Nov. 5, 1964 - Jean-Guy Talbot’s first goal of the season enabled the Canadiens to force a 2-2 tie with the powerful Toronto Maple Leafs tonight, the Habs’ fourth stalemate in five home starts at Montreal Forum.
One of the stars of a game in which the defense outshone the offense on both teams, Talbot scored in the 18th minute of the second period after the Leafs had taken a short-lived lead on Carl Brewer’s unassisted tally.
The teams matched goals in the first period with Henri Richard (pictured) scoring on the power play for the Canadiens and rookie Ron Ellis getting it back in the last minute for Toronto.
Ralph Backstrom, the hard-working Montreal center, analyzed the game in a nutshell.
“The rink seemed kind of small, the checking was so close,” said Ralph.
Jean Beliveau agreed that it was like a playoff game.
“We had only 22 shots; that’s not enough,” remarked the big captain.
Toronto coach Punch Imlach wasn’t unhappy with the deadlock.
“These are the kind of games I like to see,” said Punch, “none of that fancy-Dan stuff.”
King Clancy, the assistant G.M. and coach, agreed: “Yeah, none of those free passes through the middle of the rink.”
They were referring to the heavy hitting on both sides. Canadiens’ rookie Ted Harris had a field day along with John Ferguson, Jean Beliveau, and Dave Balon for the Canadiens, while Frank Mahovlich, Ron Stewart, Bobby Baun, and Tim Horton did most of the hitting for the visitors.
It was a night in which the forwards had to keep their heads up and were unable to cut loose for many big scoring chances. Both goalies made some fine saves, especially Montreal’s Charlie Hodge in the second period, but were not overworked as the Leafs outshot the Canadiens, 27-22.
Montreal coach Toe Blake agreed that it was a tight game and thought the whole defense played well. He was especially pleased with the work of Jean-Claude Tremblay.
“That was by far J.C.’s best game of the season,” said Blake.
Henri Richard lasted only 30 minutes before he aggravated the groin injury that had kept him out of action since the start of the season.
“You have to drive a little harder than in practice,” said the disappointed Richard afterward. “The groin started pulling a bit in the first period and got worse later. I guess I’ll know in the morning how bad it is this time.”
Blake also rated the loss of Richard a tough blow.
“The second shift and he’s got the puck in the net,” said Toe, speaking of Richard’s goal which was the little center’s 199th NHL tally.
Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s
Comments