Well, this project is over, after about eight months.
Thanks to everyone who followed along!
I'd never played so much tabletop hockey in the summer before; this was quite a change for me, but also very enjoyable.
I must admit to "project fatigue" as I neared the end. But a thrilling seven-game Finals series helped push me over the hump.
Again, thanks to everyone who visited this page and who commented on the Delphi forums!
On to the next!
Tuesday, September 27, 2016
Finals Game 7: Boston 4 at Montreal 3
Boston Bruins raced out to a 2-0 first period lead and rode that to complete an improbable comeback from a 3-0 series deficit to defeat Montreal Canadiens, 4-3 at the Forum and capture the Stanley Cup in seven games.
The monumental upset was made even more amazing considering how dominant Canadiens were in the regular season and in the first eight games of the playoffs, of which they won seven.
But Bruins never gave up after losing the first three games of the Finals, including a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 2.
In Game 7, red-hot Real Chevrefils opened the scoring with a power play goal at 3:35 of the first period. It was Chevrefils' seventh goal of the series.
Bob Armstrong scored on a slap shot from between the circles at 10:09 to make the score 2-0 while the Forum crowd murmured nervously.
Dickie Moore drew Habs to within 2-1 with a wrist shot at 9:25 of the second period, and for several minutes, Canadiens fed off the energy of the crowd and buzzed goalie Terry Sawchuk, who played another brilliant game.
But Bruins held and quieted the crowd when Larry Regan slipped a shot between Jacques Plante's pads at 16:45.
Perhaps the dagger was when Bruins scored 45 seconds later as Vic Stasiuk completed a 3-on-2 from Don McKenney and Jack Bionda at 17:30.
Playing desperate, Canadiens fired 19 shots at Sawchuk in the third period. Bruins managed just four shots as they hung on for dear life.
Bert Olmstead (11:19) and Moore (PPG, 14:57) made the score 4-3.
With the crowd on its feet urging Canadiens to get the tying marker, Bruins prevented Habs from pulling Plante for an extra attacker, keeping the puck hemmed deep in the Montreal zone for most of the final 90 seconds.
Sawchuk was narrowly named Conn Smythe Trophy winner (MVP of the playoffs) over Chevrefils.
1st Period
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell) PPG 3:35
BOS- Armstrong (Stasiuk, McKenney) 10:09
2nd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, Talbot) 9:25
BOS- Regan (McKenney, Boivin) 16:45
BOS- Stasiuk (McKenney, Bionda) 17:30
3rd Period
MON- Olmstead (H. Richard, Provost) 11:19
MON- Moore (Johnson, Beliveau) PPG 14:57
SOG
BOS 12-12-4 = 28
MON 10-10-19 = 39
PP
BOS 1-3; MON 1-2
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
From left, Peirson, MacKell, backup goalie DeFelice and Labine celebrate in Bruins' locker room after Game 7
The monumental upset was made even more amazing considering how dominant Canadiens were in the regular season and in the first eight games of the playoffs, of which they won seven.
But Bruins never gave up after losing the first three games of the Finals, including a heartbreaking overtime loss in Game 2.
In Game 7, red-hot Real Chevrefils opened the scoring with a power play goal at 3:35 of the first period. It was Chevrefils' seventh goal of the series.
Bob Armstrong scored on a slap shot from between the circles at 10:09 to make the score 2-0 while the Forum crowd murmured nervously.
Dickie Moore drew Habs to within 2-1 with a wrist shot at 9:25 of the second period, and for several minutes, Canadiens fed off the energy of the crowd and buzzed goalie Terry Sawchuk, who played another brilliant game.
But Bruins held and quieted the crowd when Larry Regan slipped a shot between Jacques Plante's pads at 16:45.
Perhaps the dagger was when Bruins scored 45 seconds later as Vic Stasiuk completed a 3-on-2 from Don McKenney and Jack Bionda at 17:30.
Playing desperate, Canadiens fired 19 shots at Sawchuk in the third period. Bruins managed just four shots as they hung on for dear life.
Bert Olmstead (11:19) and Moore (PPG, 14:57) made the score 4-3.
With the crowd on its feet urging Canadiens to get the tying marker, Bruins prevented Habs from pulling Plante for an extra attacker, keeping the puck hemmed deep in the Montreal zone for most of the final 90 seconds.
Sawchuk was narrowly named Conn Smythe Trophy winner (MVP of the playoffs) over Chevrefils.
1st Period
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell) PPG 3:35
BOS- Armstrong (Stasiuk, McKenney) 10:09
2nd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, Talbot) 9:25
BOS- Regan (McKenney, Boivin) 16:45
BOS- Stasiuk (McKenney, Bionda) 17:30
3rd Period
MON- Olmstead (H. Richard, Provost) 11:19
MON- Moore (Johnson, Beliveau) PPG 14:57
SOG
BOS 12-12-4 = 28
MON 10-10-19 = 39
PP
BOS 1-3; MON 1-2
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
From left, Peirson, MacKell, backup goalie DeFelice and Labine celebrate in Bruins' locker room after Game 7
Tuesday, September 20, 2016
Finals Game 6: Montreal 2 at Boston 5
Real Chevrefils scored a hat trick and added an assist, continuing his torrid pace in the series, and Boston Bruins did the improbable---forcing a Game 7 after losing the first three games---with a 5-2 victory over Montreal Canadiens in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Boston Garden.
Chevrefils, who had a very disappointing regular season (3 G, 8 A), has six goals and three assists in the Finals.
Once again, Boston goalie Terry Sawchuk outplayed his counterpart, Jacques Plante, who surrendered two very suspect goals.
Montreal's Bert Olmstead opened the scoring with a goal at 3:35 of the second period. But the team that has scored the first goal is only 3-3 in the series.
Bruins responded with five unanswered goals, including three in the second period within 11 minutes.
Chevrefils scored the tying goal at 6:18 of the second period, and he completed the hat trick with two goals in the third period to make the score 5-1.
Canadiens were outplayed for most of the game and managed just 22 shots on goal. But still, Sawchuk had to make several big saves, whereas Plante didn't help his team's cause as much.
Game 7 will be played at the Montreal Forum on Thursday.
1st Period
No scoring
2nd Period
MON- Olmstead (Provost, Talbot) PPG 3:35
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell) 6:18
BOS- McKenney (Regan, Flaman) 9:18
BOS- Flaman (Chevrefils) PPG 17:50
3rd Period
BOS- Chevrefils (unassisted) 4:30
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell) 11:19
MON- Provost (Olmstead, H. Richard) 12:40
SOG
MON 6-7-9 = 22
BOS 10-15-15 = 40
PP
MON 1-2; BOS 1-4
Goalies
MON- Plante
BOS- Sawchuk
Chevrefils, who had a very disappointing regular season (3 G, 8 A), has six goals and three assists in the Finals.
Once again, Boston goalie Terry Sawchuk outplayed his counterpart, Jacques Plante, who surrendered two very suspect goals.
Montreal's Bert Olmstead opened the scoring with a goal at 3:35 of the second period. But the team that has scored the first goal is only 3-3 in the series.
Bruins responded with five unanswered goals, including three in the second period within 11 minutes.
Chevrefils scored the tying goal at 6:18 of the second period, and he completed the hat trick with two goals in the third period to make the score 5-1.
Canadiens were outplayed for most of the game and managed just 22 shots on goal. But still, Sawchuk had to make several big saves, whereas Plante didn't help his team's cause as much.
Game 7 will be played at the Montreal Forum on Thursday.
1st Period
No scoring
2nd Period
MON- Olmstead (Provost, Talbot) PPG 3:35
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell) 6:18
BOS- McKenney (Regan, Flaman) 9:18
BOS- Flaman (Chevrefils) PPG 17:50
3rd Period
BOS- Chevrefils (unassisted) 4:30
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell) 11:19
MON- Provost (Olmstead, H. Richard) 12:40
SOG
MON 6-7-9 = 22
BOS 10-15-15 = 40
PP
MON 1-2; BOS 1-4
Goalies
MON- Plante
BOS- Sawchuk
Friday, September 16, 2016
Finals Game 5: Boston 3 at Montreal 2
Terry Sawchuk made 37 saves as Boston Bruins once again delayed Montreal Canadiens' Stanley Cup celebration with a 3-2 victory in Game 5 at the Forum.
Canadiens now lead the series 3-2 after winning the first three games.
Game 6 will be in Boston on Sunday.
Fleming MacKell scored at 1:45 of the third period to give Bruins a 3-1 lead. After that, Canadiens put relentless pressure on Bruins and Sawchuk. Montreal fired 21 shots on goal at the Boston net in the third period.
Doug Harvey scored at 7:15 to make the score 3-2, and Bruins held on for dear life the rest of the way, as they only managed three shots in the period.
Canadiens went on the power play at 16:45 and pulled goalie Jacques Plante toward the end of the power play for a two-man advantage. But Sawchuk was up to the task, turning away shot after shot.
The game ended with Canadiens players bent over in disbelief that they couldn't score the tying marker, especially since Montreal has owned the third period throughout the playoffs.
Bud MacPherson's first goal of the playoffs at 18:00 of the first period opened the scoring.
Bruins scored twice in the second period---Doug Mohns at 2:00 and Allan Stanley at 16:46.
1st Period
MON- MacPherson (Olmstead, H. Richard) 18:00
2nd Period
BOS- Mohns (Peirson) 2:00
BOS- Stanley (Peirson, Gardner) 16:46
3rd Period
BOS- MacKell (Armstrong, Chevrefils) 1:45
MON- Harvey (Beliveau, M. Richard) 7:15
SOG
BOS 12-12-3 = 27
MON 9-9-21 = 39
PP
BOS 0-3; MON 0-1
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Sawchuk stones Maurice Richard during Game 5, in which the Boston goalie made 37 saves
Canadiens now lead the series 3-2 after winning the first three games.
Game 6 will be in Boston on Sunday.
Fleming MacKell scored at 1:45 of the third period to give Bruins a 3-1 lead. After that, Canadiens put relentless pressure on Bruins and Sawchuk. Montreal fired 21 shots on goal at the Boston net in the third period.
Doug Harvey scored at 7:15 to make the score 3-2, and Bruins held on for dear life the rest of the way, as they only managed three shots in the period.
Canadiens went on the power play at 16:45 and pulled goalie Jacques Plante toward the end of the power play for a two-man advantage. But Sawchuk was up to the task, turning away shot after shot.
The game ended with Canadiens players bent over in disbelief that they couldn't score the tying marker, especially since Montreal has owned the third period throughout the playoffs.
Bud MacPherson's first goal of the playoffs at 18:00 of the first period opened the scoring.
Bruins scored twice in the second period---Doug Mohns at 2:00 and Allan Stanley at 16:46.
1st Period
MON- MacPherson (Olmstead, H. Richard) 18:00
2nd Period
BOS- Mohns (Peirson) 2:00
BOS- Stanley (Peirson, Gardner) 16:46
3rd Period
BOS- MacKell (Armstrong, Chevrefils) 1:45
MON- Harvey (Beliveau, M. Richard) 7:15
SOG
BOS 12-12-3 = 27
MON 9-9-21 = 39
PP
BOS 0-3; MON 0-1
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Sawchuk stones Maurice Richard during Game 5, in which the Boston goalie made 37 saves
Saturday, September 10, 2016
Finals Game 4: Montreal 1 at Boston 4
Real Chevrefils scored two goals as Boston Bruins staved off elimination with a 4-1 victory over Montreal Canadiens in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals at Boston Garden.
Canadiens scored first when Henri Richard, on the power play, deflected Bert Olmstead's shot past Terry Sawchuk at 3:07 of the first period,
Chevrefils tied the game at 14:05, then Bruins totally dominated the second period.
Boston fired 16 shots at Jacques Plante while Canadiens only managed three at Sawchuk. Bruins scored twice in the frame: Allan Stanley with a deflection at 5:28 and Chevrefils struck again about a minute later to make the score 3-1.
Larry Regan scored at 4:36 of the third period.
The series shifts to Montreal for Game 5 on Monday.
Canadiens scored on their third shot of the game, but Sawchuk turned away the next 22.
1st Period
MON- H. Richard (Olmstead, Provost) PPG 3:07
BOS- Chevrefils (Labine, Armstrong) 14:05
2nd Period
BOS- Stanley (Toppazzini, Flaman) 5:28
BOS- Chevrefils (Labine, MacKell) 6:30
3rd Period
BOS- Regan (Armstrong, McKenney) 4:36
SOG
MON 9-3-13 = 25
BOS 11-16-8 = 35
PP
MON 1-1; BOS 0-2
Goalies
MON- Plante
BOS- Sawchuk
Chevrefils, who had an uneven regular season, has been more productive in the playoffs
Canadiens scored first when Henri Richard, on the power play, deflected Bert Olmstead's shot past Terry Sawchuk at 3:07 of the first period,
Chevrefils tied the game at 14:05, then Bruins totally dominated the second period.
Boston fired 16 shots at Jacques Plante while Canadiens only managed three at Sawchuk. Bruins scored twice in the frame: Allan Stanley with a deflection at 5:28 and Chevrefils struck again about a minute later to make the score 3-1.
Larry Regan scored at 4:36 of the third period.
The series shifts to Montreal for Game 5 on Monday.
Canadiens scored on their third shot of the game, but Sawchuk turned away the next 22.
