Historical Hockey Memorabilia Auction Fall 2013
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 11/5/2013
Offered here is the complete game program from one of the most famous events in NHL history - Maurice "Rocket" Richard scoring his 50th goal in his 50th game. In just his third year in the League, playing on the legendary "Punch Line" with Toe Blake and Elmer Lach, Richard had already shattered the previous record of 44 goals in a season, and had scored 49 in 48 games going into the team's final home game on March 17, 1945 against the Chicago Black Hawks. He seemed destined to reach the magical "50" mark at the Montreal Forum, and the home crowd came close to rioting in the 2nd period when an apparent Richard goal was disallowed by referee King Clancy. The Black Hawks shut him down the rest of the way, and so it was left to the season's final game, at the Boston Gardens vs. the Bruins the next evening. Despite several chances, the Rocket was held scoreless until just three minutes remained in a 2-2 tie. Then, suddenly, history was made; as Richard took a pass from Lach at 17:45 of the 3rd period and whipped a shot past Bruins goalie Harvey Bennett, becoming the first NHL player to score 50 goals. Twenty years later Bobby Hull would finally break that mark, but it would take 37 seasons before Richard's iconic feat of 50 in 50 was bested. This ultra-scarce program, featuring the Canadiens' great goalie Bill Durnan on its cover, is in solid VG/EX condition, with a light center crease.
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