Habs Top Rangers at Forum

Mar. 6, 1965 - The Montreal Canadiens squeezed out a 2-1 victory over the New York Rangers tonight at the Montreal Forum on Dick Duff’s third-period goal to stay in hot contention for the NHL pennant.

But the Habs almost didn’t make it, having to stage another one of their late comebacks as the Rangers outplayed them for three quarters of the game before 14,743 fans. The play slowed in the third period when the ice softened in the mild temperatures.

Duff’s goal, scored when he whacked in his own rebound, and one by Jean Beliveau — only the ninth of the season for both — was enough for the triumph. Beliveau also assisted on Duff’s winner at 14:40 to continue a rousing late-season comeback.

Rod Gilbert’s bullet-like 20-footer beat Hab goalie Gump Worsley at 14:06 of the second period to give the Rangers a short-lived 1-0 lead.

Beliveau tied it up about three minutes later, deflecting Jacques Laperriere’s blueline slap shot. Jim Roberts, rookie penalty killer, assisted on both Montreal goals.

Both Worsley and Ranger netminder Marcel Paille were sensational, coming up with a dozen or more key saves. Worsley stopped 30 shots and Paille 29.

Paille stopped what appeared to be two sure goals by Claude Provost, who had seven shots on net. 

Worsley’s best save came in the second period when the Rangers were leading. He did a split to kick out a drive by Wayne Hillman that was heading for the corner of the net.

Beliveau’s line was juggled all night, and finally coach Toe Blake went with a combination that produced the two decisive goals. He had tried Yvan Cournoyer and Bobby Rousseau on right wing before deciding on Roberts.

The Canadiens are now tied for first place with the Chicago Black Hawks. Both clubs have 71 points. The Detroit Red Wings have 70 and the Toronto Maple Leafs 65. Both the Rangers and Bruins have been virtually eliminated from playoff contention.

Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s