1st Period
MON- H. Richard (Olmstead, Provost) PPG 3:07
BOS- Chevrefils (Labine, Armstrong) 14:05
2nd Period
BOS- Stanley (Toppazzini, Flaman) 5:28
BOS- Chevrefils (Labine, MacKell) 6:30
3rd Period
BOS- Regan (Armstrong, McKenney) 4:36
SOG
MON 9-3-13 = 25
BOS 11-16-8 = 35
PP
MON 1-1; BOS 0-2
Goalies
MON- Plante
BOS- Sawchuk
Chevrefils, who had an uneven regular season, has been more productive in the playoffs
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
Finals Game 3: Montreal 5 at Boston 2
Maurice Richard continued his torrid pace in the Finals, scoring two more goals---both on the power play---and assisting on a third, as Montreal Canadiens edged closer to the Stanley Cup with a 5-2 victory in Game 3 over Boston Bruins at Boston Garden.
Canadiens lead the series 3-0 and can clinch the Cup in Boston on Wednesday.
Richard has four goals in the series.
As has happened so often in the playoffs, Canadiens found themselves tied after two periods, but took control in the third period.
Richard's second goal came at 2:17 of the third period and put Canadiens ahead, 3-2.
The nail in Bruins' coffin came at 15:09, when Dickie Moore scored a power play marker to make the score 4-2.
Claude Provost rounded out the scoring a little over a minute later.
Bruins, who came within a minute of winning Game 2 before allowing the tying goal and subsequently losing in overtime, never led in Game 3 but twice battled back to tie the game.
Canadiens posted a distinct shots on goal advantage, 39-25, and they connected on three of their five power play chances after being shutout in that category in the first two games of the series.
Bruins spent most of the final 40 minutes chasing the puck, and they appeared tired in the second half of the third period.
The Richard-Jean Beliveau-Moore line, after being held off the score sheet in Game 1, have responded with two straight strong games. The line was in on three goals in Game 3 after being involved in two goals in Game 2.
Defenseman Doug Harvey notched three more assists, giving him five in the last two games.
Beliveau not only contributed an assist, but he was involved in two fights as well.
1st Period
MON- Pronovost (Turner, Goyette) 5:29
BOS- MacKell (Flaman, Labine) PPG 9:17
2nd Period
MON- M. Richard (Beliveau, Harvey) PPG 3:26
BOS- Peirson (Mohns, Armstrong) 18:08
3rd Period
MON- M. Richard (Harvey) PPG 2:17
MON- Moore (M. Richard, Harvey) PPG 15:09
MON- Provost (H. Richard, Olmstead) 16:20
SOG
MON 9-15-15 = 39
BOS 10-7-8 = 25
PP
MON 3-5; BOS 1-2
Fights
Beliveau (MON), Stanley (BOS) 15:00 1st period; Beliveau (MON), Boivin (BOS) 8:38 3rd period.
Goalies
MON- Plante
BOS- Sawchuk
Harvey has five assists in the Finals
Canadiens lead the series 3-0 and can clinch the Cup in Boston on Wednesday.
Richard has four goals in the series.
As has happened so often in the playoffs, Canadiens found themselves tied after two periods, but took control in the third period.
Richard's second goal came at 2:17 of the third period and put Canadiens ahead, 3-2.
The nail in Bruins' coffin came at 15:09, when Dickie Moore scored a power play marker to make the score 4-2.
Claude Provost rounded out the scoring a little over a minute later.
Bruins, who came within a minute of winning Game 2 before allowing the tying goal and subsequently losing in overtime, never led in Game 3 but twice battled back to tie the game.
Canadiens posted a distinct shots on goal advantage, 39-25, and they connected on three of their five power play chances after being shutout in that category in the first two games of the series.
Bruins spent most of the final 40 minutes chasing the puck, and they appeared tired in the second half of the third period.
The Richard-Jean Beliveau-Moore line, after being held off the score sheet in Game 1, have responded with two straight strong games. The line was in on three goals in Game 3 after being involved in two goals in Game 2.
Defenseman Doug Harvey notched three more assists, giving him five in the last two games.
Beliveau not only contributed an assist, but he was involved in two fights as well.
1st Period
MON- Pronovost (Turner, Goyette) 5:29
BOS- MacKell (Flaman, Labine) PPG 9:17
2nd Period
MON- M. Richard (Beliveau, Harvey) PPG 3:26
BOS- Peirson (Mohns, Armstrong) 18:08
3rd Period
MON- M. Richard (Harvey) PPG 2:17
MON- Moore (M. Richard, Harvey) PPG 15:09
MON- Provost (H. Richard, Olmstead) 16:20
SOG
MON 9-15-15 = 39
BOS 10-7-8 = 25
PP
MON 3-5; BOS 1-2
Fights
Beliveau (MON), Stanley (BOS) 15:00 1st period; Beliveau (MON), Boivin (BOS) 8:38 3rd period.
Goalies
MON- Plante
BOS- Sawchuk
Harvey has five assists in the Finals
Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Finals Game 2: Boston 3 at Montreal 4 (OT)
Maurice Richard scored two goals, including the tying marker with a minute remaining in the third period, and Jackie LeClair scored the game-winner in overtime as Montreal Canadiens barely survived Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Finals with a 4-3 victory over Boston Bruins at the Forum.
Canadiens take a 2-0 series lead to Boston, where Game 3 will be played on Friday.
Canadiens pulled goalie Jacques Plante for an extra attacker with about 90 seconds left in regulation and Habs pressured Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk relentlessly before Richard snapped a wrist shot through Sawchuk's legs at 18:59.
Bruins trailed 2-1 after two periods but scored twice by the 3:29 mark of the third period to take the lead.
The lead almost held up, but not quite, and now the series takes on a much different form than if Bruins had left Montreal 1-1.
Richard's first goal at 17:06 of the second period broke a 1-1 deadlock.
Montreal's Don Marshall scored just 1:11 after Boston's Real Chevrefils tallied in the first period, creating the 1-1 tie.
In overtime, LeClair settled into the high slot between the face off circles and Doug Harvey feathered a perfect pass that LeClair wristed under Sawchuk's right arm.
The game was evenly played, and that was reflected in the shots on goal (Boston 40, Montreal 39). Between them, the teams went 0-7 on the power play and have combined to fail on all 12 power play chances in the series, which has surprised many.
1st Period
BOS- Chevrefils (Stanley, Labine) 15:58
MON- Marshall (Harvey) 17:09
2nd Period
MON- M. Richard (Moore, Beliveau) 17:06
3rd Period
BOS- Caffery (Stanley, Toppazzini) 1:12
BOS- Labine (Chevrefils) 3:29
MON- M. Richard (Moore, Beliveau) 18:59
Overtime
MON- LeClair (Harvey, Johnson) 9:25
SOG
BOS 8-13-11-8 = 40
MON 11-8-12-8 = 39
PP
BOS 0-3; MON 0-4
Fights
Gardner (BOS), Olmstead (MON) 3:46 1st period
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Montreal's Doug Harvey moves the puck out of his own zone in Game 2 while goalie Jacques Plante shouts instructions
Canadiens take a 2-0 series lead to Boston, where Game 3 will be played on Friday.
Canadiens pulled goalie Jacques Plante for an extra attacker with about 90 seconds left in regulation and Habs pressured Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk relentlessly before Richard snapped a wrist shot through Sawchuk's legs at 18:59.
Bruins trailed 2-1 after two periods but scored twice by the 3:29 mark of the third period to take the lead.
The lead almost held up, but not quite, and now the series takes on a much different form than if Bruins had left Montreal 1-1.
Richard's first goal at 17:06 of the second period broke a 1-1 deadlock.
Montreal's Don Marshall scored just 1:11 after Boston's Real Chevrefils tallied in the first period, creating the 1-1 tie.
In overtime, LeClair settled into the high slot between the face off circles and Doug Harvey feathered a perfect pass that LeClair wristed under Sawchuk's right arm.
The game was evenly played, and that was reflected in the shots on goal (Boston 40, Montreal 39). Between them, the teams went 0-7 on the power play and have combined to fail on all 12 power play chances in the series, which has surprised many.
1st Period
BOS- Chevrefils (Stanley, Labine) 15:58
MON- Marshall (Harvey) 17:09
2nd Period
MON- M. Richard (Moore, Beliveau) 17:06
3rd Period
BOS- Caffery (Stanley, Toppazzini) 1:12
BOS- Labine (Chevrefils) 3:29
MON- M. Richard (Moore, Beliveau) 18:59
Overtime
MON- LeClair (Harvey, Johnson) 9:25
SOG
BOS 8-13-11-8 = 40
MON 11-8-12-8 = 39
PP
BOS 0-3; MON 0-4
Fights
Gardner (BOS), Olmstead (MON) 3:46 1st period
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Montreal's Doug Harvey moves the puck out of his own zone in Game 2 while goalie Jacques Plante shouts instructions
Monday, August 29, 2016
Finals Game 1: Boston 1 at Montreal 2
Montreal Canadiens took a 2-0 lead into the third period and held on for a 2-1 victory over Boston Bruins in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals at the Forum.
Henri Richard scored early in the first period and Murray Balfour scored late in the second period for Canadiens. Balfour's goal was his first goal of the season, regular season and playoffs included.
Don McKenney drew Bruins to within a goal with a slap shot from point blank range at 15:08 of the third period, but Canadiens held on to take a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2 will be in Montreal on Tuesday.
Richard deflected a Bert Olmstead shot past Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk, while Balfour fluttered a wrist shot from the point that eluded a screened Sawchuk.
Bruins got off to a slow start, managing just two shots on goal in the first period. Bruins picked up the pace to start the second period but the only goal of the frame was Balfour's.
Montreal goalie Jacques Plante made a brilliant save with under two minutes left in the game with Bruins pressing with an extra attacker. Boston's Real Chevrefils fired a wrist shot from the face off circle to Plante's right, and it was headed into the net until Plante jammed his right leg out and deflected the puck out of harm's way with the toe of his skate.
1st Period
MON- H. Richard (Olmstead, Turner) 2:15
2nd Period
MON- Balfour (Pronovost) 18:37
3rd Period
BOS- McKenney (Regan) 15:08
SOG
BOS 2-11-7 = 20
MON 13-9-9 = 31
PP
BOS 0-2; MON 0-3
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Montreal's Maurice Richard tries to elude Bruins defenders in Game 1
Henri Richard scored early in the first period and Murray Balfour scored late in the second period for Canadiens. Balfour's goal was his first goal of the season, regular season and playoffs included.
Don McKenney drew Bruins to within a goal with a slap shot from point blank range at 15:08 of the third period, but Canadiens held on to take a 1-0 series lead.
Game 2 will be in Montreal on Tuesday.
Richard deflected a Bert Olmstead shot past Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk, while Balfour fluttered a wrist shot from the point that eluded a screened Sawchuk.
Bruins got off to a slow start, managing just two shots on goal in the first period. Bruins picked up the pace to start the second period but the only goal of the frame was Balfour's.
Montreal goalie Jacques Plante made a brilliant save with under two minutes left in the game with Bruins pressing with an extra attacker. Boston's Real Chevrefils fired a wrist shot from the face off circle to Plante's right, and it was headed into the net until Plante jammed his right leg out and deflected the puck out of harm's way with the toe of his skate.
1st Period
MON- H. Richard (Olmstead, Turner) 2:15
2nd Period
MON- Balfour (Pronovost) 18:37
3rd Period
BOS- McKenney (Regan) 15:08
SOG
BOS 2-11-7 = 20
MON 13-9-9 = 31
PP
BOS 0-2; MON 0-3
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Montreal's Maurice Richard tries to elude Bruins defenders in Game 1
Tuesday, August 23, 2016
Semi-finals Game 6: Boston 5 at Toronto 0
Boston Bruins exploded for four goals in the second period, as they closed out Toronto Maple Leafs with a 5-0 victory in Game 6 of their semi-finals series.
Bruins will meet Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Finals after Habs eliminated Detroit Red Wings in five games.
Cal Gardner scored two goals and added an assist and Bob Armstrong chipped in with three assists for Bruins, who missed a chance to eliminate Toronto in Boston in Game 5 with an ugly loss, which also ended 5-0.
But Bruins jumped on Leafs early in Game 6 as Gardner scored just 1:45 into the first period, snapping a wrist shot from the faceoff circle to the left of goalie Ed Chadwick.
The second period was all Bruins.
Doug Mohns, Jack Bionda, Gardner again and Johnny Peirson all beat Chadwick. The last three goals were all scored within three minutes.
Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk made 35 saves as he posted the second straight shutout in the series, rebounding nicely from a rough Game 5.
Game 1 of the Cup Finals will be in Montreal on Saturday night.
1st Period
BOS- Gardner (Mohns) 1:45
2nd Period
BOS- Mohns (Armstrong) 1:55
BOS- Bionda (Regan, McKenney) 13:06
BOS- Gardner (Peirson, Armstrong) 15:19
BOS- Peirson (Armstrong, Gardner) 16:08
3rd Period
No scoring
SOG
BOS 8-15-5 = 28
TOR 13-10-12 = 35
PP
BOS 0-1; TOR 0-2
Fights
Mohns (BOS), Morrison (TOR) 7:27 3rd
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
TOR- Chadwick
Bruins goalie Sawchuk makes one of his 35 saves in a Game 6 shutout
Bruins will meet Montreal Canadiens in the Stanley Cup Finals after Habs eliminated Detroit Red Wings in five games.
Cal Gardner scored two goals and added an assist and Bob Armstrong chipped in with three assists for Bruins, who missed a chance to eliminate Toronto in Boston in Game 5 with an ugly loss, which also ended 5-0.
