MONTREAL — Ken Dryden, the Hall of Fame goaltender who helped the Montreal Canadiens win six Stanley Cup titles in the 1970s, died Friday after a fight with cancer. He was 78.

The Canadiens announced his death, saying Mr. Dryden’s family asked for privacy. A team spokesperson said a close friend of Mr. Dryden’s appointed by the family contacted the organization, adding he died peacefully at his home.

“Ken Dryden was an exceptional athlete, but he was also an exceptional man,” Canadiens owner Geoff Molson said. “Behind the mask he was larger than life. We mourn today not only the loss of the cornerstone of one of hockey’s greatest dynasties but also a family man, a thoughtful citizen and a gentleman who deeply impacted our lives and communities across generations.”

Mr. Dryden backstopped

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