It seemed to matter little that night in Boston that Richard, in his second full NHL season, had just scored his 87th goal, on his way to 544 during his illustrious career. Caufield’s 50th was his 168th career goal, coming in his fifth full season.
The Canadiens’ fearsome Punch Line, with Lach at center, Richard at right wing and Toe Blake at left wing, had made mincemeat of the opposition in 50-game 1944-45, averaging a combined 4.4 points per game. Lach led the League with 80 points (26 goals, 54 assists), Richard was second with 73 points (50 goals, 23 assists) and Blake third with 67 points (29 goals, 38 assists).
Richard was steady throughout the season, never going three straight games without a goal, his season highlighted by an eight-point game (five goals, three assists) on Dec. 28 against the visiting Detroit Red Wings.
He scored his 45th goal on Feb. 25 at home against the Toronto Maple Leafs to set the NHL record, passing Malone’s 44.
