1952–53 NHL season

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1952–53 NHL season
LeagueNational Hockey League
SportIce hockey
DurationOctober 9, 1952 – April 16, 1953
Number of games70
Number of teams6
TV partner(s)CBC, SRC (Canada)
None (United States)
Regular season
Season championDetroit Red Wings
Season MVPGordie Howe (Red Wings)
Top scorerGordie Howe (Red Wings)
Stanley Cup
ChampionsMontreal Canadiens
  Runners-upBoston Bruins
NHL seasons

The 1952–53 NHL season was the 36th season of the National Hockey League. The Montreal Canadiens were the Stanley Cup winners as they beat the Boston Bruins four games to one in the final series.

League business[]

The NHL almost had a seventh franchise, as the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League applied for a franchise. They were accepted with the proviso that they deposit $425,000 to show good faith, and prove they had sufficient working capital to consort with the other NHL teams. They could not come up with the working capital and transfer of applicants stock to Cleveland residents. As a result, the Barons were told to apply at a later date.

A big deal was made between Toronto and Chicago as the Maple Leafs shipped Al Rollins, Gus Mortson, and Cal Gardner for goaltender Harry Lumley.

Sid Abel was signed by Chicago to be player-coach.

What was rumoured became fact in September when Arthur M. Wirtz and James D. Norris became the new owners of the near bankrupt Chicago Black Hawks.

James E. Norris, owner of the Detroit Red Wings since 1932 and father of James D. Norris, Chicago owner, died of a heart attack on December 4, 1952, and his daughter Marguerite became the owner. She became the first female owner of an NHL franchise since Ida Querrie owned the Toronto St. Patricks in 1923 when her husband Charlie transferred his stock in the team to her to avoid paying Eddie Livingstone any money in Livingstone's lawsuit against him.

NHL on-ice officials changed to orange-coloured uniforms in March 1953. The officials had worn cream-coloured uniforms which were not distinguishable from some team's home-ice uniforms.

Regular season[]

For the fifth straight season, the Detroit Red Wings lead the league in points. Gordie Howe won the Hart Trophy over Al Rollins, but on the strength of Rollins' goaltending, Chicago made the playoffs for the first time since 1946.

The first television broadcast in Canada of an NHL game occurred on October 11, 1952. It was a French language broadcast of a game between the Montreal Canadiens and Detroit Red Wings with the Canadiens winning 2–1.[1] The French language telecast was produced by 24-year-old Gerald Renaud. On November 1, the first English language broadcast aired, with Foster Hewitt calling the action, starting in the second period because Conn Smythe was concerned that it would cut into the crowds at the arena.[2] Smythe, the Leafs' managing director, sold the Leafs' television rights for a paltry $100 per game.[citation needed]

Highlights[]

Gump Worsley made his NHL debut October 9, 1952, in goal for the New York Rangers at the Detroit Olympia and lost 5–3, as Ted Lindsay scored in a tip-in on the power play for Worsley's first goal against him. The Production line scored 3 goals that night as Alex Delvecchio and Gordie Howe also had goals. Marty Pavelich scored what proved to be the winning goal.

On November 8, 14,562 fans were in attendance at the Montreal Forum when the Canadiens beat Chicago 6–4. Elmer Lach scored his 200th career goal. Fifty seconds later, after Emile "Butch" Bouchard fed him the puck, Rocket Richard rifled a puck past Al Rollins for his 325th goal, breaking Nels Stewart's record for career goals.[2] It was ten years to the day since Richard had scored his first NHL goal.[2] "Old Poison" sent the following telegram: "Congratulations on breaking record. Hope you will hold it for many seasons. Best of luck to you and rest of team."

When Terry Sawchuk was injured in practice, the Red Wings brought up Glenn Hall and he made his NHL debut on December 27 and played well in a 2–2 tie with Montreal. Hall then picked up his first career shutout January 7, blanking Boston 4–0.

