Which NHL coach led the Montreal Canadiens to five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1960? Toe Blake was the Canadiens' head coach during that record-setting run.
Blake took over behind the Montreal bench for the 1955–56 season after a distinguished playing career with the Canadiens. His teams won the Stanley Cup in 1956, 1957, 1958, 1959 and 1960, establishing the NHL's record for five consecutive championships. The 1960 title came with a four-game sweep of the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The dynasty featured a remarkable core, including Maurice “Rocket” Richard, Jean Béliveau, Bernie Geoffrion, Doug Harvey, Dickie Moore, Henri Richard and goaltender Jacques Plante. Blake's playing background also connected him to Montreal's famous “Punch Line,” alongside Richard and Elmer Lach.
Scotty Bowman is a common mix-up because he later coached Montreal to five Stanley Cups in the 1970s. Those championships were not the five straight won from 1956 through 1960; that earlier dynasty belonged to Blake.