The visiting Montreal Canadiens spoiled Frank Mahovlich’s return to the Toronto lineup as they edged the Maple Leafs 3-2 last night at Maple Leaf Gardens. In the other National Hockey League game, the Chicago Black Hawks blasted the New York Rangers 6-1 in New York.
Hodge stars for Habs
Montreal’s win in Toronto boosted the Habs into sole possession of second place in the NHL standings. Montreal goalkeeper Charlie Hodge was the star for Canadiens, stopping nearly everything in sight and frustrating Toronto forwards throughout the game. Hodge made 25 saves, with his best work coming in the latter stages of the final frame when the Leafs mounted a late desperation charge to try and salvage a point.
The game was less than five minutes old when Montreal right winger Claude Provost scored on a nice setup by Henri Richard. A little over six minutes later, the Habs upped their lead to 2-0 as Richard was instrumental again, this time making a play to enable Dave Balon to score. The Leafs battled back late in the first to draw within one on Ron Stewart’s eighth marker of the season.
Gilles Tremblay scored the only goal of the second period, an unassisted tally that came off a steal from Leaf defenceman Kent Douglas. Tremblay roared in on a breakaway and made no mistake on Toronto netminder Terry Sawchuk.
Don McKenny scored with just over six minutes remaining in the third period, but Hodge shut the door the rest of the way to send Leafs fans home disappointed.
Big M happy with first game back
Mahovlich’s first game back from his stay in hospital due to an undisclosed illness was a solid performance despite the loss. On his first shift he flattened Montreal defender Terry Harper with a solid body check just seconds after stepping onto the ice.
“I bodied Harper to get the feel of the game”, Mahovlich said afterwards. “That’s the best way to get warmed up to your work.”
Mahovlich also commented that his timing and shooting was off, but he expressed confidence that those skills will return as time goes on. Leaf coach Punch Imlach spotted the Big M in the first period, but by the end of the game, he was taking a regular shift.
Norris’ blast spurs Hawks
At New York the Black Hawks put on an impressive display, spurred by comments made recently by owner Jim Norris. Norris did not mince words when talking about his slumping club:
“This situation is no longer funny. We’re going to make some moves if things don’t improve.” He singled out the play of Ken Wharram, John McKenzie, Stan Mikita and the entire Chicago defence.
Last night, Wharram led the way with two goals. The other Hawk marksmen were Freddie Stanfield, Al MacNeil, Doug Mohns and McKenzie. Mikita had a pair of assists and Bobby Hull, on a rare night on which he was held goal-less, had three helpers.
Denis DeJordy, back with the Hawks as Ed Chadwick returned to action with Buffalo of the AHL, made the start in goal. He had an easy night as the Rangers could only manage 16 shots at the Chicago net. Rod Gilbert was the only New Yorker able to find the range on DeJordy.
AHL Bisons best Reds
The Buffalo Bisons got goals from five different players in downing the Providence Reds 5-2 last night in an American Hockey League game Buffalo. In the other AHL game last night the Springfield Indians snapped the Hershey’s 13 game unbeaten streak with a 4-2 victory over the Bears in Hershey. And in an exhibition game between the Pittsburgh Hornets and the parent Detroit Red Wings in Pittsburgh, the Wasps managed a 3-3 tie with the Wings.
Two second period power play goals were the key for Buffalo’s home-ice win. Oscar Gaudet, Hank Ciesla, Art Stratton, Len Lunde and Pat Hannigan were the Bison goal-getters. George Ranieri and Len Ronson replied for the Reds. The game marked the return of goaltender Ed Chadwick to the Buffalo net. Chadwick had missed the past couple of weeks with a concussion.
In Hershey, youngster George Wood was making only his third start in goal for Springfield. He made 19 saves for the upset win over the Bears. Indian scorers were Jim Anderson, Dennis Olson, Barclay Plager and Brian Smith. The Bears got goals from Bruce Cline and Danny Poliziani.
Pittsburgh’s surprising tie with the Red Wings was made possible by a Ted Hampson goal for the Hornets with four seconds left in the game and two team mates in the penalty box. Yves Locas had the other two Pittsburgh goals. Red Wings marksmen were Norm Ullman with a pair, and a single from Alex Delvecchio.
Campbell wants Russians to play ‘Canadian’ game
Clarence Campbell, president of the National Hockey League, said yesterday that the Russians should be encouraged to play “our” game and not be given the impression that we are going head-hunting for them. Campbell was speaking about the upcoming game this Friday between the Russian national team and the Montreal Junior Canadiens. The juniors will be bolstered by six professionals, all with NHL experience, from the Quebec Aces of the AHL.
“I’m trying to encourage the Russians to play the game….not trying to prove the point we can knock them around. Anybody prepared to adopt our game should be encouraged…”
Campbell says he is looking forward to the game which will give everyone an insight “as to just how close they are coming to our concept of how hockey should be played.”
Campbell was asked about the Russians playing strictly NHL clubs.
“If they play strictly NHL competition, the shock could be a great setback. If they lose, they have to account for it and hockey there may cease to flourish. If they win, which I don’t think they could do, it distorts the whole picture. Add that to the fact of rescheduling and you can readily see the complexities.”
Vancouver arena vetoed
Vancouver ratepayers yesterday voted down a proposal to donate two blocks of choice downtown real estate to Toronto Maple Leaf president Stafford Smythe so that he can build an $8 Million arena suitable for housing an NHL team.
Reeve Alan Emmett of nearby Burnaby said that the prospects of such a rink in the area not completely dead. Emmett says his community will now renew its bid for the 18,000 seat coliseum.