Red Wings General Manager Jack Adams got into some trouble on January 18 when, after a 3–2 loss to Montreal, he entered the officials room and argued with referee Red Storey. Dick Irvin, coach of Montreal, was very upset over this and NHL president Clarence Campbell agreed, fining Adams $500.

Gump Worsley got his first career shutout January 11 when the New York Rangers defeated the Canadiens 7–0 in Montreal.

Butch Bouchard Night was held on February 28 and he was presented with a car and a TV set. Detroit spoiled the night with a 4–3 victory.[citation needed]

There was consternation in Toronto when Max Bentley suddenly vanished and was reported back at his home in Delisle, Saskatchewan. Conn Smythe convinced him to return and he did, playing the remaining games of the schedule.[citation needed]

Ted Lindsay scored 4 goals on March 2 as Detroit pummeled Boston by a score of 10–2.

Gordie Howe scored 49 goals to nearly tie Rocket Richard's record. Howe was held off the scoresheet in the final game of the season by Richard's Canadiens. Howe set a new points record for the season with 95 points and won the Art Ross and Hart trophies.[2]

Final standings[]

National Hockey League[3]
GP W L T GF GA DIFF Pts
1 Detroit Red Wings 70 36 16 18 222 133 +89 90
2 Montreal Canadiens 70 28 23 19 155 148 +7 75
3 Boston Bruins 70 28 29 13 152 172 −20 69
4 Chicago Black Hawks 70 27 28 15 169 175 −6 69
5 Toronto Maple Leafs 70 27 30 13 156 167 −11 67
6 New York Rangers 70 17 37 16 152 211 −59 50


Playoffs[]

In a major upset, first-place Detroit was defeated in the semifinal by the Boston Bruins in six games. In the other semifinal, the fourth-place Chicago Black Hawks, making their first playoff appearance in seven years, took a 3–2 series lead after losing the first two games to the second-place Montreal Canadiens, but could not finish the job, losing in seven games.

Playoff bracket[]

Semifinals Stanley Cup Finals
      
1 Detroit 2
3 Boston 4
3 Boston 1
2 Montreal 4
2 Montreal 4
4 Chicago 3

Semifinals[]

(1) Detroit Red Wings vs. (3) Boston Bruins[]

March 24 Boston Bruins 0–7 Detroit Red Wings Olympia Stadium Recap  
No scoring First period 02:39 – Marty Pavelich (1)
08:45 – Ted Lindsay (1)
09:16 – Marty Pavelich (2)
No scoring Second period 08:52 – Alex Delvecchio (1)
No scoring Third period 05:54 – Metro Prystai (1)
06:53 – Johnny Wilson (1)
16:04 – Ted Lindsay (2)
Jim Henry Goalie stats Terry Sawchuck
March 26 Boston Bruins 5–3 Detroit Red Wings Olympia Stadium Recap  
Fleming MacKell (1) – 07:56
Dave Creighton (1) – 14:09 		First period 08:54 – pp – Gordie Howe (1)
Joe Klukay (1) – 02:10 Second period No scoring
Johnny Peirson (1) – 10:04
Dave Creighton (2) – 12:58 		Third period 17:38 – Metro Prystai (2)
18:08 – Metro Prystai (3)
Jim Henry Goalie stats Terry Sawchuck
March 29 Detroit Red Wings 1–2 OT Boston Bruins Boston Garden Recap  
No scoring First period 11:27 – Ed Sandford (1)
Tony Leswick (1) – 10:54 Second period No scoring
No scoring Third period No scoring
No scoring First overtime period 12:29 – Jack McIntyre (1)
Terry Sawchuck Goalie stats Jim Henry
March 31 Detroit Red Wings 2–6 Boston Bruins Boston Garden Recap  
No scoring First period 02:45 – Ed Sandford (2)
13:12 – Jack McIntyre (2)
Metro Prystai (4) – 14:27
Alex Delvecchio (2) – 15:48 		Second period 06:05 – pp – Milt Schmidt (1)
10:37 – Jack McIntyre (3)
11:22 – Dave Creighton (3)
No scoring Third period 12:55 – Ed Sandford (3)
Terry Sawchuck Goalie stats Jim Henry
April 2 Boston Bruins 4–6 Detroit Red Wings Olympia Stadium Recap  
No scoring First period 00:23 – Ted Lindsay (3)
00:55 – Bob Goldham (1)
03:45 – Benny Woit (1)
Ed Sandford (4) – 09:02 Second period 08:42 – Gordie Howe (2)
11:32 – Johnny Wilson (2)
Ed Sandford (5) – 01:54
Milt Schmidt (2) – 11:57
Milt Schmidt (3) – pp – 16:46 		Third period 09:54 – Glen Skov (1)
Jim Henry Goalie stats Terry Sawchuck
April 5 Detroit Red Wings 2–4 Boston Bruins Boston Garden Recap  
No scoring First period 03:41 – pp – Ed Sandford (6)
Reg Sinclair (1) – 18:05 Second period 11:36 – Johnny Peirson (2)
Ted Lindsay (4) – 13:27 Third period 11:19 – Fleming MacKell (2)
17:36 – Leo Labine (1)
Terry Sawchuck Goalie stats Jim Henry
Boston won series 4–2


