This Day in Hockey History – November 8, 1942 and 1952 – Richard Richer in Goals

Nov 7, 2019

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For good reason, the Maurice Richard Trophy has been given annually to the NHL’s leading goal-scorer. Maurice Richard earned a reputation for scoring goals, starting from his very first NHL goal on November 8, 1942 through his record-breaking 325th goal scored exactly ten years later. Both games were played at Montreal’s Forum, home of his Canadiens. He scored a goal and an assist for Elmer Lach in each game.

In 1942, at the age of 21, Richard scored an assist in his first game with the Montreal Canadians and then a goal and an assist in his second. It was the start of a very productive NHL career.

Montreal hosted the New York Rangers for a crowd of about 10,000. On November 7, the Rangers had hosted and won 4-3. A day later, the Canadiens had their revenge (and then some) with a 10-4 victory. Most of the scoring was done by Buddy O’Connor and Gordie Drillon, who each tallied six points. O’Connor set a record with four assists in one period.

The first goal of the night was scored by Elmer Lach, with Richard’s assistance. Nearly a year later, the two would be put together (with Toe Blake) on the famous “Punch Line.” Their chemistry showed as of 3:07 of the first period of Richard’s second NHL game.

The Habs led 4-1 at 9:11 of the second period when Richard netted his initial goal. Although new to the team, the press raved about his “electrifying end-to-end rush” that became the feature play of the night and earned his place as a star of the game. Per the Montreal Gazette’s description, “Richard picked up the puck near his own goalmouth, broke fast and came up the centre of the ice under a full head of steam, swerved around the Rangers’ defence and coasted in on Steve Buzinski. His backhand shot lodged in the upper corner of the net, completely fooling the goalie. It was an end-to-end effort reminiscent of the feats of Howie Morenz, and the full house accorded the youngster a roar of acclaim that lasted for minutes.”

Ten years later, on November 8, 1952, the Forum hosted the Chicago Blackhawks for a crowd of 14,562, “who shook the building with their shouts and pelted debris down on the ice.” Montreal won 6-4 thanks to The Rocket’s two second-period points. The teams were tied at the end of the first period, and in the second, Chicago scored only to see Montreal match a little over a minute later.

At 9:29 of the second session, Elmer Lach scored his 200th goal with an assist from Richard. The Rocket “took a pass from Doug Harvey and battled his way in close so that all Evergreen Elmer had to do was slap it into the net.” At that, reported the Gazette, “There was a big uproar as the crowd acclaimed Elmer’s entry into the 200-goal club. Richard commented, “I’m glad Elmer got his 200th goal. It’s been an honor and privilege to play with him all these years.”

However, the Gazette crowed, “It had hardly quieted down when The Rocket notched his own record-breaker 50 seconds later.” At 10:01, “Butch Bouchard fed him the puck and he fired a backhander from fairly well out, which Al Rollins got a piece of but allowed to trickle through.”

Richard had scored his 325th goal to surpass Nels Stewart for the all-time goal leader. Stewart had retired in 1940 with 324 goals. He wired Richard before the game ended, stating, “Congratulations on breaking the record. Hope you will hold it for many seasons. Best of luck to you, Frank Selke, Dick Irvin and the rest of the boys through the season.” Overwhelmed, The Rocket remarked, “It was the greatest thrill of my hockey career, but I’m glad it’s over. Too much pressure.”

Play paused for the celebration. According to the Gazette, “When the red light flashed it was the signal for the ovation which the fans had been waiting to give The Rocket through three previous games. A great shout went up, flash bulbs went off, and play was halted while The Rocket recovered the puck and took it over to Dick Irvin on Canadiens’ bench. His teammates pounded him gleefully on the back.”

Selke explained that the record-breaking puck would be decorated with an image of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip based on a photo of them attending a Canadiens game the previous season. The other side would feature Richard and the record date. Once decorated, the puck would be sent to Queen Elizabeth.

The Rocket retired in 1960 holding the goal-scoring record with 544 goals. On November 10, 1963, eleven years and two days after Richard originally broke the record, Gordie Howe surpassed Richard by scoring 545. Richard remains 31st in the all-time list of goal-scorers.