1936–37 Montreal Canadiens season

After coach Cecil Hart and Howie Morenz returned to the club, the Canadiens placed first in the Canadian Division and qualified for the playoffs.

Montreal met and lost to eventual Stanley Cup champion Detroit Red Wings in the semi-finals.

On one of his hurtling rushes, he was being checked by Earl Seibert of Chicago when his left skate got caught in the dasher of the end boards, and Morenz suffered a badly fractured leg.

News of Morenz's death shocked the hockey world, and thousands filed past his bier, many in tears, to pay their last respects.

As champions of the Canadian division, the Canadiens proceeded directly to the semi-final against the Detroit Red Wings.

two men, one in suit, one in hockey uniform, look at the hockey equipment of a player in the dressing room.
Manager Hart and team-mate Aurele Joliat in the Canadiens' dressing room after learning of Morenz' death.