folds the Eagles, selling off players to the remaining clubs. Boston is the big winner there, acquiring scoring champion Bill Cowley. The Americans are run by the NHL in the short term.

Season Highlights:

• Big trade of the year features Boston sending Marty Barry to Detroit for Cooney Weiland. Barry teams with Larry Aurie and Herbie Lewis to become one of the best lines in hockey.
• Sweeney Schriner, the popular New York Americans forward, wins the NHL scoring title with 45 points.
• Charlie Conacher, replaced on Toronto's top line by Pep Kelly, still ties for the NHL goal scoring lead with 23. Another Leaf, Bill Thoms, also scores 23.
• Eddie Shore, the baddest man in hockey, is one of the earliest adopters of the protective helmet. Critics suggest Shore had lost his edge, but he silenced them all by winning the Hart Trophy yet again.