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50 / 50
In Boston, March 18, 1945, Richard becomes the first player to score 50 goals in 50 games
(“50/50”). It will be almost another 40 years
until another player (Mike Bossy)does the same.
45 on the Way to 50
The old record for most goals scored in a single season had been 44,
set by Joe Malone (a former Canadien) in 1918. Malone is in the stands
at the Forum when The Rocket breaks his record on February 25, 1944,
scoring number 45 against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Leafs have done
everything they can to prevent it. Their defensemen dog Richard, and
goalie Frank McCool is extra sharp. All through the game, 14,000 fans
rise to their feet every time The Rocket rushes the net, and sit down
again disappointed. Then with four minutes to go, Toe Blake flips a
pass to Richard in the Toronto zone. The Rocket one-times the puck
the second it hits his stick and scores. It takes the fans about a
second to realize what has happened, and then they erupt. The game
doesn't get back underway for 15 minutes. |