(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (4) Chicago Black Hawks[]

March 24 Chicago Black Hawks 1–3 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
No scoring First period No scoring
Gerry Couture (1) – 13:34 Second period 14:55 – Bernie Geoffrion (1)
No scoring Third period 04:29 – Butch Bouchard (1)
17:54 – Paul Meger (1)
Al Rollins Goalie stats Gerry McNeil
March 26 Chicago Black Hawks 3–4 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
Jim McFadden (1) – 02:35
George Gee (1) – 05:29
Jim McFadden (2) – 06:58 		First period 05:17 – Floyd Curry (1)
No scoring Second period 12:32 – Dickie Moore (1)
18:08 – Bernie Geoffrion (2)
19:02 – Dick Gamble (1)
No scoring Third period No scoring
Al Rollins Goalie stats Gerry McNeil
March 29 Montreal Canadiens 1–2 OT Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Stadium Recap  
No scoring First period No scoring
Bernie Geoffrion (3) – 14:53 Second period No scoring
No scoring Third period 18:03 – Bill Mosienko (1)
No scoring First overtime period 05:18 – Al Dewsbury (1)
Gerry McNeil Goalie stats Al Rollins
March 31 Montreal Canadiens 1–3 Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Stadium Recap  
Bert Olmstead (1) – pp – 11:12 First period No scoring
No scoring Second period 02:57 – Bill Mosienko (2)
No scoring Third period 12:28 – Vic Lynn (1)
19:56 – Jim McFadden (3)
Gerry McNeil Goalie stats Al Rollins
April 2 Chicago Black Hawks 4–2 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
Fred Hucul (1) – pp – 04:00
Bill Mosienko (3) – 06:59
Gus Bodnar (1) – 11:26 		First period No scoring
Gus Mortson (1) – 18:48 Second period 04:53 – Maurice Richard (1)
No scoring Third period 14:36 – Tom Johnson (1)
Al Rollins Goalie stats Gerry McNeil
April 4 Montreal Canadiens 3–0 Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Stadium Recap  
Bernie Geoffrion (4) – 05:59 First period No scoring
Maurice Richard (2) – 03:23
Ken Mosdell (1) – 16:20 		Second period No scoring
No scoring Third period No scoring
Gerry McNeil Goalie stats Al Rollins
April 7 Chicago Black Hawks 1–4 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
No scoring First period 01:38 – pp – Bernie Geoffrion (5)
Bill Mosienko (4) – 14:16 Second period 15:36 – Eddie Mazur (1)
No scoring Third period 04:51 – pp – Maurice Richard (3)
13:55 – Eddie Mazur (2)
Al Rollins Goalie stats Jacques Plante
Montreal won series 4–3


Stanley Cup Finals[]

Main article: 1953 Stanley Cup Finals

In the Finals, the Bruins could not continue their winning ways, and lost to Montreal in five games.