But Bruins jumped on Leafs early in Game 6 as Gardner scored just 1:45 into the first period, snapping a wrist shot from the faceoff circle to the left of goalie Ed Chadwick.
The second period was all Bruins.
Doug Mohns, Jack Bionda, Gardner again and Johnny Peirson all beat Chadwick. The last three goals were all scored within three minutes.
Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk made 35 saves as he posted the second straight shutout in the series, rebounding nicely from a rough Game 5.
Game 1 of the Cup Finals will be in Montreal on Saturday night.
1st Period
BOS- Gardner (Mohns) 1:45
2nd Period
BOS- Mohns (Armstrong) 1:55
BOS- Bionda (Regan, McKenney) 13:06
BOS- Gardner (Peirson, Armstrong) 15:19
BOS- Peirson (Armstrong, Gardner) 16:08
3rd Period
No scoring
SOG
BOS 8-15-5 = 28
TOR 13-10-12 = 35
PP
BOS 0-1; TOR 0-2
Fights
Mohns (BOS), Morrison (TOR) 7:27 3rd
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
TOR- Chadwick
Bruins goalie Sawchuk makes one of his 35 saves in a Game 6 shutout
Saturday, August 20, 2016
Semi-finals Game 5: Toronto 5 at Boston 0
Ted Kennedy scored two goals and Toronto Maple Leafs staved off playoff elimination in a big way with a 5-0, Game 5 victory over Boston Bruins at Boston Garden.
Maple Leafs trimmed the semi-finals series to a 3-2 Bruins advantage with Game 6 in Toronto on Tuesday.
After a 1-0 first period, Maple Leafs dominated the second period, at one point holding an 18-0 shots on goal advantage, buoyed by a five minute power play.
Toronto scored two goals in the middle period to take a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes.
Toronto goalie Ed Chadwick only needed to make 19 saves to earn the shutout. Bruins managed just two shots on goal in the third period, despite sending as many as three forwards in to forecheck.
Bruins scored 13 goals in the first two games of the series in Boston but found themselves chasing the puck most of the night against Maple Leafs.
The game was a brisk affair, with only three penalties called all night. One of those was a major boarding call against Boston's Cal Gardner in the second period.
1st Period
TOR- Migay (Horton, Armstrong) 17:57
2nd Period
TOR- Kennedy (Pulford) 1:48
TOR- Smith (Sloan, Stewart) PPG 8:19
3rd Period
TOR- Kennedy (Morrison) 3:35
TOR- Aldcorn (Brian Cullen, James) 15:09
SOG
TOR 11-19-11 = 41
BOS 10-7-2 = 19
PP
TOR 1-3; BOS 0-1
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
Ted Kennedy (right) celebrates his two goals after Maple Leafs' resounding 5-0 win over Bruins in Game 5
Maple Leafs trimmed the semi-finals series to a 3-2 Bruins advantage with Game 6 in Toronto on Tuesday.
After a 1-0 first period, Maple Leafs dominated the second period, at one point holding an 18-0 shots on goal advantage, buoyed by a five minute power play.
Toronto scored two goals in the middle period to take a 3-0 lead after 40 minutes.
Toronto goalie Ed Chadwick only needed to make 19 saves to earn the shutout. Bruins managed just two shots on goal in the third period, despite sending as many as three forwards in to forecheck.
Bruins scored 13 goals in the first two games of the series in Boston but found themselves chasing the puck most of the night against Maple Leafs.
The game was a brisk affair, with only three penalties called all night. One of those was a major boarding call against Boston's Cal Gardner in the second period.
1st Period
TOR- Migay (Horton, Armstrong) 17:57
2nd Period
TOR- Kennedy (Pulford) 1:48
TOR- Smith (Sloan, Stewart) PPG 8:19
3rd Period
TOR- Kennedy (Morrison) 3:35
TOR- Aldcorn (Brian Cullen, James) 15:09
SOG
TOR 11-19-11 = 41
BOS 10-7-2 = 19
PP
TOR 1-3; BOS 0-1
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
Ted Kennedy (right) celebrates his two goals after Maple Leafs' resounding 5-0 win over Bruins in Game 5
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Semi-finals Game 4: Boston 4 at Toronto 2
Four different Boston Bruins players scored in a 4-2 victory over Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 4 of their semi-finals series at Maple Leaf Gardens.
Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk made 25 saves as Boston took a commanding 3-1 series lead. Game 5 will be in the Boston Garden on Saturday.
Bruins took control in the second period after a 1-1 tie in the first 20 minutes.
Johnny Peirson and Larry Regan scored in the second period to give Bruins a 3-1 lead heading into the third stanza. Regan's goal came on the power play.
Vic Stasiuk gave Bruins a 4-1 lead with a slap shot past Toronto goalie Ed Chadwick at 6:16 of the third period.
Bruins came out strong to start the game, taking the Toronto crowd out of it by dominating the first several minutes, with a lot of puck possession time deep in Maple Leafs' zone.
The hard work paid off as defenseman Jack Bionda pounced on a loose puck near the Toronto goal crease and slammed it past Chadwick at 4:09 to give Bruins a 1-0 lead.
Toronto's George Armstrong tied the game about four minutes later with a weak, fluttering shot from the point that somehow eluded Boston goalie Terry Sawchuk.
Both Toronto goals came on the power play.
Bionda had a goal and an assist---as did Vic Stasiuk---and Leo Boivin chipped in with two assists for Boston, which had just 20 shots on goal for the entire game.
1st Period
BOS- Bionda (Mohns, Toppazzini) 4:09
TOR- Armstrong (Horton, Migay) PPG 8:35
2nd Period
BOS- Peirson (Boivin, Stasiuk) 5:37
BOS- Regan (Chevrefils, Bionda) PPG 16:50
3rd Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Gardner, Boivin) 6:16
TOR- Migay (MacNeil) PPG 11:19
SOG
BOS 10-7-3 = 20
TOR 5-10-12 = 27
PP
BOS 1-3; TOR 2-4
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
TOR- Chadwick
Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk made 25 saves as Boston took a commanding 3-1 series lead. Game 5 will be in the Boston Garden on Saturday.
Bruins took control in the second period after a 1-1 tie in the first 20 minutes.
Johnny Peirson and Larry Regan scored in the second period to give Bruins a 3-1 lead heading into the third stanza. Regan's goal came on the power play.
Vic Stasiuk gave Bruins a 4-1 lead with a slap shot past Toronto goalie Ed Chadwick at 6:16 of the third period.
Bruins came out strong to start the game, taking the Toronto crowd out of it by dominating the first several minutes, with a lot of puck possession time deep in Maple Leafs' zone.
The hard work paid off as defenseman Jack Bionda pounced on a loose puck near the Toronto goal crease and slammed it past Chadwick at 4:09 to give Bruins a 1-0 lead.
Toronto's George Armstrong tied the game about four minutes later with a weak, fluttering shot from the point that somehow eluded Boston goalie Terry Sawchuk.
Both Toronto goals came on the power play.
Bionda had a goal and an assist---as did Vic Stasiuk---and Leo Boivin chipped in with two assists for Boston, which had just 20 shots on goal for the entire game.
1st Period
BOS- Bionda (Mohns, Toppazzini) 4:09
TOR- Armstrong (Horton, Migay) PPG 8:35
2nd Period
BOS- Peirson (Boivin, Stasiuk) 5:37
BOS- Regan (Chevrefils, Bionda) PPG 16:50
3rd Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Gardner, Boivin) 6:16
TOR- Migay (MacNeil) PPG 11:19
SOG
BOS 10-7-3 = 20
TOR 5-10-12 = 27
PP
BOS 1-3; TOR 2-4
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
TOR- Chadwick
Thursday, August 11, 2016
Semi-finals Game 3: Boston 3 at Toronto 6
Bob Pulford scored a hat trick, including two power play goals, as Toronto Maple Leafs climbed back into their semi-finals series with Boston Bruins with a 6-3 victory at Maple Leaf Gardens.
Two of Pulford's goals were deflections of shots by Ted Kennedy.
Bruins lead the series, 2-1 with Game 4 in Toronto on Monday.
Maple Leafs badly needed a victory, and they played like it, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Rudy Migay and Gary Aldcorn.
Pulford netted two goals in the second period to give Toronto a commanding 4-1 lead, but Bruins fought back. Larry Regan scored at 19:28 to make the score 4-2 and 2:25 into the third period, Don McKenney scored off a nifty pass from Leo Boivin to bring Bruins to within 4-3.
But Pulford finally gave Maple Leafs some insurance at 13:18 on the power play with his second deflection and Tod Sloan tacked on a goal with 25 seconds remaining.
Bruins, as they did in Game 1, had no power plays, while Maple Leafs connected on two of their four chances.
1st Period
TOR- Migay (Baun) 9:45
TOR- Aldcorn (Armstrong, Brian Cullen) 17:08
2nd Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Gardner, Peirson) 4:40
TOR- Pulford (Horton, Kennedy) PPG 10:15
TOR- Pulford (Kennedy) 17:56
BOS- Regan (McKenney, Chevrefils) 19:28
3rd Period
BOS- McKenney (Boivin) 2:25
TOR- Pulford (Kennedy, Morrison) PPG 13:18
TOR- Sloan (Baun, Morrison) 19:35
SOG
BOS 9-8-9 = 26
TOR 11-11-9 = 31
PP
BOS: 0-0; TOR: 2-4
Fights
Horton (TOR), Labine (BOS) 11:36 2nd; Boivin (BOS), Duff (TOR) 9:26 3rd
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
TOR- Chadwick
Pulford's hat trick led Maple Leafs to victory in Game 3
Two of Pulford's goals were deflections of shots by Ted Kennedy.
Bruins lead the series, 2-1 with Game 4 in Toronto on Monday.
Maple Leafs badly needed a victory, and they played like it, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the first period on goals by Rudy Migay and Gary Aldcorn.
Pulford netted two goals in the second period to give Toronto a commanding 4-1 lead, but Bruins fought back. Larry Regan scored at 19:28 to make the score 4-2 and 2:25 into the third period, Don McKenney scored off a nifty pass from Leo Boivin to bring Bruins to within 4-3.
But Pulford finally gave Maple Leafs some insurance at 13:18 on the power play with his second deflection and Tod Sloan tacked on a goal with 25 seconds remaining.
Bruins, as they did in Game 1, had no power plays, while Maple Leafs connected on two of their four chances.
1st Period
TOR- Migay (Baun) 9:45
TOR- Aldcorn (Armstrong, Brian Cullen) 17:08
2nd Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Gardner, Peirson) 4:40
TOR- Pulford (Horton, Kennedy) PPG 10:15
TOR- Pulford (Kennedy) 17:56
BOS- Regan (McKenney, Chevrefils) 19:28
3rd Period
BOS- McKenney (Boivin) 2:25
TOR- Pulford (Kennedy, Morrison) PPG 13:18
TOR- Sloan (Baun, Morrison) 19:35
SOG
BOS 9-8-9 = 26
TOR 11-11-9 = 31
PP
BOS: 0-0; TOR: 2-4
Fights
Horton (TOR), Labine (BOS) 11:36 2nd; Boivin (BOS), Duff (TOR) 9:26 3rd
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
TOR- Chadwick
Pulford's hat trick led Maple Leafs to victory in Game 3
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
Semi-finals Game 2: Toronto 2 at Boston 6
Boston Bruins scored three goals in the third period, two on the power play, breaking open a tight contest in defeating Toronto Maple Leafs, 6-2 in Game 2 of their semi-finals series, which Bruins now lead, 2-0.
Maple Leafs, who lost Game 1, 7-4 thanks to a five-goal Bruins outburst in the second period, played Bruins tough in Game 2 for 40 minutes.
In fact, Maple Leafs were the better team in the first period, outshooting Boston 12-8 and having several good scoring chances. But the game was tied 1-1 after the first 20 minutes.
Maple Leafs seemed to have momentum going their way midway thru the second period.
Trailing 2-1, Toronto killed off a five minute major penalty with no damage. Then Maple Leafs scored about a minute later, tying the game.
But Bruins responded 43 seconds later with a goal by Cal Gardner to regain the lead, 3-2.
The third period was all Boston.
Bruins held a 17-4 shots on goal advantage and tacked on three goals to ice the game.
Doug Mohns had a goal and two assists for Bruins.
Game 3 is Wednesday in Toronto.
1st Period
TOR- Stewart (Baun, S. Smith) 3:49
BOS- Caffery (Beckett, Toppazzini) 10:45
2nd Period
BOS- Mohns (Armstrong, Gardner) 5:57
TOR- Morrison (James, Baun) 12:26
BOS- Gardner (Mohns, Peirson) 13:09
3rd Period
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell, Boivin) PPG 3:23
BOS- Boivin (Mohns, Gardner) 7:46
BOS- MacKell (Chevrefils, Flaman) PPG 10:18
SOG
TOR 12-4-4 = 20
BOS 8-11-17 = 36
PP
TOR 0-3; BOS 2-6
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
Mohns' three points paced Bruins in Game 2 win
Maple Leafs, who lost Game 1, 7-4 thanks to a five-goal Bruins outburst in the second period, played Bruins tough in Game 2 for 40 minutes.
In fact, Maple Leafs were the better team in the first period, outshooting Boston 12-8 and having several good scoring chances. But the game was tied 1-1 after the first 20 minutes.
Maple Leafs seemed to have momentum going their way midway thru the second period.
Trailing 2-1, Toronto killed off a five minute major penalty with no damage. Then Maple Leafs scored about a minute later, tying the game.
