Our history - The historical website of the Montreal Canadiens

THE REGULAR SEASON

The Montreal Canadiens enter the 1951-52 season in the midst of a youth movement with only four players over the age of 30.

Rookie Dickie Moore breathes new life into a line that features veterans Maurice Richard and Elmer Lach. Proving himself to be the best replacement yet for Toe Blake on the Punch Line, the combative Moore records 33 points in as many games.

Bernard Geoffrion, still eligible for rookie of the year honors, wins the Calder Cup on the strength of a 30-goal, 54-point campaign, leading all Habs marksmen. Richard lights the lamp 27 times despite missing 22 games to injury, and rookies Paul Meger and Dick Gamble notch 24 and 23 goals respectively. Floyd Curry replaces the injured Richard and makes the most of his chances, finishing the year with 20 goals to his credit.

Veteran center Elmer Lach, a solid performer for over a decade, led all NHL playmakers with 50 assists, becoming the all-time leader for both points and assists during the 1951-52 season.

Diminutive Gerry McNeil played every game between the pipes, posting the NHL’s third-best goals-against average. McNeil backstops a youthful defensive corps anchored by captain Butch Bouchard and Doug Harvey, already recognized as one of the game’s smartest players.

With Detroit dominating the NHL, the rest of the league plays for the remaining three playoff slots. After a slow start, Montreal battles Toronto for second spot all season long, going 14-5-3 between late January and mid-March to finish with 78 points, four more than the third-place Maple Leafs.

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.