Let's Watch... (1959/4/07) SCSF Game 7 - Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins

[authentic]

It it just me or is the pace of this game, and a few others I watched from around this time played at a faster pace than many 70s games?

 

[Johnny Engine]

It it just me or is the pace of this game, and a few others I watched from around this time played at a faster pace than many 70s games?

I think the same thing every time I watch a game from the 60s. Better in a lot of other ways too.

 

[authentic]

I think the same thing every time I watch a game from the 60s. Better in a lot of other ways too.

Must be because all the talent was spread across only 6 teams. Makes me wonder how a lot of the greats from this time period would perform in this era.

 

[Michael Farkas]

Yeah, I never strongly considered it before...but the early 80s kinda stinks. I always thought the area from around 1955 to 1965 was the golden era, but I didn't realize how decisive it was until I really started buckling down for this project. The area from 1972 to 1985 or so, isn't great hockey...I hope that gets reflected in the top 100 project, I intend to beat that drum with some regularity...

I will take 1950 to 1967 and 1994 to present over 1968 to 1993 generally speaking...

 

[Canadiens1958]

Yeah, I never strongly considered it before...but the early 80s kinda stinks. I always thought the area from around 1955 to 1965 was the golden era, but I didn't realize how decisive it was until I really started buckling down for this project. The area from 1972 to 1985 or so, isn't great hockey...I hope that gets reflected in the top 100 project, I intend to beat that drum with some regularity...

I will take 1950 to 1967 and 1994 to present over 1968 to 1993 generally speaking...

Split 1968 to 1993 in two eras. 1968 thru 1979 and 1980 thru 1993.

1968 thru 1979 you still had the O6/sponsorship era players producing at a high level.

Followed by a 3-5 year transition/phase out to the short shift era.

 

[Tarantula]

It it just me or is the pace of this game, and a few others I watched from around this time played at a faster pace than many 70s games?

I actually thought much the same as I watched it. Began watching hockey 73/74 season.

 

[authentic]

I actually thought much the same as I watched it. Began watching hockey 73/74
season.

Seriously, this game is more comparable to the modern game in speed and style than nearly all of the 70s/early 80s games I've watched, it's pretty incredible actually.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Seriously, this game is more comparable to the modern game in speed and style than nearly all of the 70s/early 80s games I've watched, it's pretty incredible actually.

Rather interesting observation given the game was played on the smaller Boston Garden ice surface which inhibited speed and before Red Kelly and Dave Keon joined the Leafs providing the necessary speed and skating to compete with the Canadiens.

 

[authentic]

Rather interesting observation given the game was played on the smaller Boston Garden ice surface which inhibited speed and before Red Kelly and Dave Keon joined the Leafs providing the necessary speed and skating to compete with the Canadiens.

Which reminds me, I'll have to catch some more Toronto games from later and old Montreal games.

 

[Fenway]

I'm still wondering why there was no handshake line after Toronto won.

 

[Michael Farkas]

I am always impressed by George Armstrong...wonder why he didn't score more...strong overall player in my estimation...

 

[Killion]

Rather interesting observation given the game was played on the smaller Boston Garden ice surface which inhibited speed and before Red Kelly and Dave Keon joined the Leafs providing the necessary speed and skating to compete with the Canadiens.

We did have The Big 'M' there C58..... Unfortunately, he could be frustrated & stopped as Blake & Co quickly determined.

 

[Michael Farkas]

So I watched this game and the Habs/Leafs from 1960 back to back on the team bus...the difference in speed is palpable for sure...Montreal is so much faster than Boston to a man and as a team...

 

[Killion]

So I watched this game and the Habs/Leafs from 1960 back to back on the team bus...the difference in speed is palpable for sure...Montreal is so much faster than Boston to a man and as a team...

Indeed so..... and that what was so fascinating about watching it live in real-time back in the day. Boston & NY, the League Doormats, they had "just enough" really truly all rounder type players with unbelievable skill who every night, let down by their teammates mistakes made heroic plays. Really dug deep. Guts. I just cant say enough about players like Leo Boivin, Eddie Johnston, Gump Worsley, Andy Bathgate, Eric Nesterenko, on & on & on. The inequities pronounced. Yet there they were, giving it their all EVERY SHIFT, regardless what score, how far behind. You just NEVER QUIT. For any kid playing and recognizing that talent and dedication sans monetary reward really, that was a trip, an honor to have witnessed even in defeat.

