Dynasties : The Habs vs. The King

MONTREAL - Making the finals once is nice, and sure, twice is even nicer. But how about seven times -- in a row?

That's the incredible feat NBA superstar LeBron James has achieved this spring.
On Thursday, the 32-year-old will hit the hardcourt for a seventh-consecutive NBA Finals as he looks to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy for the fourth time in his career.
The unbelievable streak dates back to his three most recent appearances with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the four prior to that with the Miami Heat.
It's a term typically reserved for teams, but is the 13-time NBA All-Star a dynasty in himself?
He joins select company in making a case to be an exception to the rule.
In comparison, the Canadiens' dynasty of the 1950s took part in 10-consecutive Stanley Cup Finals between 1950-51 and 1959-60 -- winning the title six times.

Four players were there for the entire ride -- Doug Harvey, Bernard Geoffrion, Tom Johnson, and Maurice Richard (Richard did not play in the 1954-55 playoffs however, due to his suspension) -- while eight others took part in at least seven championship series in a row: Dickie Moore (nine), Jacques Plante, Bert Olmstead, Floyd Curry, and Gerry McNeil (eight) and Jean Beliveau, Dollard St-Laurent, and Ken Mosdell (seven).
Plus, just like James and the Cavaliers, who meet the Golden State Warriors in the Finals for a third-consecutive year this season, the Habs were also accustomed to meeting a familiar face during their decade of Stanley Cup appearances.
Montreal and Detroit met in the NHL's championship series four times during the '50s, including three times in a row between 1954 and 1956.
King James' exploit is nevertheless even more impressive in today's 30-team NBA versus during the NHL's Original Six era.
The former high school All-Ohio wide receiver once jokingly "offered his services" to the NFL's Cleveland Browns, but we can't help but wonder if the 6-foot-8 forward would be willing to take his talents to a colder playing surface?