But Bruins responded 43 seconds later with a goal by Cal Gardner to regain the lead, 3-2.
The third period was all Boston.
Bruins held a 17-4 shots on goal advantage and tacked on three goals to ice the game.
Doug Mohns had a goal and two assists for Bruins.
Game 3 is Wednesday in Toronto.
1st Period
TOR- Stewart (Baun, S. Smith) 3:49
BOS- Caffery (Beckett, Toppazzini) 10:45
2nd Period
BOS- Mohns (Armstrong, Gardner) 5:57
TOR- Morrison (James, Baun) 12:26
BOS- Gardner (Mohns, Peirson) 13:09
3rd Period
BOS- Chevrefils (MacKell, Boivin) PPG 3:23
BOS- Boivin (Mohns, Gardner) 7:46
BOS- MacKell (Chevrefils, Flaman) PPG 10:18
SOG
TOR 12-4-4 = 20
BOS 8-11-17 = 36
PP
TOR 0-3; BOS 2-6
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
Mohns' three points paced Bruins in Game 2 win
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Semi-finals Game 1: Toronto 4 at Boston 7
Boston Bruins scored five goals in the second period on their way to a 7-4 victory over Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 1 of their semi-finals series at Boston Garden.
Bruins scored three goals within three minutes late in the second period to lead 6-1 after 40 minutes.
Six different Bruins scored. Boston leads the series, 1-0, with Game 2 Friday in Boston.
Dick Duff scored for Maple Leafs at 7:58 of the second period to make the score 3-1 Boston, but Bruins poured it on about six minutes later. Johnny Peirson (14:26), Cal Gardner (15:35) and Jerry Toppazzini (17:28) scored to essentially put the game away.
Maple Leafs did score the first two goals of the third period to draw within 6-3, but Boston's Don McKenney scored his second goal at 11:07 to end all doubt.
Neither goalie was particularly good. There were only 57 shots on goal combined, yet 11 found their way into the net.
Bruins scored seven goals yet didn't enjoy one power play opportunity all night. Maple Leafs were 0-3 with the man advantage.
1st Period
BOS- Mohns (Peirson, Stanley) 12:19
2nd Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Stanley, McKenney) 6:05
BOS- McKenney (Stasiuk, Regan) 7:06
TOR- Duff (Armstrong, Morrison) 7:58
BOS- Peirson (Gardner, Boivin) 14:26
BOS- Gardner (Peirson, Mohns) 15:35
BOS- Toppazzini (Armstrong, Beckett) 17:28
3rd Period
TOR- Barry Cullen (Kennedy, Thomson) 1:47
TOR- Baun (James, Brian Cullen) 2:26
BOS- McKenney (Regan, Stasiuk) 11:07
TOR- Armstrong (Migay, Reaume) 13:15
SOG
TOR 7-9-12 = 28
BOS 9-13-7 = 29
PP
TOR 0-3; BOS 0-0
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
McKenney scored twice and six other Bruins scored one goal each in Game 1 win
Bruins scored three goals within three minutes late in the second period to lead 6-1 after 40 minutes.
Six different Bruins scored. Boston leads the series, 1-0, with Game 2 Friday in Boston.
Dick Duff scored for Maple Leafs at 7:58 of the second period to make the score 3-1 Boston, but Bruins poured it on about six minutes later. Johnny Peirson (14:26), Cal Gardner (15:35) and Jerry Toppazzini (17:28) scored to essentially put the game away.
Maple Leafs did score the first two goals of the third period to draw within 6-3, but Boston's Don McKenney scored his second goal at 11:07 to end all doubt.
Neither goalie was particularly good. There were only 57 shots on goal combined, yet 11 found their way into the net.
Bruins scored seven goals yet didn't enjoy one power play opportunity all night. Maple Leafs were 0-3 with the man advantage.
1st Period
BOS- Mohns (Peirson, Stanley) 12:19
2nd Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Stanley, McKenney) 6:05
BOS- McKenney (Stasiuk, Regan) 7:06
TOR- Duff (Armstrong, Morrison) 7:58
BOS- Peirson (Gardner, Boivin) 14:26
BOS- Gardner (Peirson, Mohns) 15:35
BOS- Toppazzini (Armstrong, Beckett) 17:28
3rd Period
TOR- Barry Cullen (Kennedy, Thomson) 1:47
TOR- Baun (James, Brian Cullen) 2:26
BOS- McKenney (Regan, Stasiuk) 11:07
TOR- Armstrong (Migay, Reaume) 13:15
SOG
TOR 7-9-12 = 28
BOS 9-13-7 = 29
PP
TOR 0-3; BOS 0-0
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
McKenney scored twice and six other Bruins scored one goal each in Game 1 win
Tuesday, August 2, 2016
Semi-finals: Boston-Toronto schedule
Here's the tentative schedule for the Boston-Toronto semi-finals series:
Game 1: Toronto at Boston (August 3)
Game 2: Toronto at Boston (August 5)
Game 3: Boston at Toronto (August 7)
Game 4: Boston at Toronto (August 9)
Game 5: Toronto at Boston* (August 11)
Game 6: Boston at Toronto* (August 15)
Game 7: Toronto at Boston* (August 17)
*if necessary
Game 1: Toronto at Boston (August 3)
Game 2: Toronto at Boston (August 5)
Game 3: Boston at Toronto (August 7)
Game 4: Boston at Toronto (August 9)
Game 5: Toronto at Boston* (August 11)
Game 6: Boston at Toronto* (August 15)
Game 7: Toronto at Boston* (August 17)
*if necessary
Monday, August 1, 2016
Semi-finals post-mortem: Montreal-Detroit
Red Wings accomplished a lot of what they wanted to do in this series.
They wanted to contain Montreal's vaunted power play, and they did---to the tune of killing off 12 of Canadiens' 14 power plays in the series.
Red Wings also wanted to spend more time in Canadiens' zone, and they did that better than was expected.
Red Wings wanted to stay out of the penalty box and they indeed had more power play chances (16 to 14) than Canadiens did.
Red Wings wanted players other than Lindsay-Delvecchio-Howe to score goals, and several players did step up and score.
Finally, Red Wings wanted to keep Canadiens from scoring four-plus goals every night, as Montreal had been doing in the regular season. Montreal scored 17 goals in five games.
So why did Red Wings lose the series in five games?
Basically, Montreal outscored Red Wings badly in the third period throughout the series.
The first three games were tied after 40 minutes and Montreal won all three.
Red Wings led, 2-1, going into the third period of Game 5 but Montreal managed to get the game into overtime, where they won.
Only in Game 4 did Red Wings manage to answer Canadiens all night and eventually take control in the third period.
Bottom line: Canadiens had a knack for scoring big goals when they needed big goals.
Red Wings were pretty much offensively challenged in the series, as they were during the second half of the season. They didn't put enough shots on the Montreal net, plain and simple.
Had Red Wings won Game 5, it would have set up a very interesting Game 6 in Detroit. But alas, Canadiens---as usual---got the big goal in overtime.
Red Wings played better in this series, overall, than they played for most of the season. But Canadiens are too deep and have too much fire power.
They wanted to contain Montreal's vaunted power play, and they did---to the tune of killing off 12 of Canadiens' 14 power plays in the series.
Red Wings also wanted to spend more time in Canadiens' zone, and they did that better than was expected.
Red Wings wanted to stay out of the penalty box and they indeed had more power play chances (16 to 14) than Canadiens did.
Red Wings wanted players other than Lindsay-Delvecchio-Howe to score goals, and several players did step up and score.
So why did Red Wings lose the series in five games?
Basically, Montreal outscored Red Wings badly in the third period throughout the series.
The first three games were tied after 40 minutes and Montreal won all three.
Red Wings led, 2-1, going into the third period of Game 5 but Montreal managed to get the game into overtime, where they won.
Only in Game 4 did Red Wings manage to answer Canadiens all night and eventually take control in the third period.
Bottom line: Canadiens had a knack for scoring big goals when they needed big goals.
Red Wings were pretty much offensively challenged in the series, as they were during the second half of the season. They didn't put enough shots on the Montreal net, plain and simple.
Had Red Wings won Game 5, it would have set up a very interesting Game 6 in Detroit. But alas, Canadiens---as usual---got the big goal in overtime.
Red Wings played better in this series, overall, than they played for most of the season. But Canadiens are too deep and have too much fire power.
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Semi-finals Game 5: Detroit 3 at Montreal 4 (OT)
Henri Richard slipped a wrist shot through Glenn Hall from the bottom of the face-off circle 6:18 into overtime, and Montreal Canadiens eliminated Detroit Red Wings in five games in the semi-finals with a 4-3 victory at the Forum.
The goal was Richard's second of the game. Big brother Maurice scored as well, along with Dickie Moore as Canadiens rallied from three one-goal deficits.
Montreal never lead until the game-winning goal.
With Red Wings leading 3-2 in the third period, Moore took a pretty pass from Maurice Richard and blasted a slap shot past Hall at 11:20 for the tying goal, Canadiens then dominated play for the remainder of regulation but couldn't score the go-ahead marker.
Overtime was an up-and-down affair until Henri Richard carried the puck into the Detroit zone. He left the puck for Dollard St. Laurent near the blue line, who flipped it into the corner to the right of Hall. Bert Olmstead took control of the puck and Richard moved into position, taking the feed from Olmstead and snapping a shot at Hall.
Hall got a lot of the puck with his body, but the disc still managed to flutter over the goal line as the Forum crowd burst into celebration while Red Wings players bowed their heads, stunned.
Red Wings led 1-0 in the first period when Maurice Richard took a pass at the Detroit blue line from Doug Harvey and broke in alone on Hall, rifling a wrist shot that beat the Red Wings goalie on the stick side at 17:36.
Gordie Howe scored at 5:26 of the second period and Red Wings led, 2-1 after two periods.
Henri Richard's first goal of the night tied the game at 4:32 of the third period, but Red Kelly scored a power play goal at 7:22 to regain lead for Red Wings.
The loss ends a highly disappointing season for Red Wings, who expected to challenge for the championship. Instead, Detroit didn't qualify for the playoffs until the season's final game, and Red Wings lost the first three games of the semi-finals before winning Game 4 in Detroit.
Canadiens await the winner of Boston-Toronto to play for the Stanley Cup.
1st Period
DET- Delvecchio (Howe, Hollingworth) 8:57
MON- M. Richard (Harvey) 17:36
2nd Period
DET- Howe (Lindsay, Delvecchio) 5:26
3rd Period
MON- H. Richard (Turner, Olmstead) 4:32
DET- Kelly (Howe) PPG 7:22
MON- Moore (M. Richard, Harvey) 11:20
Overtime
MON- H. Richard (St. Laurent, Olmstead) 6:18
SOG
DET 5-7-8-1 = 21
MON 11-11-10-2 = 34
PP
DET 1-5; MON 0-2
Fights
McNeill (DET), M. Richard (MON) 10:48 1st; H. Richard (MON), Ullman (DET) 6:47 2nd
Goalies
DET- Hall
MON- Plante
Henri Richard scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime
The goal was Richard's second of the game. Big brother Maurice scored as well, along with Dickie Moore as Canadiens rallied from three one-goal deficits.
Montreal never lead until the game-winning goal.
With Red Wings leading 3-2 in the third period, Moore took a pretty pass from Maurice Richard and blasted a slap shot past Hall at 11:20 for the tying goal, Canadiens then dominated play for the remainder of regulation but couldn't score the go-ahead marker.
Overtime was an up-and-down affair until Henri Richard carried the puck into the Detroit zone. He left the puck for Dollard St. Laurent near the blue line, who flipped it into the corner to the right of Hall. Bert Olmstead took control of the puck and Richard moved into position, taking the feed from Olmstead and snapping a shot at Hall.
Hall got a lot of the puck with his body, but the disc still managed to flutter over the goal line as the Forum crowd burst into celebration while Red Wings players bowed their heads, stunned.
Red Wings led 1-0 in the first period when Maurice Richard took a pass at the Detroit blue line from Doug Harvey and broke in alone on Hall, rifling a wrist shot that beat the Red Wings goalie on the stick side at 17:36.
Gordie Howe scored at 5:26 of the second period and Red Wings led, 2-1 after two periods.
Henri Richard's first goal of the night tied the game at 4:32 of the third period, but Red Kelly scored a power play goal at 7:22 to regain lead for Red Wings.
The loss ends a highly disappointing season for Red Wings, who expected to challenge for the championship. Instead, Detroit didn't qualify for the playoffs until the season's final game, and Red Wings lost the first three games of the semi-finals before winning Game 4 in Detroit.
Canadiens await the winner of Boston-Toronto to play for the Stanley Cup.
1st Period
DET- Delvecchio (Howe, Hollingworth) 8:57
MON- M. Richard (Harvey) 17:36
2nd Period
DET- Howe (Lindsay, Delvecchio) 5:26
3rd Period
MON- H. Richard (Turner, Olmstead) 4:32
DET- Kelly (Howe) PPG 7:22
MON- Moore (M. Richard, Harvey) 11:20
Overtime
MON- H. Richard (St. Laurent, Olmstead) 6:18
SOG
DET 5-7-8-1 = 21
MON 11-11-10-2 = 34
PP
DET 1-5; MON 0-2
Fights
McNeill (DET), M. Richard (MON) 10:48 1st; H. Richard (MON), Ullman (DET) 6:47 2nd
Goalies
DET- Hall
MON- Plante
Henri Richard scored two goals, including the game-winner in overtime
Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Semi-finals Game 4: Montreal 4 at Detroit 6
Detroit Red Wings busted out of a long scoring drought at the right time, defeating Montreal Canadiens, 6-4 in Game 4 of the semi-finals at Olympia Stadium. Red Wings staved off elimination and trail the series, 3-1.