 

[c9777666]

The Leafs making the playoffs in ‘59 was a big deal in and of itself considering they were 7 points back of 4th place New York with 5 games left (and this was in an era before overtime):

Punch Imlach and one of the most spectacular sports comebacks of all-time - TheHockeyNews

It’s kinda sorta similar to this past season when the Blues blew the last playoff spot down the stretch and Colorado surged late

 

[Fenway]

The Leafs making the playoffs in ‘59 was a big deal in and of itself considering they were 7 points back of 4th place New York with 5 games left (and this was in an era before overtime):

Punch Imlach and one of the most spectacular sports comebacks of all-time - TheHockeyNews

It’s kinda sorta similar to this past season when the Blues blew the last playoff spot down the stretch and Colorado surged late

I have never understood why the NHL playoff seedings for years were 1 vs 3 and 2 vs 4 instead of the logical 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3.

Look at 1971 - The Bruins should have played Toronto in the first round but instead drew #3 Montreal.

This game will haunt me until the day I die



There must have been a reason why the NHL went 1/3 - 2/4 but I can't find any documentation on it.

 

[Canadiens1958]

I have never understood why the NHL playoff seedings for years were 1 vs 3 and 2 vs 4 instead of the logical 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3.

View attachment 146593

Look at 1971 - The Bruins should have played Toronto in the first round but instead drew #3 Montreal.
View attachment 146595

View attachment 146597


This game will haunt me until the day I die



There must have been a reason why the NHL went 1/3 - 2/4 but I can't find any documentation on it.

Gate driven league. 1 vs 3, 2 vs 4 produces closer and longer series in both opening rounds, generating interest and more importantly extra revenues.

 

[c9777666]

I have never understood why the NHL playoff seedings for years were 1 vs 3 and 2 vs 4 instead of the logical 1 vs 4 and 2 vs 3.

View attachment 146593

Look at 1971 - The Bruins should have played Toronto in the first round but instead drew #3 Montreal.
View attachment 146595

That would have made for an interesting trickle down affect considering the '71 Rangers were virtually the same team beat Montreal in the 1972 and 1974 playoffs.

 

[Beukeboom]

"There were numerous fights in the stands as usual"

 

[saintflannel]

Just finished the game. I was really surprised at the pace. Lots of speed, great stickhandling and big hits. The goaltending wasn't bad either. Lumley, especially, played very well. Defensively, both teams were pretty conservative, but Boivin jumped up into the rush a few times which was exciting. It's almost like the NHL regressed in the 70's and 80's. The one thing that drove me crazy was how the referee blew the whistle immediately if the puck was held against the boards.

 

[Canadiens1958]

Just finished the game. I was really surprised at the pace. Lots of speed, great stickhandling and big hits. The goaltending wasn't bad either. Lumley, especially, played very well. Defensively, both teams were pretty conservative, but Boivin jumped up into the rush a few times which was exciting. It's almost like the NHL regressed in the 70's and 80's. The one thing that drove me crazy was how the referee blew the whistle immediately if the puck was held against the boards.

Long shifts, few on the fly changes. Puck held against the boards whistled to facilitate line changes while avoiding skrums/fights. good catch.

 

[BobbyAwe]

Was that the rush/goal (59:52) that put Leo Boivin in the HOF?

Just kidding but that was pretty impressive!

 

[Canadiens1958]

Was that the rush/goal (59:52) that put Leo Boivin in the HOF?

Just kidding but that was pretty impressive!

Lot of truth in humour.

Baun and Boivin, same physical stature, had reputations for their hip-check.

What elevated Boivin was his rushing ability captured in the video.

 

[SealsFan]

There must have been a reason why the NHL went 1/3 - 2/4 but I can't find any documentation on it.

The reason it changed to 1-4, 2-3 in 1971-72 is because the previous season Minnesota was accused of "tanking" down the stretch to finish 4th so they would NOT have to play the opening round against the powerful Blackhawks, who had been moved over to the Western division with the addition of Buffalo and Vancouver in the East.

The North Stars lost their last four games... to BUFFALO, VANCOUVER, the SEALS and Flyers. If that's not tanking, I don't know what is...

 

[SealsFan]

Finally getting around to watching the game, and what a shame to not have that first period! Mahovlich slashing 21 seconds in, several fights on the ice AND in the stands...