When Ken Dryden debuted with the Montreal Canadiens late in the 1970-71 season, few fans realized he was a player about to make history. And it would come long before Dryden won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP that spring, the first rookie to do so.

Dryden joined the Canadiens to get a taste of the NHL so that he could essentially serve as veteran Rogie Vachon's backup in post-season play. In this third start, he got himself into the record books for a feat that will likely never be matched, and he had his brother to thank, or perhaps to blame.

In a March 20, 1971 game against the Buffalo Sabres, Dryden found himself on the bench as Vachon took his regular spot between the pipes. That changed in the second period, when Vachon was injured and had to be replaced by Dryden.

As soon as the new Canadiens netminder took his place on the ice, Buffalo coach Punch Imlach called a timeout and decided he could also replace his goaltender with a guy named Dryden, Ken's older brother, Dave. That marked the first and only time in league history that two brothers have faced each other from opposite ends of the ice.

Years later, Ken Dryden reflected on the historic encounter, which the Canadiens won 5-2, by saying it was hardly one of his favorite memories.

"I had played only two previous NHL games and seeing Dave in the other goal was a distraction I didn't want or need," Dryden said. "I didn't enjoy that game very much."

Many others did however, because it was one of the great moments in hockey history that took place during the week of March 20-26.

March 20

Paul Coffey gave his team a fourth forward on the ice.(Allsport)

Paul Coffey is in the twilight of an NHL career that will surely land him in the Hall of Fame. Through 20 remarkable seasons, he has revolutionized the role of the offensive defenseman more than anybody since Bobby Orr and has laid claim to several individual records in the process. One of those records was set on this date in 1989 when Coffey scored his 100th point of the season for Pittsburgh, making him the first defenseman to reach that plateau with two teams. Coffey scored at least 100 points three times with Edmonton.

March 21

Lanny McDonald knew his way around the net.(Allsport)

Maybe it has to do with spring being in the air, but this date in history saw significant milestones reached by two pairs of players on different teams. In 1989, Calgary's Lanny McDonald scored his 500th career goal in a game when teammate Joe Nieuwendyk became only the third player to score 50 goals in each of his first two seasons. Then in 1993, Pittsburgh's Mario Lemieux and Kevin Stevens became the first teammates to reach 50 goals in a season during the same game.

March 22

Eddie Johnston could have used a breather.(Provided to SportsLine)

When his second season with the Boston Bruins came to an end on this date in 1964, goaltender Eddie Johnston could have been excused for letting out a big sigh of relief. Not only did Boston finish dead last, more than 20 points away from a playoff spot, but Johnston played every minute of all 70 Bruins games. It made him the last goaltender in history to handle all of his team's netminding duties in one season.

March 23

Wayne Gretzky holds every major scoring record in hockey.(Allsport)

From the day he first played in the NHL, most people knew it would only be a matter of time for Wayne Gretzky to become the greatest scorer in league's history. The moment took place officially on this date in 1994 while Gretzky was playing for the Los Angeles Kings. During a home game against Vancouver, Gretzky beat Kirk MacLean for his 802nd goal, surpassing the mark established by his idol, Gordie Howe. Gretzky finished his career with 894 regular-season goals, and another 122 in the playoffs.

March 24

'Mud' Bruneteau's goal sent Detroit to its first Stanley Cup victory.(Provided to SportsLine)

Fans sometimes grumble that they don't get their money's worth at hockey games, but there was no such sentiment after the playoff game that concluded on this date in 1936. That's because the game between the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Maroons started the night before. After 116 minutes, and 30 of overtime -- nearly six periods of extra play -- and five hours, 51 minutes after the opening faceoff, Detroit's Madore 'Mud' Bruneteau scored to give his team a 1-0 victory and a berth in the Stanley Cup Final against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Red Wings went on to capture their first Stanley Cup that season.

March 25

Guy Lafleur liked things fast.(Allsport)

He was a hero to millions of French-Canadiens because of the way he would streak down the ice, but Guy Lafleur also had a penchant for living in the fast lane when the game was over. And it almost cost him his life on this date in 1981. After a night of partying in downtown Montreal, Lafleur was driving home when he reportedly fell asleep at the wheel of his car. He crashed into an electrical pole which split his car in two. Miraculously, Lafleur survived, promising to take things a lot more slowly, except when he played.

March 26

Neal Broten was a hometown hero with the North Stars.(Allsport)

Neal Broten had an outstanding 17-year NHL career which began after he played on the gold-medal winning 1980 U.S. Olympic. The former Hobey Baker winner as the top collegiate player spent most of his career with the Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars but also played for New Jersey and Los Angeles and will be remembered for being one of the greatest American offensive forces ever to play the game. He proved that on this date in 1986 when he assisted on two goals during a 6-1 Minnesota win over Toronto, making him the first U.S.-born player to score 100 points in a season.

Historical photos courtesy of Hockeyonline.com