This Day in Hockey History – December 12, 1953 – Rocket to the Top

To the Montreal Canadiens, Maurice “Rocket” Richard was a great among greats. Throughout the beginning of the 1953-54 season, he already had the most goals for his team (16) and the most goals of all-time (over 325). With his goal and two assists on December 12, 1953, he reached 611 points to set the new NHL scoring record.

At the Forum, the game started off better for the New York Rangers, who led 2-1 after the first period. However, those were the only goals the Rangers would score, while the Canadiens and their first goal scorer, Ken Mosdell, would continue to score. During both the second and third periods, the Canadiens had a “three-goal outburst.” Dink Carroll described the tying and winning goals for the Montreal Gazette. “The Rocket set up the first one [at 4:11 in the second period] when he centred the puck for Ken Mosdell and the latter notched his second counter of the night. Then [at 5:26] the Rocket scored by netting his own rebound with Calum MacKay and Doug Harvey being credited with assists.” During this period, Canadiens defenseman Jean Belliveau was sent to the hospital with a fractured cheek bone from being sent to the ice by goalie Johnny Bower “trying to shove a jam from the goalmouth.” Richard earned his final assist on the second-to-last goal of the night, Calum Mackay’s at 9:34 in the third.

The Canadiens had expected Bernie “Boom Boom” Geoffrion to fare well (as he always seemed to) against the Rangers. He had 27 points so far for the season, which put him second only to Gordie Howe’s 32 points. Richard was in fifth with 24 points. Geoffrion kept up with Richard in points for the game by scoring two goals and earning one assist (on Paul Masnick’s goal).

All in all, the teams were matched with three minor penalties apiece, but the Canadiens outshot the Rangers 36-22. In the end, the Candiens defeated the visiting Rangers 7-2. They had earned their 15th straight home game and remained at the top of the standings.

According to sportswriter Trent Frayne, “Richard scored goals from all angles and positions.” The Rocket led the NHL in goal-scoring five times, was the first to score 50 goals in 50 games, and was the first to score 500 goals. When he retired in 1960, he had 544 goals (and 421 assists for 965 points). He held the NHL scoring record until late 1963, when Gordie Howe scored his 545th goal. Richard’s scoring accomplishments are remembered through the Maurice Richard Trophy, annually awarded (since 1999) to the NHL’s leading goal-scorer. Richard reminded everyone, “What counted above all is that I worked hard. I set a good example. I helped other players.”

 Additional Sources:

• “Habs Seek 15th Home Win; Geoffrion Second In Scoring,” Montreal Gazette, 12 Dec. 1953, p. 10.
• “Canadiens Rip Rangers, 7-2,” New York Daily News, 13 Dec. 1953, p. 120.
• Dink Carroll, “Mosdell, Geoffrion Lead Attack With 2 Goals Each; 15th Home Win,” Montreal Gazette, 14 Dec. 1953, p. 24.