During the NHL’s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for March 17th, featuring Maurice Richard.
Today in Hockey History
Maurice Richard Rockets to 50 in Season
1945: The Rocket is the first to score 50 goals in a season after getting the tying goal in the Montreal Canadiens 4-2 win over the Boston Bruins. Richard scored off a pass from Elmer Lach to beat Bruins’ goalie Harvey Bennett.
The Montreal great would assist on the game-winner by Toe Blake. Richard is the first to get 50 goals in a 50-game season. There wouldn’t be another 50-goal scorer until Bernie Geoffrion did it in 1961. Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders would be the next to get 50 in 50 in 1980-81.
Other Notable Events
1892: Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley proposes the creation of what would be the Stanley Cup. The Cup would be handed out for the first time the next year.
1944: Montreal becomes the first team to go unbeaten at home with an 11-2 rout of the New York Rangers. The Habs go 22-0-3 (ties) at the Forum and go onto win the Stanley Cup.
1956: The Canadiens set the single-season win record with 45 after a 3-1 win over the Rangers. Montreal eclipses the record set by the Detroit Red Wings of 44 in 1950-51. Bert Olmstead sets a record for most assists by a left-wing with 56.
1971: Buffalo Sabres forward Gilbert Perreault sets the rookie record for goals with 35 in a 5-3 loss to the St. Louis Blues. He passes Nels Stewart of the Montreal Maroons, Danny Grant of the Minnesota North Stars and Norm Ferguson of the Oakland Seals.
1973: Bobby Orr of the Bruins gets his 600th career point in his 461st game. The B’s would down the Atlanta Flames, 7-1, in the game.
1987: Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins gets a goal and two assists as they beat the Blues, 5-4. Super Mario is the fourth player to get 100 points or more in his first three seasons.
1996: Wayne Gretzky gets his 1,000th career goal (NHL and WHA) as the Blues beat the Los Angeles Kings, 3-1. Only Gordie Howe has also reached that feat.
2000: Ray Bourque of the Colorado Avalanche is the first defenceman to score 400 career goals as the Avs fall 4-3 to the Red Wings.
Happy Birthday to You
1938: Bob Nevin
1948: Guy Lapointe
1960: Guy Carbonneau
1975: Kimmo Timonen
1977: Zdeno Chara
1986: Cory Schneider
