Habs History Notes for Oct 8

Here's a few significant Habs events that have happened on this day.

1953 - Montreal began an NHL-record 9 year opening-night winning streak, with a 3-0 win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the Forum. Gerry McNeil recorded his 23rd career shutout and Bert Olmstead picked up three assists for the Canadiens.

1955- The Habs became just the third team in NHL history to open a season with two straight shutouts as Jacques Plante got his 12th career shutout with a 2-0 win over the Boston Bruins, in Montreal.

1963- Playing in his first NHL game, Montreal rookie John Ferguson got into a fight in his first shift, but also scored two goals and an assist as the Canadiens tied Boston 4-4. Ferguson played on a line with Jean Beliveau and Bernie Geoffrion.

1989 - Ex Habs enforcer Chris Nilan set a New York Rangers' team record with 35 penalty minutes in the Rangers' 5-3 win over the Blackhawks at Chicago.

1997 - Montreal goalie Andy Moog recorded his 26th career shutout (and first with Montreal) in the Canadiens' 3-0 win at Pittsburgh. Vladimir Malakov had three assists in the game

and just for Nordiques fans..

1988- Quebec Nordiques' rookie Joe Sakic scored the first goal of his NHL career, in a 5-3 loss to the visiting New Jersey Devils.