Game 44: Chicago 1 at Montreal 5

Rocket Richard netted a hat trick in leading Montreal Canadiens to an easy 5-1 victory over Chicago Black Hawks at the Forum.

Canadiens (12-3-0) have won two straight after having their 10-game winning streak snapped.

Richard, who leads the league in goals with 13, tallied once in each period as Montreal maintained its solid hold on first place.

Black Hawks (3-11-1) again had trouble getting their offense going and were no match for Montreal.

Jean Beliveau tallied three assists and Jacques Plante made 20 saves for Canadiens.

Chicago's Eric Nesterenko and Montreal's Jean-Guy Talbot fought each other twice within 7:25 late in the third period. The pair duked it out in their first shifts on the ice after their first fighting majors were served.

1st Period
MON- M. Richard (Beliveau) 1:26
MON- Provost (H. Richard, Talbot) 3:37

2nd Period
MON- St. Laurent (Beliveau, Moore) PPG 3:38
CHI- Mortson (Nesterenko, Mickoski) PPG 15:27
MON- M. Richard (Beliveau, Moore) 19:43

3rd Period
MON- M. Richard (St. Laurent) :59

SOG
CHI 4-8-9 = 21
MON 15-8-14 = 37

PP: CHI 1-5; MON 1-5

Goalies
CHI- Rollins
MON- Plante


Rocket Richard (right) celebrates his hat trick after the game with his little brother, Henri, who recorded an assist in win over Chicago