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THE REGULAR SEASON

Following the successive departures of Toe Blake, Bill Durnan and Ken Reardon over the course of the previous two seasons, the Canadiens are in search of new blood. Their record 29 games into the 1950-51 season is nine wins, 15 losses and five ties.

Frank Selke announces that Jean Beliveau and Bernard Geoffrion, two of the organization’s star junior players, will have a chance to showcase their skills against NHL opponents on December 16 in a game against the New York Rangers at the Forum.

The anticipation leading up to the game is unprecedented. A crowd of 14,158 is on hand for the game and they don’t leave disappointed. In his first game in the Habs’ famed red, white and blue uniform, Geoffrion scores the Canadiens’ only goal in a 1-1 tie against the Rangers.

Maurice Richard and Elmer Lach pace the Canadiens’ offense. The Rocket posts yet another strong season with 66 points, including 42 goals, in 65 games. He finishes second in the NHL scoring race to Gordie Howe. For his part, Lach scores 21 goals and finishes the season with 45 points.

With Reardon gone, Doug Harvey becomes the pillar of Montreal’s defense and adds 29 points in 70 games.

In his first full season with the Canadiens, goalie Gerry McNeil records 25 wins and six shutouts.

During a late season game against the Detroit Red Wings, the Rocket is handed a misconduct penalty for arguing with referee Hugh McLean. Furious, Richard makes his way to the penalty box where Detroit’s Leo Reise makes derogatory comments to him. Richard explodes in anger and punches Reise. When linesman Jim Primeau steps in, Richard strikes him with his stick.

The following day, in the lobby of a New York hotel, the Rocket finds himself face to face with McLean and Primeau. No punches are exchanged this time but Richard grabs McLean by the tie and Primeau once again intervenes. NHL president Clarence Campbell fines Richard $500 for damaging hockey’s reputation.