The Toronto Maple Leafs defeated the New York Rangers 6-2 last night at Maple Leaf Gardens in what was possibly a very costly loss for the Broadway Blueshirts. The Rangers lost goaltender Cesare Maniago when he left the game in the second period with what was originally feared to be broken ribs.
Broken Ribs Feared
Maniago was taken to hospital where he was diagnosed as having suffered bruised intercostal muscles on his right side. He had collided with Leafs Frank Mahovlich and team-mate Jean Ratelle. Former Maple Leaf goalie Don Simmons took over for Maniago and was the victim of a four-goal Toronto outburst in the third period.
Six different players scored for Toronto in the National Hockey League’s only scheduled game. A highlight for the Leafs was the first goal this season, finally, for Peter Stemkowski. Other Maple Leaf marksmen were Eddie Shack, Ron Ellis, Dave Keon, Bob Pulford and Mahovlich.
Earl Ingarfield and Ray Cullen replied for the Rangers. For Cullen it was his first NHL goal.
Losing starting goalie Maniago was a tough blow for New York. He had been great in the first period, facing 16 Toronto shots, allowing only one goal. That was Shack’s goal, a wicked drive from just inside the Ranger blue line. He also surrendered Ellis’ goal early in the middle stanza.
Johnny Bower was solid between the pipes for the Leafs, stopping 28 of 30 Ranger drives.
No Brotherly Love Between Hillmans
The game was the first this year where Leafs Larry Hillman faced off against his brother Wayne of the Rangers. They had an interesting exchange in the second period when Larry rode Wayne heavily into the boards. Larry was asked after the game who got the best of the collision.
“I must have, because when Wayne skated away, he said ‘that’s one I owe you.’”
Wayne confirmed as much after the game:
“Larry not only handed me a solid thump but took the puck off me in our zone. I owe him one.”
Frank Mahovlich played one of his more rambunctious games, and new Ranger Reggie Fleming felt the brunt of the Big M’s enthusiasm. He was taken into the boards violently and was the recipient of a solid high stick by the big Maple Leaf winger. Fleming looked shocked at how roughly he had been treated by Mahovlich.
After the game, Mahovlich explained why he gave Fleming special attention:
“He gave me a butt end and he held me.”
Francis Credits Leafs
The win gives fourth-place Toronto a 15 point lead over the Rangers for the final playoff berth.
New York coach and general manager Emile Francis gave the Leafs all the credit for controlling the game against his club.
“Leafs just wouldn’t let our club play the way they did against the Wings and Hawks. They took the play away from us for 40 of the 60 minutes because we couldn’t match their firepower and lacked the muscle and bounce to slow them down.
“I’ll bring Ed Giacomin back from Baltimore to replace Cesare. And I hope he can regain his top form.”
Reay Breaks Up Scooter Line
Chicago Black Hawks coach Billy Reay hasn’t been happy with the offensive output of his club over the past couple of weeks, despite the exploits of Bobby Hull. So, tonight in Boston when the Black Hawks visit the Bruins, the forward unit will have a new look.
Stan Mikita has been shifted from the Scooter Line to Hull’s line, where he will centre the Golden Jet and Chicago Maki. Red Hay moves to centre between Doug Mohns and Eric Nesterenko. Phil Esposito lines up between Kenny Wharram and rookie Ken Hodge.
The Scooter line was formerly made up of Mikita at center with Wharram and Mohns on the wings.
Notes:
- Wayne Cashman’s two goals led the Oshawa Generals to a 6-1 pasting of the Niagara Falls Flyers in Ontario Hockey Association Junior A play.
- The AHL Pittsburgh Hornets downed Seattle Totems of the WHL 3-1 thanks to a pair of goals by Don McKenney.
- Montreal Canadiens will be without Ted Harris for at least 2 weeks more with a fractured shoulder.
- Chicago Black Hawks have sent forward Dave Richardson to their Buffalo farm team in the AHL.
- Three goalies are in the thick of the battle for the AHL rookie award: Gary Bauman of Quebec, George Gardner of Pittsburgh and Gary Smith of Rochester.
- Andy Hebenton scored all three goals for Victoria Maple Leafs as they edged the Vancouver Canucks 3-2 in overtime in WHL play.
- Portland doubled San Francisco 6-3 in the other WHL game. Doug Messier scored twice for the Buckaroos.