Claim: During the 1944–45 Montreal Canadiens season was their 36th season and they were first in their division followed by the Red Wings  but lost in the semi-finals.
Evidence: The 1944–45 Montreal Canadiens season was the Canadiens' 36th season. National Hockey League Montreal Canadiens 1 Detroit Red Wings 2 The Canadiens placed first in the regular season, but lost to the Toronto Maple Leafs in the semi-finals.