Gordie Howe snapped a 4-4 tie at 12:43 of the third period, and Alex Delvecchio added an insurance goal 17 seconds later to seal the win. Howe's goal, his second of the period, came just 1:04 after Henri Richard tied the game.
Red Wings had scored four goals in the first three games of the series, and had been having trouble scoring goals in the second half of the regular season.
But there was no such trouble scoring goals in Game 4.
Red Wings never trailed, although on three occasions, Canadiens tied the game.
Red Wings led 2-0 after the first period, and held a 16-5 shots on goal advantage.
Canadiens scored twice in the second period to tie the game, but Ted Lindsay stole the puck in the Montreal zone and buried a slap shot past Jacques Plante from between the circles at 16:07 to put Detroit ahead, 3-2.
The third period saw five goals scored, belying how tight checking the first three games of the series had been.
As the final minute ticked off the clock in the third period, the Olympia Stadium crowd was on its feet, cheering loudly for their team and no doubt hoping that there will be a Game 6 in Detroit.
Red Wings continued to keep Canadiens' vaunted power play in check. Montreal went 0-4 with the man advantage and are now 2-12 for the series. Red Wings are 3-11 on the power play.
Maurice Richard scored two goals for Canadiens.
Game 5 will be Thursday in Montreal.
1st Period
DET- Pronovost (Dea, Kelly) PPG 6:40
DET- Dea (Pronovost, Kelly) 13:50
2nd Period
MON- Beliveau (M. Richard, St. Laurent) 1:45
MON- M. Richard (Beliveau, Johnson) 13:30
DET- Lindsay (unassisted) 16:07
3rd Period
MON- M. Richard (Johnson, Harvey) 3:57
DET- Howe (Delvecchio, Lindsay) 5:15
MON- H. Richard (Turner, Olmstead) 11:39
DET- Howe (Delvecchio, Lindsay) 12:43
DET- Delvecchio (Lindsay, Howe) 13:00
SOG
MON 5-12-13 = 30
DET 16-14-7 = 37
PP
MON 0-4; DET 1-3
Goalies
MON- Plante
DET- Hall
Gordie Howe talks to reporters after scoring two goals in Red Wings' 6-4 victory in Game 4 of the semi-finals
Gordie Howe snapped a 4-4 tie at 12:43 of the third period, and Alex Delvecchio added an insurance goal 17 seconds later to seal the win. Howe's goal, his second of the period, came just 1:04 after Henri Richard tied the game.
Red Wings had scored four goals in the first three games of the series, and had been having trouble scoring goals in the second half of the regular season.
But there was no such trouble scoring goals in Game 4.
Red Wings never trailed, although on three occasions, Canadiens tied the game.
Red Wings led 2-0 after the first period, and held a 16-5 shots on goal advantage.
Canadiens scored twice in the second period to tie the game, but Ted Lindsay stole the puck in the Montreal zone and buried a slap shot past Jacques Plante from between the circles at 16:07 to put Detroit ahead, 3-2.
The third period saw five goals scored, belying how tight checking the first three games of the series had been.
As the final minute ticked off the clock in the third period, the Olympia Stadium crowd was on its feet, cheering loudly for their team and no doubt hoping that there will be a Game 6 in Detroit.
Red Wings continued to keep Canadiens' vaunted power play in check. Montreal went 0-4 with the man advantage and are now 2-12 for the series. Red Wings are 3-11 on the power play.
Maurice Richard scored two goals for Canadiens.
Game 5 will be Thursday in Montreal.
1st Period
DET- Pronovost (Dea, Kelly) PPG 6:40
DET- Dea (Pronovost, Kelly) 13:50
2nd Period
MON- Beliveau (M. Richard, St. Laurent) 1:45
MON- M. Richard (Beliveau, Johnson) 13:30
DET- Lindsay (unassisted) 16:07
3rd Period
MON- M. Richard (Johnson, Harvey) 3:57
DET- Howe (Delvecchio, Lindsay) 5:15
MON- H. Richard (Turner, Olmstead) 11:39
DET- Howe (Delvecchio, Lindsay) 12:43
DET- Delvecchio (Lindsay, Howe) 13:00
SOG
MON 5-12-13 = 30
DET 16-14-7 = 37
PP
MON 0-4; DET 1-3
Goalies
MON- Plante
DET- Hall
Gordie Howe talks to reporters after scoring two goals in Red Wings' 6-4 victory in Game 4 of the semi-finals
Saturday, July 23, 2016
Semi-finals Game 3: Montreal 3 at Detroit 2
Andre Pronovost scored with 2:36 remaining in the third period to snap a 2-2 tie, sending Montreal Canadiens to a 3-2 victory over Detroit Red Wings in Game 3 of the semi-finals, at Olympia Stadium.
Canadiens lead the best-of-seven series, 3-0.
Red Wings had battled back from a 2-0 deficit with two markers in the second period, but a tight checking third period quelled all offense until Pronovost took a pretty pass from Doug Harvey between the circles and fired a wrist shot over Glenn Hall's right shoulder.
The goal sucked the air out of the Olympia crowd.
Red Wings pulled Hall with under two minutes to play but despite heavy pressure, the tying goal couldn't be gotten.
Canadiens had a rousing start to the game, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period while holding a 12-6 edge in shots on goal. Phil Goyette and Dickie Moore scored within 2:11 to take the partisan crowd temporarily out of the game.
Moore's goal was his fourth of the series.
But the second period was a totally different frame. Red Wings bounced back with two goals and a 13-6 shot advantage. The crowd got back into it as well.
Lorne Ferguson scored 59 seconds into the period, and less than five minutes later, Ted Lindsay sent Alex Delvecchio alone on a breakaway with a perfect pass. Delvecchio got behind Canadiens defense from the Montreal blue line and blistered a shot under Jacques Plante's glove at 5:45 to tie the game as the crowd went crazy.
But Canadiens still won and can wrap up the series on Monday in Detroit.
1st Period
MON- Goyette (Harvey) 9:05
MON- Moore (Beliveau, M. Richard) 11:16
2nd Period
DET- Ferguson (Kelly, Reibel) :59
DET- Delvecchio (Lindsay, Howe) PPG 5:45
3rd Period
MON- Pronovost (Harvey, Johnson) 17:24
SOG
MON 12-6-5 = 23
DET 6-13-5 = 24
PP
MON 0-2; DET 1-2
Goalies
MON- Plante
DET- Hall
Pronovost broke Red Wings fans' hearts with his late, game-winning goal
Canadiens lead the best-of-seven series, 3-0.
Red Wings had battled back from a 2-0 deficit with two markers in the second period, but a tight checking third period quelled all offense until Pronovost took a pretty pass from Doug Harvey between the circles and fired a wrist shot over Glenn Hall's right shoulder.
The goal sucked the air out of the Olympia crowd.
Red Wings pulled Hall with under two minutes to play but despite heavy pressure, the tying goal couldn't be gotten.
Canadiens had a rousing start to the game, taking a 2-0 lead in the first period while holding a 12-6 edge in shots on goal. Phil Goyette and Dickie Moore scored within 2:11 to take the partisan crowd temporarily out of the game.
Moore's goal was his fourth of the series.
But the second period was a totally different frame. Red Wings bounced back with two goals and a 13-6 shot advantage. The crowd got back into it as well.
Lorne Ferguson scored 59 seconds into the period, and less than five minutes later, Ted Lindsay sent Alex Delvecchio alone on a breakaway with a perfect pass. Delvecchio got behind Canadiens defense from the Montreal blue line and blistered a shot under Jacques Plante's glove at 5:45 to tie the game as the crowd went crazy.
But Canadiens still won and can wrap up the series on Monday in Detroit.
1st Period
MON- Goyette (Harvey) 9:05
MON- Moore (Beliveau, M. Richard) 11:16
2nd Period
DET- Ferguson (Kelly, Reibel) :59
DET- Delvecchio (Lindsay, Howe) PPG 5:45
3rd Period
MON- Pronovost (Harvey, Johnson) 17:24
SOG
MON 12-6-5 = 23
DET 6-13-5 = 24
PP
MON 0-2; DET 1-2
Goalies
MON- Plante
DET- Hall
Pronovost broke Red Wings fans' hearts with his late, game-winning goal
Friday, July 22, 2016
Semi-Finals Game 2: Detroit 1 at Montreal 3
Dickie Moore's second power play goal of the game at 5:26 of the third period snapped a 1-1 tie, and Montreal Canadiens went on to defeat Detroit Red Wings, 3-1, to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-seven semi-finals series.
Red Wings were outplaying Canadiens and the Forum crowd was quiet when Dale Anderson was whistled for a five-minute boarding major at 5:07 of the third period.
Moore capitalized 19 seconds later, firing a wrist shot past Glenn Hall. Red Wings killed off the remaining 4:41 of the major, but momentum shifted to Canadiens even after the penalty expired.
Don Marshall added an insurance goal at 17:01 to seal the victory.
Red Wings had 12 shots at the Montreal net in the first period, but eight of those were blocked.
Just as Montreal scored a goal late in the second period in Game 1, Canadiens did the same in the first period of Game 2. Moore scored with the man advantage with 34 seconds remaining in the period.
Detroit's Al Arbour tied the game, also on the power play, with a wrist shot that fooled Jacques Plante at 8:47 of the second period.
In the first two games of the series, Red Wings have managed to contain Montreal's potent offense for the most part. Canadiens didn't score their third goal until 4:16 was left in Game 1, and it took 57 minutes for them to score their third goal in Game 2.
Still, Red Wings can't find their offense, either, and the series shifts to Detroit with Red Wings facing a must-win situation.
Game 3 is Saturday night in Detroit.
1st Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau) PPG 19:26
2nd Period
DET- Arbour (Lindsay, Howe) PPG 8:47
3rd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, Harvey) PPG 5:26
MON- Marshall (St. Laurent, LeClair) 17:01
SOG
DET 4-9-8 = 21
MON 7-8-16 = 31
PP
DET 1-1; MON 2-3
Goalies
DET- Hall
MON- Plante
Moore has three goals in the semi-finals series, all assisted by Jean Beliveau
Red Wings were outplaying Canadiens and the Forum crowd was quiet when Dale Anderson was whistled for a five-minute boarding major at 5:07 of the third period.
Moore capitalized 19 seconds later, firing a wrist shot past Glenn Hall. Red Wings killed off the remaining 4:41 of the major, but momentum shifted to Canadiens even after the penalty expired.
Don Marshall added an insurance goal at 17:01 to seal the victory.
Red Wings had 12 shots at the Montreal net in the first period, but eight of those were blocked.
Just as Montreal scored a goal late in the second period in Game 1, Canadiens did the same in the first period of Game 2. Moore scored with the man advantage with 34 seconds remaining in the period.
Detroit's Al Arbour tied the game, also on the power play, with a wrist shot that fooled Jacques Plante at 8:47 of the second period.
In the first two games of the series, Red Wings have managed to contain Montreal's potent offense for the most part. Canadiens didn't score their third goal until 4:16 was left in Game 1, and it took 57 minutes for them to score their third goal in Game 2.
Still, Red Wings can't find their offense, either, and the series shifts to Detroit with Red Wings facing a must-win situation.
Game 3 is Saturday night in Detroit.
1st Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau) PPG 19:26
2nd Period
DET- Arbour (Lindsay, Howe) PPG 8:47
3rd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, Harvey) PPG 5:26
MON- Marshall (St. Laurent, LeClair) 17:01
SOG
DET 4-9-8 = 21
MON 7-8-16 = 31
PP
DET 1-1; MON 2-3
Goalies
DET- Hall
MON- Plante
Moore has three goals in the semi-finals series, all assisted by Jean Beliveau
Tuesday, July 19, 2016
Semi-Finals Game 1: Detroit 1 at Montreal 3
Jean Beliveau, league MVP candidate, scored a goal and added an assist as Montreal Canadiens defeated Detroit Red Wings, 3-1, in Game 1 of the semi-finals at the Forum.
Beliveau's goal with 51 seconds remaining in the second period tied the game, and Canadiens scored twice in the third period, with Claude Provost's goal at 15:44 breaking Red Wings' backs.
Red Wings quieted the raucous Montreal crowd early when Billy Dea scored at 1:20 of the first period.
But that was all for Detroit's offense, despite playing over four straight minutes with the power play, including 1:31 with a two-man advantage, in the second period.
Canadiens, despite easily finishing in first place, had been vulnerable while shorthanded, but Detroit went 0-5 on the power play.
It took the vaunted Montreal offense nearly 40 minutes to get going, and until that point it looked like Red Wings might have the recipe for a Game 1 upset. But Beliveau's goal late in the second period ignited the crowd and Canadiens took that momentum into the third period, when Dickie Moore scored at 2:53 to put Montreal ahead, 2-1.
Maurice Richard had two assists for Canadiens, who lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Game 2 will be Thursday night.
1st Period
DET- Dea (Kelly, Pronovost) 1:20
2nd Period
MON- Beliveau (Harvey, M. Richard) 19:09
3rd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, M. Richard) 2:53
MON- Provost (H. Richard) 15:44
SOG
DET 9-6-8 = 23
MON 7-10-12 = 29
PP
DET 0-5; MON 0-3
Fights
Pavelich (DET), St. Laurent (MON); 16:20 2nd
Goalies
DET- Hall
MON- Plante
Detroit's Gordie Howe and Montreal's Claude Provost search for a loose puck in Game 1
Beliveau's goal with 51 seconds remaining in the second period tied the game, and Canadiens scored twice in the third period, with Claude Provost's goal at 15:44 breaking Red Wings' backs.