After the Finals, the Cleveland Barons of the American Hockey League applied to play a Stanley Cup challenge. The NHL governors turned down the challenge, stating that the Cleveland club operated in a league of lower standing.[4][2]


April 9 Boston Bruins 2–4 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
Bob Armstrong (1) – pp – 02:08 First period 13:42 – Dickie Moore (2)
No scoring Second period 02:37 – Ken Mosdell (2)
16:05 – Floyd Curry (2)
Johnny Peirson (3) – pp – 10:11 Third period 11:12 – Maurice Richard (4)
Jim Henry, Gord Henry Goalie stats Jacques Plante
April 11 Boston Bruins 4–1 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
Leo Labine (2) – 03:53
Ed Sandford (7) – 18:13 		First period No scoring
Ed Sandford (8) – 07:26 Second period 01:36 – Bert Olmstead (2)
Milt Schmidt (4) – 15:43 Third period No scoring
Gord Henry Goalie stats Gerry McNeil
April 12 Montreal Canadiens 3–0 Boston Bruins Boston Garden Recap  
Tom Johnson (2) – 11:53 First period No scoring
Paul Masnick (1) – 06:30 Second period No scoring
Ken Mosdell (3) – pp – 11:27 Third period No scoring
Gerry McNeil Goalie stats Gord Henry
April 14 Montreal Canadiens 7–3 Boston Bruins Boston Garden Recap  
Lorne Davis (1) – 03:23
Maurice Richard (5) – 10:58
Dickie Moore (3) – 16:40 		First period 18:22 – Dave Creighton (4)
Bernie Geoffrion (6) – pp – 18:56 Second period No scoring
Maurice Richard (6) – 05:33
Calum MacKay (1) – 17:59
Maurice Richard (7) – 18:27 		Third period 07:23 – Milt Schmidt (5)
16:25 – Jack McIntyre (4)
Gerry McNeil Goalie stats Gord Henry
April 16 Boston Bruins 0–1 OT Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
No scoring First period No scoring
No scoring Second period No scoring
No scoring Third period No scoring
No scoring First overtime period 01:22 – Elmer Lach (1)
Jim Henry Goalie stats Gerry McNeil
Montreal won series 4–1


Awards[]

Prince of Wales Trophy:
(Best regular-season record)		 Detroit Red Wings
Art Ross Trophy:
(Top scorer)		 Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings
Calder Memorial Trophy:
(Top first-year player)		 Lorne "Gump" Worsley, New York Rangers
Hart Trophy:
(Most valuable player)		 Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings
Lady Byng Memorial Trophy:
(Excellence and sportsmanship)		 Red Kelly, Detroit Red Wings
Vezina Trophy:
(Goaltender of team with best goals-against record)		 Terry Sawchuk, Detroit Red Wings

All-Star teams[]

First team   Position   Second team
Terry Sawchuk, Detroit Red Wings G Gerry McNeil, Montreal Canadiens
Red Kelly, Detroit Red Wings D Bill Quackenbush, Boston Bruins
Doug Harvey, Montreal Canadiens D Bill Gadsby, Chicago Black Hawks
Fleming MacKell, Boston Bruins C Alex Delvecchio, Detroit Red Wings
Gordie Howe, Detroit Red Wings RW Maurice Richard, Montreal Canadiens
Ted Lindsay, Detroit Red Wings LW Bert Olmstead, Montreal Canadiens

Player statistics[]

Scoring leaders[]

Note: GP = Games played, G = Goals, A = Assists, PTS = Points, PIM = Penalties in minutes

