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Henri Richard: Game Winner Against The Maple Leafs in the 1959-60 Playoffs

In 1959-60, the Montreal Canadiens swept their way through the playoffs to capture their fifth consecutive Stanley Cup championship. In game three of the final series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, both Richard brothers factored into the Habs win. But, it was the Pocket Rocket that picked up the Gordie Howe Hat Trick.

Not known to be as vicious as his brother Maurice, Henri Richard only picked up two minor penalties through the 1959-60 playoffs, to go with the fighting major that he picked up in game three of the final. One of those minors came in the third period of this game. His 12 points over eight games would have put him in the running for the Conn Smythe Trophy if the award had existed at the time.

The Game

On April 12, 1960, the Montreal Canadiens met the Toronto Maple Leafs at Maple Leaf Gardens for game three of the final series. The Habs took the first two games in Montreal by scores of 4-2 and 2-1. The outcome was never really in question with the Canadiens jumping out to a 3-0 lead midway through the game and holding a 5-1 lead before the Leafs scored with just 13 seconds left in the match.

The teams would meet at the Gardens two nights later with Montreal coming out on top 4-0 to capture the championship. Henri scored the third goal of the game, assisted by his brother and Dickie Moore. Jean Beliveau scored the first and last goals of the game.

The Assist

At 10:07 of the third period, Maurice Richard scored his only goal of the playoffs. It turned out to be the last goal over his legendary career. Assisting on the goal were brother Henri and Dickie Moore. The goal put Montreal up 5-1 and was one of six shots that the Rocket put on Toronto goalie Johnny Bower.

The Goal

Henri Richard scored his second goal of the playoffs at 15:27 of the second period to make it 3-0. The goal would become the game winner after Toronto was able to put two behind Jacques Plante. The goal was unassisted.

The Fight

You have to hand it to the Pocket Rocket, he went up against a tough customer. At 16:19 of the second period, Henri dropped the gloves with Bob Baun with both receiving five for fighting. The fight occurred as Johnny Wilson scored the first goal of the game for Toronto, assisted by Billy Harris and Carl Brewer. 

About Henri Richard

The Pocket Rocket played 1,258 regular season and 180 playoff games in the National Hockey League between 1955-56 and 1974-75, all with the Montreal Canadiens. His eleven Stanley Cup rings are the most by any NHL player. Richard's number 16 was retired by the Habs in 1975 and he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979.

Henri Richard 1958-59 Parkhurst Hockey Card [YouTube Shorts]



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