Red Wings quieted the raucous Montreal crowd early when Billy Dea scored at 1:20 of the first period.
But that was all for Detroit's offense, despite playing over four straight minutes with the power play, including 1:31 with a two-man advantage, in the second period.
Canadiens, despite easily finishing in first place, had been vulnerable while shorthanded, but Detroit went 0-5 on the power play.
It took the vaunted Montreal offense nearly 40 minutes to get going, and until that point it looked like Red Wings might have the recipe for a Game 1 upset. But Beliveau's goal late in the second period ignited the crowd and Canadiens took that momentum into the third period, when Dickie Moore scored at 2:53 to put Montreal ahead, 2-1.
Maurice Richard had two assists for Canadiens, who lead the best-of-seven series 1-0.
Game 2 will be Thursday night.
1st Period
DET- Dea (Kelly, Pronovost) 1:20
2nd Period
MON- Beliveau (Harvey, M. Richard) 19:09
3rd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, M. Richard) 2:53
MON- Provost (H. Richard) 15:44
SOG
DET 9-6-8 = 23
MON 7-10-12 = 29
PP
DET 0-5; MON 0-3
Fights
Pavelich (DET), St. Laurent (MON); 16:20 2nd
Goalies
DET- Hall
MON- Plante
Detroit's Gordie Howe and Montreal's Claude Provost search for a loose puck in Game 1
Monday, July 18, 2016
Playoff Preview: The best time of the hockey year!
The playoffs get underway on Tuesday, July 19 (Detroit at Montreal). Here's a preview of the semi-finals series, with my predictions.
#1 Montreal vs. #4 Detroit
Season series: Montreal, 3-1-0
Overview: Canadiens lost their first two games of the season, then were never headed. They won 10 in a row after the 0-2 start and cruised to first place. Even the loss of Bernie Geoffrion for the season about halfway thru the schedule didn't slow down the Habs scoring machine. They led the league in goals scored and their power play is fearsome.
Red Wings, on the other hand, grossly underachieved. After a 2-0-2 start, Detroit finished 5-10-1 yet still managed to squeak into the playoffs on the final day of the season. The problem with Red Wings is the opposite of Montreal: unlike Canadiens, who get balanced scoring, if Lindsay/Howe/Delvecchio aren't scoring, nobody else is, usually.
Prediction: Montreal, for all its fire power, can also be scored upon. They are vulnerable on the penalty kill, except that they earned far more power play opportunities than they surrendered (70 to 47). Red Wings can only hope that their regular season was a fluke and that the "real" team will show up in the playoffs.
There's little reason to believe, however, that the Red Wings will "flick a switch" and turn into a different team than the regular season version. Canadiens, conversely, have shown no signs of slowing down since the 0-2 start.
Canadiens in five.
#2 Boston vs. #3 Toronto
Season series: Boston, 2-1-1
Overview: These teams battled the last several games for second place, jockeying back and forth. Bruins finally won out, breaking an 0-2-1 slide with a season-ending win against Rangers. Boston overcame an underwhelming season from star scorer Real Chevrefils and some early uncertainty in goal. Terry Sawchuk will start the playoffs, having started the last six games for Bruins and playing a majority of the minutes for Boston.
Maple Leafs fared better than most experts thought. The team was expected to miss the playoffs entirely, but coach Howie Meeker kept them afloat without any major slumps. Maple Leafs excelled on the power play, converting about 31 percent of the time. Ed Chadwick started every game in goal and played all 1200 minutes, posting one shutout. Toronto got well-rounded scoring. They're not explosive offensively, but they scored enough to win 10 games.
Prediction: This should be a good, competitive series. If Boston can stay out of the penalty box, it will help their cause. Toronto must avoid any high-scoring shootouts. If Chevrefils suddenly regains his scoring touch, Bruins will be helped immensely. Home ice should help decide this series greatly.
Bruins in six.
#1 Montreal vs. #4 Detroit
Season series: Montreal, 3-1-0
Overview: Canadiens lost their first two games of the season, then were never headed. They won 10 in a row after the 0-2 start and cruised to first place. Even the loss of Bernie Geoffrion for the season about halfway thru the schedule didn't slow down the Habs scoring machine. They led the league in goals scored and their power play is fearsome.
Red Wings, on the other hand, grossly underachieved. After a 2-0-2 start, Detroit finished 5-10-1 yet still managed to squeak into the playoffs on the final day of the season. The problem with Red Wings is the opposite of Montreal: unlike Canadiens, who get balanced scoring, if Lindsay/Howe/Delvecchio aren't scoring, nobody else is, usually.
Prediction: Montreal, for all its fire power, can also be scored upon. They are vulnerable on the penalty kill, except that they earned far more power play opportunities than they surrendered (70 to 47). Red Wings can only hope that their regular season was a fluke and that the "real" team will show up in the playoffs.
There's little reason to believe, however, that the Red Wings will "flick a switch" and turn into a different team than the regular season version. Canadiens, conversely, have shown no signs of slowing down since the 0-2 start.
Canadiens in five.
#2 Boston vs. #3 Toronto
Season series: Boston, 2-1-1
Overview: These teams battled the last several games for second place, jockeying back and forth. Bruins finally won out, breaking an 0-2-1 slide with a season-ending win against Rangers. Boston overcame an underwhelming season from star scorer Real Chevrefils and some early uncertainty in goal. Terry Sawchuk will start the playoffs, having started the last six games for Bruins and playing a majority of the minutes for Boston.
Maple Leafs fared better than most experts thought. The team was expected to miss the playoffs entirely, but coach Howie Meeker kept them afloat without any major slumps. Maple Leafs excelled on the power play, converting about 31 percent of the time. Ed Chadwick started every game in goal and played all 1200 minutes, posting one shutout. Toronto got well-rounded scoring. They're not explosive offensively, but they scored enough to win 10 games.
Prediction: This should be a good, competitive series. If Boston can stay out of the penalty box, it will help their cause. Toronto must avoid any high-scoring shootouts. If Chevrefils suddenly regains his scoring touch, Bruins will be helped immensely. Home ice should help decide this series greatly.
Bruins in six.
Thursday, July 14, 2016
Game 60: New York 2 at Boston 5
Boston Bruins clinched second place and home ice advantage in the semi-finals with a 5-2 victory over New York Rangers at Boston Garden.
Cal Gardner scored two goals. Vic Stasiuk and Don McKenney each had a goal and an assist, and Allan Stanley chipped in with three assists for Bruins (11-7-2), who finished one point ahead of Toronto.
Bruins only needed a tie to secure second place, but they came out acting like they needed more than that, taking a 3-0 lead after the first period.
After a scoreless second frame, Rangers made things interesting with two goals by the 6:48 mark of the third period. Bruins fans were uneasy, but Stasiuk scored at 13:47 to restore the two-goal lead.
Gardner's second goal at 16:36 rounded out the scoring.
Gardner got Bruins started at 8:47 of the first period. Larry Regan banged home a rebound four minutes later and Boston led, 2-0.
Rangers (6-11-3), whose playoff hopes were dashed when Detroit beat Toronto earlier in the week, only managed 18 shots on goal.
Bruins will host Games 1 and 2 of the semi-finals vs. Toronto.
1st Period
BOS- Gardner (Bionda, Mohns) 8:47
BOS- Regan (Stasiuk, Stanley) 12:36
BOS- McKenney (Flaman, Stanley) PPG 18:27
2nd Period
No scoring
3rd Period
NY- Sullivan (Cahan) 2:25
NY- Henry (Cahan, Hebenton) 6:48
BOS- Stasiuk (Armstrong, McKenney) 13:47
BOS- Gardner (Flaman, Stanley) 16:36
SOG
NY 3-5-10 = 18
BOS 13-6-7 = 26
PP
NY 0-2; BOS 1-6
Fights
Labine (BOS), Sullivan (NY); 8:29 2nd
Goalies
NY- Worsley
BOS- Sawchuk
Gardner opened and closed the scoring for Bruins as they clinched second place
Cal Gardner scored two goals. Vic Stasiuk and Don McKenney each had a goal and an assist, and Allan Stanley chipped in with three assists for Bruins (11-7-2), who finished one point ahead of Toronto.
Bruins only needed a tie to secure second place, but they came out acting like they needed more than that, taking a 3-0 lead after the first period.
After a scoreless second frame, Rangers made things interesting with two goals by the 6:48 mark of the third period. Bruins fans were uneasy, but Stasiuk scored at 13:47 to restore the two-goal lead.
Gardner's second goal at 16:36 rounded out the scoring.
Gardner got Bruins started at 8:47 of the first period. Larry Regan banged home a rebound four minutes later and Boston led, 2-0.
Rangers (6-11-3), whose playoff hopes were dashed when Detroit beat Toronto earlier in the week, only managed 18 shots on goal.
Bruins will host Games 1 and 2 of the semi-finals vs. Toronto.
1st Period
BOS- Gardner (Bionda, Mohns) 8:47
BOS- Regan (Stasiuk, Stanley) 12:36
BOS- McKenney (Flaman, Stanley) PPG 18:27
2nd Period
No scoring
3rd Period
NY- Sullivan (Cahan) 2:25
NY- Henry (Cahan, Hebenton) 6:48
BOS- Stasiuk (Armstrong, McKenney) 13:47
BOS- Gardner (Flaman, Stanley) 16:36
SOG
NY 3-5-10 = 18
BOS 13-6-7 = 26
PP
NY 0-2; BOS 1-6
Fights
Labine (BOS), Sullivan (NY); 8:29 2nd
Goalies
NY- Worsley
BOS- Sawchuk
Gardner opened and closed the scoring for Bruins as they clinched second place
Tuesday, July 12, 2016
Game 59: Montreal 0 at Chicago 7
Montreal Canadiens rested most of their starting forwards in a meaningless game at Chicago and Black Hawks took advantage with a 7-0 whitewashing.
Montreal (15-5-0), with first place sewn up, dressed 7 forwards who have either barely played at all this year or who were making their season debut. And backup goalie Gerry McNeil got the start in net.
It all added up to an easy win for Black Hawks (5-14-1), who at least got to finish a tough season on a high note, albeit against a skeletal version of the first-place Habs.
Glen Skov scored twice---his first two goals of the season---and five other Black Hawks tallied as the most lopsided game of the season was played out on the Chicago Stadium ice.
McNeil was shaky, allowing the seven Chicago goals on 31 shots. But he wasn't helped much by the inexperienced lineup dressed by coach Toe Blake.
Conversely, Chicago goalie Al Rollins only faced 21 shots but he made the few big saves he was forced to make.
Montreal will host Detroit in Games 1 and 2 of the semi-finals series, which starts next week.
1st Period
CHI- Skov (Hergesheimer) PPG 3:58
CHI- Hergesheimer (Skov, Pilote) 13:37
2nd Period
CHI- Wilson (Martin, Mortson) 1:30
CHI- Skov (Hergesheimer) 13:39
3rd Period
CHI- Lalande (Mickoski, Mortson) 5:29
CHI- McIntyre (Wilson, Martin) 10:06
CHI- Z. Toppazzini (Watson, Vasko) PPG 19:59
SOG
MON 5-5-11 = 21
CHI 13-14-4 = 31
PP
MON 0-1; CHI 2-4
Fights
St. Laurent (MON), Pilote (CHI); 5:59 1st
Goalies
MON- McNeil
CHI- Rollins
Skov scored two goals and five other teammates chipped in as Black Hawks romped
Montreal (15-5-0), with first place sewn up, dressed 7 forwards who have either barely played at all this year or who were making their season debut. And backup goalie Gerry McNeil got the start in net.
It all added up to an easy win for Black Hawks (5-14-1), who at least got to finish a tough season on a high note, albeit against a skeletal version of the first-place Habs.
Glen Skov scored twice---his first two goals of the season---and five other Black Hawks tallied as the most lopsided game of the season was played out on the Chicago Stadium ice.
McNeil was shaky, allowing the seven Chicago goals on 31 shots. But he wasn't helped much by the inexperienced lineup dressed by coach Toe Blake.
Conversely, Chicago goalie Al Rollins only faced 21 shots but he made the few big saves he was forced to make.
Montreal will host Detroit in Games 1 and 2 of the semi-finals series, which starts next week.
1st Period
CHI- Skov (Hergesheimer) PPG 3:58
CHI- Hergesheimer (Skov, Pilote) 13:37
2nd Period
CHI- Wilson (Martin, Mortson) 1:30
CHI- Skov (Hergesheimer) 13:39
3rd Period
CHI- Lalande (Mickoski, Mortson) 5:29
CHI- McIntyre (Wilson, Martin) 10:06
CHI- Z. Toppazzini (Watson, Vasko) PPG 19:59
SOG
MON 5-5-11 = 21
CHI 13-14-4 = 31
PP
MON 0-1; CHI 2-4
Fights
St. Laurent (MON), Pilote (CHI); 5:59 1st
Goalies
MON- McNeil
CHI- Rollins
Skov scored two goals and five other teammates chipped in as Black Hawks romped
Game 58: Toronto 1 at Detroit 4
Glenn Hall made 25 saves, several of them spectacular, and Detroit Red Wings finally clinched a playoff berth with a 4-1 victory over Toronto Maple Leafs at Olympia Stadium.
