In the late 70s and early 80s, there was no better defenceman for the Montreal Canadiens than Larry Robinson. The undisputed numbers two and three, and closing in fast, were Rod Langway (drafted 26th overall by the Canadiens in 1977) and Brian Engblom (selected 22nd in 1975).
From 1978 to 1982, they were consistently second and third in scoring among defencemen for the team, providing the club with a stabilizing force on the back end, and the heirs apparent on defence.
La Presse named Engblom “the most consistent defenceman” at the end of the 1981-82 season.