Dec. 7, 1964 - That 10-2 walloping at Toronto Saturday night was only a little dip for the Red Wings. They are not ready to fall from first place in the NHL by any means and said so last night with a convincing 4-1 over the Canadiens.
The victory, in a rough game before 13,259 at the Olympia, pushed Detroit back into a three-point lead over the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs, who meet at Toronto Wednesday.
Going into last night’s game, the Habs were flying with four straight wins, including a 5-3 decision over Chicago at the Forum Saturday night. However, goalie Roger Crozier (pictured) robbed the Canadiens early in the first period last night, and his mates took over.
Detroit’s “Kid Line” of Bruce MacGregor, Paul Henderson, and Pit Martin accounted for three of the winners’ four goals, with veteran Alex Delvecchio getting the other.
Ralph Backstrom saved the Canadiens from their first shutout loss of the season when he tallied in the 11th minute of the third period.
Detroit coach Sid Abel called “the big test” for his surprising team.
“After Saturday’s bad beating, we had to prove ourselves by making a comeback,” said Abel. “We did so by beating the hottest club in the league. We have four players sidelined, and six others are cripples. So, this win gives us a lift with a week’s rest before we play again.”
The game was practically won and lost in the first period, when the Canadiens missed two golden scoring opportunities, and each time the Wings came back to score.
Dave Balon was in alone from 30 feet on a setup by Henri Richard, but Crozier slid across the net to make a fine save.
On the following rush, Bruce MacGregor was set up by Henderson and Martin and pumped the puck past Charlie Hodge for Detroit’s first goal.
Five minutes later, Balon was again in alone on a neat play with Claude Provost, but Crozier didn’t budge as the Habs’ winger hit the post. The Wings came right back with their second goal, Henderson scoring on a second rebound off shots by Doug Barkley and MacGregor.
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