Red Wings (7-10-3) will face Montreal in the semi-finals.
The loss put a dent in Toronto's (10-7-3) hopes to finish in second place and secure home ice advantage in the semi-finals vs. Boston. Maple Leafs need a Bruins loss to New York Rangers; anything else, and Boston will finish in second place.
Red Wings fell behind 1-0 in the first period on a goal by Sid Smith at 11:08. Smith slapped at the puck in a scramble in front of Hall and the disc fluttered over the goal line.
Ted Lindsay tied the game at 7:29 of the second period and Billy Dea followed about six minutes later with a goal to put Red Wings ahead, 2-1.
Red Wings put the game away in the third period on goals by Alex Delvecchio (10:46) and Dale Anderson (14:18).
Hall kept the game at 1-0 when Maple Leafs were on a power play early in the second period, making several crucial saves. Throughout the evening, Hall came up big, earning no. 1 star honors.
Red Wings fired 36 shots at Toronto goalie Ed Chadwick.
Red Wings will open the semi-finals at Montreal for Games 1 and 2.
1st Period
TOR- S. Smith (Sloan, Stewart) 11:08
2nd Period
DET- Lindsay (Howe, Delvecchio) 7:29
DET- Dea (Ferguson, Reibel) 13:37
3rd Period
DET- Delvecchio (Howe, Pronovost) 10:46
DET- Anderson (Ullman, Bucyk) 14:18
SOG
TOR 10-10-6 = 26
DET 8-15-13 = 36
PP
TOR 0-1; DET 0-3
Fights
Brian Cullen (TOR), Anderson (DET); 1:29 3rd
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
DET- Hall
Glenn Hall makes one of his 25 saves in the playoff-clinching win over Toronto
Red Wings (7-10-3) will face Montreal in the semi-finals.
The loss put a dent in Toronto's (10-7-3) hopes to finish in second place and secure home ice advantage in the semi-finals vs. Boston. Maple Leafs need a Bruins loss to New York Rangers; anything else, and Boston will finish in second place.
Red Wings fell behind 1-0 in the first period on a goal by Sid Smith at 11:08. Smith slapped at the puck in a scramble in front of Hall and the disc fluttered over the goal line.
Ted Lindsay tied the game at 7:29 of the second period and Billy Dea followed about six minutes later with a goal to put Red Wings ahead, 2-1.
Red Wings put the game away in the third period on goals by Alex Delvecchio (10:46) and Dale Anderson (14:18).
Hall kept the game at 1-0 when Maple Leafs were on a power play early in the second period, making several crucial saves. Throughout the evening, Hall came up big, earning no. 1 star honors.
Red Wings fired 36 shots at Toronto goalie Ed Chadwick.
Red Wings will open the semi-finals at Montreal for Games 1 and 2.
1st Period
TOR- S. Smith (Sloan, Stewart) 11:08
2nd Period
DET- Lindsay (Howe, Delvecchio) 7:29
DET- Dea (Ferguson, Reibel) 13:37
3rd Period
DET- Delvecchio (Howe, Pronovost) 10:46
DET- Anderson (Ullman, Bucyk) 14:18
SOG
TOR 10-10-6 = 26
DET 8-15-13 = 36
PP
TOR 0-1; DET 0-3
Fights
Brian Cullen (TOR), Anderson (DET); 1:29 3rd
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
DET- Hall
Glenn Hall makes one of his 25 saves in the playoff-clinching win over Toronto
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
Game 57: Montreal 5 at New York 3
Five different Canadiens players scored goals as Montreal whipped New York Rangers, 5-3 at Madison Square Garden.
The loss kept Rangers (6-10-3) from taking sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot from Detroit, which has an identical record with one game to play. In any scenario where the two teams end up tied in points, Detroit gets fourth place based on head-to-head play.
Montreal (15-4-0), which has clinched first place, had several little-used players in the lineup but Canadiens, who lead the league in goals scored, still had the firepower to score five times on Gump Worsley, albeit on just 25 shots on goal.
The teams exchanged power play goals in the first period. Doug Harvey scored for Montreal at 3:49 and Dean Prentice answered for Rangers at 7:48.
Dollard St. Laurent scored at 19:15, unassisted, to put Montreal, which never trailed, ahead 2-1.
After Camille Henry scored at 4:18 of the second period to tie the game, Claude Provost deflected Henri Richard's shot past Worsley at 8:35. Canadiens were shorthanded at the time.
Dickie Moore scored on a tip-in at 7:47 of the third period to give Canadiens a two-goal cushion, 4-2.
Rangers were trailing 4-3 with less than two minutes to play and were trying to pull Worsley for an extra attacker but couldn't clear their own zone. That Montreal pressure resulted in a goal by Bert Olmstead at 18:30.
1st Period
MON- Harvey (Beliveau, M. Richard) PPG 3:49
NY- Prentice (Creighton) PPG 7:48
MON- St. Laurent (unassisted) 19:15
2nd Period
NY- Henry (Fontinato, Hebenton) 4:18
MON- Provost (H. Richard) SHG 8:35
3rd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, Harvey) 7:47
NY- Cahan (Gadsby) 16:00
MON- Olmstead (Provost) 18:30
SOG
MON 8-8-9= 25
NY 7-6-8= 21
PP: MON 1-1; NY 1-3
Goalies
MON- Plante
NY- Worsley
Worsley surrendered five goals on just 25 shots in 5-3 loss to Canadiens
The loss kept Rangers (6-10-3) from taking sole possession of the fourth and final playoff spot from Detroit, which has an identical record with one game to play. In any scenario where the two teams end up tied in points, Detroit gets fourth place based on head-to-head play.
Montreal (15-4-0), which has clinched first place, had several little-used players in the lineup but Canadiens, who lead the league in goals scored, still had the firepower to score five times on Gump Worsley, albeit on just 25 shots on goal.
The teams exchanged power play goals in the first period. Doug Harvey scored for Montreal at 3:49 and Dean Prentice answered for Rangers at 7:48.
Dollard St. Laurent scored at 19:15, unassisted, to put Montreal, which never trailed, ahead 2-1.
After Camille Henry scored at 4:18 of the second period to tie the game, Claude Provost deflected Henri Richard's shot past Worsley at 8:35. Canadiens were shorthanded at the time.
Dickie Moore scored on a tip-in at 7:47 of the third period to give Canadiens a two-goal cushion, 4-2.
Rangers were trailing 4-3 with less than two minutes to play and were trying to pull Worsley for an extra attacker but couldn't clear their own zone. That Montreal pressure resulted in a goal by Bert Olmstead at 18:30.
1st Period
MON- Harvey (Beliveau, M. Richard) PPG 3:49
NY- Prentice (Creighton) PPG 7:48
MON- St. Laurent (unassisted) 19:15
2nd Period
NY- Henry (Fontinato, Hebenton) 4:18
MON- Provost (H. Richard) SHG 8:35
3rd Period
MON- Moore (Beliveau, Harvey) 7:47
NY- Cahan (Gadsby) 16:00
MON- Olmstead (Provost) 18:30
SOG
MON 8-8-9= 25
NY 7-6-8= 21
PP: MON 1-1; NY 1-3
Goalies
MON- Plante
NY- Worsley
Worsley surrendered five goals on just 25 shots in 5-3 loss to Canadiens
Sunday, July 3, 2016
Game 56: Toronto 2 at Boston 2
Al MacNeil scored with 8:52 remaining in the third period to enable Toronto Maple Leafs to tie Boston Bruins, 2-2 in a key match played at Boston Garden.
Maple Leafs (10-6-3) could have clinched second place with a victory. Instead, Toronto must defeat Detroit Red Wings or else get help from Bruins (10-7-2). Boston will clinch second place in any scenario in which Bruins and Maple Leafs finish tied in points, because of Bruins' 2-1-1 advantage in the season series.
Bruins scored first on Vic Stasiuk's goal at 15:38 of the first period.
Toronto's Dick Duff and Boston's Leo Labine traded second period goals.
MacNeil's game-tying goal was a weak, fluttering shot from the top of the faceoff circle that fooled Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk.
Both teams had good scoring chances in the final minutes, but Sawchuk and Toronto's Ed Chadwick came up big in net.
The game was a tight-checking affair, culminating in 19 blocked shots.
Only four minor penalties were called in the entire game.
Toronto will seek to clinch second place and thus home ice advantage in the semi-finals with a win in Detroit, while Boston plays host to New York Rangers.
Red Wings and Rangers are in a fight as well, for the fourth and final playoff spot---so both games will have a lot on the line.
1st Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Stanley) 15:38
2nd Period
TOR- Duff (Horton) 2:27
BOS- Labine (MacKell, Flaman) 10:55
3rd Period
TOR- MacNeil (Kennedy, Horton) 11:08
SOG
TOR 7-7-11= 25
BOS 5-11-8= 24
PP: TOR 0-0; BOS: 0-2
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
MacNeil's soft shot somehow made it past Sawchuk to salvage a tie for Leafs
Maple Leafs (10-6-3) could have clinched second place with a victory. Instead, Toronto must defeat Detroit Red Wings or else get help from Bruins (10-7-2). Boston will clinch second place in any scenario in which Bruins and Maple Leafs finish tied in points, because of Bruins' 2-1-1 advantage in the season series.
Bruins scored first on Vic Stasiuk's goal at 15:38 of the first period.
Toronto's Dick Duff and Boston's Leo Labine traded second period goals.
MacNeil's game-tying goal was a weak, fluttering shot from the top of the faceoff circle that fooled Bruins goalie Terry Sawchuk.
Both teams had good scoring chances in the final minutes, but Sawchuk and Toronto's Ed Chadwick came up big in net.
The game was a tight-checking affair, culminating in 19 blocked shots.
Only four minor penalties were called in the entire game.
Toronto will seek to clinch second place and thus home ice advantage in the semi-finals with a win in Detroit, while Boston plays host to New York Rangers.
Red Wings and Rangers are in a fight as well, for the fourth and final playoff spot---so both games will have a lot on the line.
1st Period
BOS- Stasiuk (Stanley) 15:38
2nd Period
TOR- Duff (Horton) 2:27
BOS- Labine (MacKell, Flaman) 10:55
3rd Period
TOR- MacNeil (Kennedy, Horton) 11:08
SOG
TOR 7-7-11= 25
BOS 5-11-8= 24
PP: TOR 0-0; BOS: 0-2
Goalies
TOR- Chadwick
BOS- Sawchuk
MacNeil's soft shot somehow made it past Sawchuk to salvage a tie for Leafs
Thursday, June 30, 2016
Game 55: Detroit 2 at Chicago 4
Detroit Red Wings suffered a blow to their playoff hopes with yet another loss to last-place Chicago Black Hawks, 4-2 at Chicago Stadium.
Jack McIntyre scored two power play goals as Black Hawks finished their season series with Detroit, 3-0-1. Black Hawks (4-14-1) are 1-14-0 versus the rest of the league.
With the loss, Red Wings (6-10-3) remain tied in points with New York Rangers for the fourth and final playoff spot, but Rangers have a game in hand. Rangers host Montreal later this week.
If Red Wings and Rangers finish tied in points, Detroit will go to the playoffs based on season series (2-1-1).
But the loss by Red Wings means that Rangers can clinch the playoffs if they manage three points in their final two games---versus Montreal and at Boston.
McIntyre's first goal came with just five seconds remaining in the first period and gave Black Hawks a 2-0 lead.
McIntyre made it 3-0 with his second goal at 3:49 of the second period as Detroit's Red Kelly was serving a five-minute major for spearing.
John Bucyk beat Al Rollins at 9:56 of the second period to draw Detroit to within two goals, but Ken Mosdell answered 1:23 later to restore the three-goal cushion. The goal was Mosdell's first point of the season.
Red Wings managed just 19 shots on goal for the entire game.
Alex Delvecchio scored at 9:10 of the third period but Red Wings could get no closer.
1st Period
CHI- Kennedy (Skov, Ingram) 11:40
CHI- McIntyre (Mortson, Litzenberger) PPG 19:55
2nd Period
CHI- McIntyre (Mortson, Litzenberger) PPG 3:49
DET- Bucyk (Pronovost, Kelly) 9:56
CHI- Mosdell (Martin, Watson) 11:19
3rd Period
DET- Delvecchio (Howe, Kelly) 9:10
SOG
DET 4-5-10 = 19
CHI 8-9-6 = 23
PP: DET 0-1; CHI 2-4
Goalies
DET- Hall
CHI- Rollins
McIntyre's two PPGs were the key to Chicago's win
Jack McIntyre scored two power play goals as Black Hawks finished their season series with Detroit, 3-0-1. Black Hawks (4-14-1) are 1-14-0 versus the rest of the league.
With the loss, Red Wings (6-10-3) remain tied in points with New York Rangers for the fourth and final playoff spot, but Rangers have a game in hand. Rangers host Montreal later this week.
If Red Wings and Rangers finish tied in points, Detroit will go to the playoffs based on season series (2-1-1).
But the loss by Red Wings means that Rangers can clinch the playoffs if they manage three points in their final two games---versus Montreal and at Boston.
McIntyre's first goal came with just five seconds remaining in the first period and gave Black Hawks a 2-0 lead.
McIntyre made it 3-0 with his second goal at 3:49 of the second period as Detroit's Red Kelly was serving a five-minute major for spearing.
John Bucyk beat Al Rollins at 9:56 of the second period to draw Detroit to within two goals, but Ken Mosdell answered 1:23 later to restore the three-goal cushion. The goal was Mosdell's first point of the season.
