MAURICE RICHARD: 50-in-50

On March 18, 1945, Maurice "Rocket" Richard became the first NHL player to score 50 goals in 50 games.

The Montreal Canadiens right winger scored his 50th in the Habs final game of the 1944-45 regular season. On the road in Boston, Richard failed to score in the first 40 minutes of action and his attempt  to reach 50-in-50 came down to the third period. Boston and Montreal were deadlocked at 1-1 going into the final frame.

"The Bruins alternated goalie Bob Bibeault and Harvey Bennett in their net and both were under heavy fire most of the way," noted a newspaper account.

After Bibeault's run in the first half of play, Bennett replaced his teammate between the pipes and the visitors peppered him with 26 shots. Late in the contest,they finally found some open net.

At 17:45, Richard connected for his historic goal by "whacking in Elmer Lach's pass out."

Richard's linemates, Toe Blake and Lach, added two more goals to give Montreal a 4-2 victory.