Player Team GP G A PTS PIM
Gordie Howe Detroit Red Wings 70 49 46 95 57
Ted Lindsay Detroit Red Wings 70 32 39 71 111
Maurice Richard Montreal Canadiens 70 28 33 61 112
Wally Hergesheimer New York Rangers 70 30 29 59 10
Alex Delvecchio Detroit Red Wings 70 16 43 59 28
Paul Ronty New York Rangers 70 16 38 54 20
Metro Prystai Detroit Red Wings 70 16 34 50 12
Red Kelly Detroit Red Wings 70 19 27 46 8
Bert Olmstead Montreal Canadiens 69 17 28 45 83
Fleming Mackell Boston Bruins 65 27 17 44 63

[5]

Leading goaltenders[]

Note: GP = Games played; Min – Minutes Played; GA = Goals Against; GAA = Goals Against Average; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; SO = Shutouts

Player Team GP MIN GA GAA W L T SO
Terry Sawchuk Detroit Red Wings 63 3780 120 1.90 32 15 16 9
Gerry McNeil Montreal Canadiens 66 3960 140 2.12 25 23 18 10
Harry Lumley Toronto Maple Leafs 70 4200 167 2.39 27 30 13 10
Jim Henry Boston Bruins 70 4200 142 2.46 28 29 13 7
Al Rollins Chicago Black Hawks 70 4200 175 2.50 27 28 15 6
Chuck Rayner New York Rangers 20 1200 58 2.90 4 8 8 1
Lorne Worsley New York Rangers 50 3000 153 3.06 13 29 8 2

Coaches[]

Debuts[]

The following is a list of players of note who played their first NHL game in 1952–53 (listed with their first team, asterisk(*) marks debut in playoffs):

Last games[]

The following is a list of players of note that played their last game in the NHL in 1952–53 (listed with their last team):

See also[]

References[]

  • Coleman, Charles L. (1976), Trail of the Stanley Cup, Vol III, Sherbrooke, QC: Progressive Publications
  • Diamond, Dan, ed. (1994). Years of glory, 1942–1967: the National Hockey League's official book of the six-team era. Toronto, ON: McClelland and Stewart. ISBN 0-7710-2817-2.
  • Diamond, Dan, ed. (2000). Total Hockey. Kingston, NY: Total Sports. ISBN 1-892129-85-X.
  • Dinger, Ralph, ed. (2011). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2012. Toronto, ON: Dan Diamond & Associates. ISBN 978-1-894801-22-5.
  • Dryden, Steve, ed. (2000). Century of hockey. Toronto, ON: McClelland & Stewart Ltd. ISBN 0-7710-4179-9.
  • Duplacey, James (2008), Hockey's Book of Firsts, North Dighton, MA: JG Press, ISBN 978-1-57215-037-9
  • Fischler, Stan; Fischler, Shirley; Hughes, Morgan; Romain, Joseph; Duplacey, James (2003). The Hockey Chronicle: Year-by-Year History of the National Hockey League. Lincolnwood, IL: Publications International Inc. ISBN 0-7853-9624-1.
  • McFarlane, Brian (1969), 50 Years Of Hockey, Winnipeg, MAN: Greywood Publishing, ASIN B000GW45S0
  • McFarlane, Brian (1973). The Story of the National Hockey League. New York, NY: Pagurian Press. ISBN 0-684-13424-1.* Mouton, Claude (1987). Montreal Canadiens. Key Porter Books. ISBN 1-55013-051-X.
Notes
  1. ^ CBC Archives. (May 29, 2009). "[1] Hockey Night in Canada." CBC. Retrieved November 10, 2009.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c d e Dryden 2000, p. 55.
  3. ^ "Standings: 1952–1953". National Hockey League. Retrieved February 28, 2020.
  4. ^ Mouton(1987), p. 117
  5. ^ Dinger 2011, p. 149.

External links[]

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