Red Wings managed just 19 shots on goal for the entire game.
Alex Delvecchio scored at 9:10 of the third period but Red Wings could get no closer.
1st Period
CHI- Kennedy (Skov, Ingram) 11:40
CHI- McIntyre (Mortson, Litzenberger) PPG 19:55
2nd Period
CHI- McIntyre (Mortson, Litzenberger) PPG 3:49
DET- Bucyk (Pronovost, Kelly) 9:56
CHI- Mosdell (Martin, Watson) 11:19
3rd Period
DET- Delvecchio (Howe, Kelly) 9:10
SOG
DET 4-5-10 = 19
CHI 8-9-6 = 23
PP: DET 0-1; CHI 2-4
Goalies
DET- Hall
CHI- Rollins
McIntyre's two PPGs were the key to Chicago's win
Saturday, June 25, 2016
Game 54: Chicago 1 at Toronto 3
Barry Cullen's goal with 1:12 left in the second period broke a 1-1 tie and proved to be the game winner as Toronto Maple Leafs defeated Chicago Black Hawks, 3-1 at Maple Leaf Gardens.
The win lifted Toronto (10-6-2) into second place with two games remaining in the season. Maple Leafs lead Boston Bruins by one point, with the two teams meeting in Boston in their next game.
Maple Leafs killed off seven Black Hawk power plays, including a five-minute major early in the third period. On top of that, Toronto made good on one of their two power plays.
Cullen's goal came from 40 feet out, above the face-off circle. His wrist shot somehow made it through several players and eluded goalie Al Rollins to the stick side.
Chicago's Wally Hergesheimer tied the game at 5:51 of the second period when he deflected Nick Mickoski's shot past Ed Chadwick.
Dick Duff opened the scoring at 9:02 of the first period, redirecting Bob Baun's shot past Rollins.
Chicago had 14 shots on goal to Toronto's four in the third period, but Maple Leafs tallied the only goal---Ron Stewart's power play marker at 10:48.
1st Period
TOR- Duff (Baun, Morrison) 9:02
2nd Period
CHI- Hergesheimer (Mickoski, Pilote) 5:51
TOR- Ba. Cullen (Morrison, Baun) 18:48
3rd Period
TOR- Stewart (Sloan, MacNeil) PPG 10:48
SOG
CHI 8-10-14 = 32
TOR 11-9-4 = 24
PP: CHI 0-7; TOR 1-2
Goalies
CHI- Rollins
TOR- Chadwick
Cullen's 40-foot wrist shot somehow made it past Rollins for the game-winning goal
The win lifted Toronto (10-6-2) into second place with two games remaining in the season. Maple Leafs lead Boston Bruins by one point, with the two teams meeting in Boston in their next game.
Maple Leafs killed off seven Black Hawk power plays, including a five-minute major early in the third period. On top of that, Toronto made good on one of their two power plays.
Cullen's goal came from 40 feet out, above the face-off circle. His wrist shot somehow made it through several players and eluded goalie Al Rollins to the stick side.
Chicago's Wally Hergesheimer tied the game at 5:51 of the second period when he deflected Nick Mickoski's shot past Ed Chadwick.
Dick Duff opened the scoring at 9:02 of the first period, redirecting Bob Baun's shot past Rollins.
Chicago had 14 shots on goal to Toronto's four in the third period, but Maple Leafs tallied the only goal---Ron Stewart's power play marker at 10:48.
1st Period
TOR- Duff (Baun, Morrison) 9:02
2nd Period
CHI- Hergesheimer (Mickoski, Pilote) 5:51
TOR- Ba. Cullen (Morrison, Baun) 18:48
3rd Period
TOR- Stewart (Sloan, MacNeil) PPG 10:48
SOG
CHI 8-10-14 = 32
TOR 11-9-4 = 24
PP: CHI 0-7; TOR 1-2
Goalies
CHI- Rollins
TOR- Chadwick
Cullen's 40-foot wrist shot somehow made it past Rollins for the game-winning goal
Sunday, June 19, 2016
Game 53: Boston 0 at Montreal 4
Montreal Canadiens clinched first place with a 4-0 victory over Boston Bruins at the Forum.
Canadiens (14-4-0), who started the season 0-2, scored two power play goals, and Jacques Plante made 30 saves.
Bruins (10-7-1) dropped their second straight game and lead third place Toronto by just one point, with Maple Leafs having a game in hand.
Dickie Moore and Jean-Guy Talbot scored power play markers, while Bud MacPherson and Don Marshall rounded out the scoring. MacPherson's goal was his first point of the season.
Canadiens boast the league's best power play, connecting at a robust 32 percent clip.
Plante was superb, turning back several Boston scoring chances.
Bruins, entering the game, had a slim chance of finishing first---if they won their remaining three games and Montreal lost theirs.
But Canadiens quickly dispelled any thoughts of a Bruins revolt when Moore deflected Maurice Richard's shot past Terry Sawchuk just 4:26 into the first period.
Talbot scored at 6:55 of the second period and Canadiens were on their way to capturing the league title.
The win guarantees Montreal home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
1st Period
MON- Moore (M. Richard, Beliveau) PPG 4:26
2nd Period
MON- Talbot (Harvey, M. Richard) PPG 6:55
MON- MacPherson (Leclair) 10:23
3rd Period
MON- Marshall (Leclair, Talbot) 16:46
SOG
BOS 9-10-11 = 30
MON 15-13-5 = 33
PP: BOS 0-3; MON 2-4
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Talbot had a goal and an assist as Canadiens clinched first place
Canadiens (14-4-0), who started the season 0-2, scored two power play goals, and Jacques Plante made 30 saves.
Bruins (10-7-1) dropped their second straight game and lead third place Toronto by just one point, with Maple Leafs having a game in hand.
Dickie Moore and Jean-Guy Talbot scored power play markers, while Bud MacPherson and Don Marshall rounded out the scoring. MacPherson's goal was his first point of the season.
Canadiens boast the league's best power play, connecting at a robust 32 percent clip.
Plante was superb, turning back several Boston scoring chances.
Bruins, entering the game, had a slim chance of finishing first---if they won their remaining three games and Montreal lost theirs.
But Canadiens quickly dispelled any thoughts of a Bruins revolt when Moore deflected Maurice Richard's shot past Terry Sawchuk just 4:26 into the first period.
Talbot scored at 6:55 of the second period and Canadiens were on their way to capturing the league title.
The win guarantees Montreal home ice advantage throughout the playoffs.
1st Period
MON- Moore (M. Richard, Beliveau) PPG 4:26
2nd Period
MON- Talbot (Harvey, M. Richard) PPG 6:55
MON- MacPherson (Leclair) 10:23
3rd Period
MON- Marshall (Leclair, Talbot) 16:46
SOG
BOS 9-10-11 = 30
MON 15-13-5 = 33
PP: BOS 0-3; MON 2-4
Goalies
BOS- Sawchuk
MON- Plante
Talbot had a goal and an assist as Canadiens clinched first place
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Game 52: Detroit 2 at New York 3
Parker MacDonald's goal at 4:15 of the third period lifted New York Rangers to a 3-2 victory over Detroit Red Wings at Madison Square Garden.
The win was Rangers' third in a row and vaulted them into a tie for fourth place with Detroit. Both teams have identical 6-9-3 records, but Red Wings hold the head-to-head tiebreaker, having won the season series with Rangers, 2-1-1.
Billy Dea had tied the game, 2-2, with a high wrist shot over Gump Worsley's shoulder at 3:29 of the third period, but MacDonald found the twine just 46 seconds later, burying a low wrist shot that seemed to fool Detroit goalie Glenn Hall.
Red Kelly deflected Gordie Howe's shot past Worsley at 9:15 of the first period to open the scoring. The goal came on Red Wings' lone power play of the game.
Harry Howell scored his first goal of the season with just 15 seconds remaining in the period. Rangers held a 19-8 shot advantage after 20 minutes.
Dave Creighton slapped a rebound past Hall at 12:42 of the second period to put Rangers ahead, 2-1.
There were only three penalties called the entire game, and none after the first period.
Red Wings are 4-9-1 after a 2-0-2 start.
Bill Gadsby and Dean Prentice each had two assists for Rangers.
Rangers' remaining schedule is tougher than Detroit's. New York plays Montreal and Boston, while Red Wings play Chicago and Toronto. However, Red Wings are 0-2-1 against the last place Black Hawks.
1st Period
DET- Kelly (Howe, Delvecchio) 9:15
NY- Howell (Prentice, Gadsby) 19:45
2nd Period
NY- Creighton (Bathgate, Prentice) 12:42
3rd Period
DET- Dea (Reibel, Bucyk) 3:29
NY- MacDonald (Gadsby, Hebenton) 4:15
SOG
DET 8-7-13 = 28
NY 19-7-13 = 39
PP: DET 1-1; NY 0-2
Goalies
DET- Hall
NY- Worsley
MacDonald has six goals but no assists this season
The win was Rangers' third in a row and vaulted them into a tie for fourth place with Detroit. Both teams have identical 6-9-3 records, but Red Wings hold the head-to-head tiebreaker, having won the season series with Rangers, 2-1-1.
Billy Dea had tied the game, 2-2, with a high wrist shot over Gump Worsley's shoulder at 3:29 of the third period, but MacDonald found the twine just 46 seconds later, burying a low wrist shot that seemed to fool Detroit goalie Glenn Hall.
Red Kelly deflected Gordie Howe's shot past Worsley at 9:15 of the first period to open the scoring. The goal came on Red Wings' lone power play of the game.
Harry Howell scored his first goal of the season with just 15 seconds remaining in the period. Rangers held a 19-8 shot advantage after 20 minutes.
Dave Creighton slapped a rebound past Hall at 12:42 of the second period to put Rangers ahead, 2-1.
There were only three penalties called the entire game, and none after the first period.
Red Wings are 4-9-1 after a 2-0-2 start.
Bill Gadsby and Dean Prentice each had two assists for Rangers.
Rangers' remaining schedule is tougher than Detroit's. New York plays Montreal and Boston, while Red Wings play Chicago and Toronto. However, Red Wings are 0-2-1 against the last place Black Hawks.
1st Period
DET- Kelly (Howe, Delvecchio) 9:15
NY- Howell (Prentice, Gadsby) 19:45
2nd Period
NY- Creighton (Bathgate, Prentice) 12:42
3rd Period
DET- Dea (Reibel, Bucyk) 3:29
NY- MacDonald (Gadsby, Hebenton) 4:15
SOG
DET 8-7-13 = 28
NY 19-7-13 = 39
PP: DET 1-1; NY 0-2
Goalies
DET- Hall
NY- Worsley
MacDonald has six goals but no assists this season
Friday, June 10, 2016
Game 51: New York 5 at Chicago 1
Bronco Horvath scored twice within the last two minutes of the second period, breaking open a close game, and New York Rangers completed a season series sweep of Chicago Black Hawks with a 5-1 victory at Chicago Stadium.
Rangers (5-9-3) are 4-0-0 versus Chicago but 1-9-3 against the rest of the league. Still, Rangers are within two points of fourth place Detroit, and host Red Wings in their next game.
Chicago's (3-13-1) misery continues, as Black Hawks' impotent offense again reared its head.
Rangers fired 40 shots on goal to Chicago's meager 19.
Parker MacDonald, Dave Creighton and Bill Gadsby scored in the first period, staking Rangers to a 3-1 lead.
Harry Watson scored the lone goal for Black Hawks.
One of the few bright spots for Black Hawks was successfully killing off a five-minute major penalty to Ron Ingram (boarding) early in the second period.
1st Period
NY- MacDonald (Gadsby, Hebenton) PPG 6:00
NY- Creighton (Bathgate, Prentice) 11:17
NY- Gadsby (Horvath) 17:19
CHI- Watson (Lalande, Pilote) 18:17
2nd Period
NY- Horvath (Murphy, Sullivan) 18:04
NY- Horvath (Murphy, Sullivan) 19:08
3rd Period
No scoring
SOG
NY 12-20-8 = 40
CHI 8-5-6 = 19
PP: NY 1-4; CHI 0-1
Goalies
NY- Worsley
CHI- Rollins
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Horvath salted game for Rangers late in the second period
Rangers (5-9-3) are 4-0-0 versus Chicago but 1-9-3 against the rest of the league. Still, Rangers are within two points of fourth place Detroit, and host Red Wings in their next game.
Chicago's (3-13-1) misery continues, as Black Hawks' impotent offense again reared its head.
Rangers fired 40 shots on goal to Chicago's meager 19.
Parker MacDonald, Dave Creighton and Bill Gadsby scored in the first period, staking Rangers to a 3-1 lead.
Harry Watson scored the lone goal for Black Hawks.
One of the few bright spots for Black Hawks was successfully killing off a five-minute major penalty to Ron Ingram (boarding) early in the second period.
1st Period
NY- MacDonald (Gadsby, Hebenton) PPG 6:00
NY- Creighton (Bathgate, Prentice) 11:17
NY- Gadsby (Horvath) 17:19
CHI- Watson (Lalande, Pilote) 18:17
2nd Period
NY- Horvath (Murphy, Sullivan) 18:04
NY- Horvath (Murphy, Sullivan) 19:08
3rd Period
No scoring
SOG
NY 12-20-8 = 40
CHI 8-5-6 = 19
PP: NY 1-4; CHI 0-1
Goalies
NY- Worsley
CHI- Rollins
Horvath salted game for Rangers late in the second period
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