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CaptainCrunch · 03-05-2024, 05:38 PM

1940-41

When the guns went off in Sept of 1939, hockey and all other sports because a lot less significant as the world was caught in the fire of War. Everyone in Canada looked on in horror at the march of Nazi's in Europe and Fascist Japan in East Asia.

In 1940 Hitler was preparing for the jump across the channel and England's Royal Air Force was screaming for pilots from across the commonwealth. Canada was called upon to help out.

Frank Calder instantly knew that his league was in trouble especially if the war dragged on. There was talk that the league might need to suspend operations if the league was seen as impeding the war effort. However the NHL was given a mandate to continue to operate in Canada and the US as long as they were able to ice enough teams.

As more and more players left to follow the call, the NHL teams frantically tried to fill their rosters.

The Bruins lost their entire first line, the newly named Kitchener Kids, formerly the Kraut line as all three members joined the Canadian Air Force starting in the 1941-42 season, but the 40-41 season was their last hurrah.

Because the United States was determined to stay out of the war most of the NHL teams with the exception of the Americans who were already struggling to survive.

Boston was the class of the league which is fitting as it was a farewell tour to one of the most dominant lines in NHL history. They beat Toronto in 7 games in their semi final, then crushed the Wings in 4 games to take the cup.

But dark shadows were descending on the league. Muzz Patrick of the Rangers enlisted and last years rookie of the year Kilby MacDonald let the Rangers know that he was enlisting as well.

Trivia

Say it, Zamboni. The NHL mandates the flooding of the ice surface between periods.
Dick Irvine leaves the Leafs to fix the Canadians, Hap Day takes over behind the Leafs bench.
Elmer Lach and Johnny Quilty debut for the Canadians.
Tiny Thompson retires from the Red Wings and is replaced by Johnny Mowers
The Americans debut future star goalie Chuck Rayner in goal.
The Bruins brutalize the league on the way to their 4th straight regular season title.
Boston's Bill Cowley sets new NGL records with 41 assists and 62 points and wins the scoring title.
Bryan Hextall scores the most goals in the NHL with 26.
Turk Broda of the Leafs wins the GA crown with a 2.06 gaa.
Red Horner retires Johnny Orlando becomes the new leagues penalty king with 99 Pim.
On March 4th 1941 the Bruins unleash a record 83 shots on goal in a 3-2 win over the Hawks.
Detroit and the Rangers meet in the quarterfinals with the Wings winning in 5 games. Chicago and Montreal face off and the Hawks win in 5 games.
The Wings sweep the Hawks in their semi final.
The Bruins and Leafs go to 7 with the Bruins coming back from a 3-2 deficit by winning the last two games.
The Bruins sweep the Wings in the Stanley Cup finals.
Bill Cowley takes home the Hart Trophy.
Johnny Quilty of the Habs skates off with the Calder.
Turk Broda wins the Vezina Trophy.
Boston's Bobby Bauer takes home the Lady Byng for the second year in a row.

03-05-2024, 05:38 PM	#94
CaptainCrunch Norm! Join Date: Jun 2002 Exp:	1940-41 When the guns went off in Sept of 1939, hockey and all other sports because a lot less significant as the world was caught in the fire of War. Everyone in Canada looked on in horror at the march of Nazi's in Europe and Fascist Japan in East Asia. In 1940 Hitler was preparing for the jump across the channel and England's Royal Air Force was screaming for pilots from across the commonwealth. Canada was called upon to help out. Frank Calder instantly knew that his league was in trouble especially if the war dragged on. There was talk that the league might need to suspend operations if the league was seen as impeding the war effort. However the NHL was given a mandate to continue to operate in Canada and the US as long as they were able to ice enough teams. As more and more players left to follow the call, the NHL teams frantically tried to fill their rosters. The Bruins lost their entire first line, the newly named Kitchener Kids, formerly the Kraut line as all three members joined the Canadian Air Force starting in the 1941-42 season, but the 40-41 season was their last hurrah. Because the United States was determined to stay out of the war most of the NHL teams with the exception of the Americans who were already struggling to survive. Boston was the class of the league which is fitting as it was a farewell tour to one of the most dominant lines in NHL history. They beat Toronto in 7 games in their semi final, then crushed the Wings in 4 games to take the cup. But dark shadows were descending on the league. Muzz Patrick of the Rangers enlisted and last years rookie of the year Kilby MacDonald let the Rangers know that he was enlisting as well. Trivia Say it, Zamboni. The NHL mandates the flooding of the ice surface between periods. Dick Irvine leaves the Leafs to fix the Canadians, Hap Day takes over behind the Leafs bench. Elmer Lach and Johnny Quilty debut for the Canadians. Tiny Thompson retires from the Red Wings and is replaced by Johnny Mowers The Americans debut future star goalie Chuck Rayner in goal. The Bruins brutalize the league on the way to their 4th straight regular season title. Boston's Bill Cowley sets new NGL records with 41 assists and 62 points and wins the scoring title. Bryan Hextall scores the most goals in the NHL with 26. Turk Broda of the Leafs wins the GA crown with a 2.06 gaa. Red Horner retires Johnny Orlando becomes the new leagues penalty king with 99 Pim. On March 4th 1941 the Bruins unleash a record 83 shots on goal in a 3-2 win over the Hawks. Detroit and the Rangers meet in the quarterfinals with the Wings winning in 5 games. Chicago and Montreal face off and the Hawks win in 5 games. The Wings sweep the Hawks in their semi final. The Bruins and Leafs go to 7 with the Bruins coming back from a 3-2 deficit by winning the last two games. The Bruins sweep the Wings in the Stanley Cup finals. Bill Cowley takes home the Hart Trophy. Johnny Quilty of the Habs skates off with the Calder. Turk Broda wins the Vezina Trophy. Boston's Bobby Bauer takes home the Lady Byng for the second year in a row. __________________ My name is Ozymandias, King of Kings; Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!