1947-48 NHL Regular Season
On October 7th, a week before opening night,
Maurice Richard suffered a torn tricep. That injury will sideline the 26 year old superstar for a significant amount of time. 2-3 months is the estimate from team doctors. The
Rangers are deep, but can they survive without their best player?
Well the
Rangers have clearly suffered from not having the Rocket around. Halfway through the season, and the
Rangers are out of the playoffs. They sit in 5th place, but the whole league is really close. First place
Boston leads 5th place
New York by just 4 points.
Richard’s imminent return could be a difference maker.
Without
Richard, the
Rangers have gotten a bit of a breakout season from 22 year old
Ted Kennedy. Yes,
Kennedy had 59 points a year ago, and is already one of hockey’s best players, but he’s one goal behind his career high of 17 at new years, and leads the league in scoring!!
Kennedy leading the Rangers
Johnny Bower has gotten in 3 games this year!! Yes, in real life
Johnny didn’t become a regular and a star until his 30’s, but he’s got the potential in game and should be starting at this point. In his 3 NHL games this year, he’s 2-0 with a 0.97 GAA and a .958 Save percentage.
Gordie Howe has made the
Red Wings and is playing on their first line. He’s got 13 points in 28 games to begin his career.
Bower patiently awaiting his time.
Maurice Richard returned to action in Mid January. He gets 6 goals and 4 assists in his first seven games. The
Rangers lose just one of them and move into a playoff spot.
Final Standings
Richards return to the lineup sparked the
Rangers into a 2nd place finish. In the
Rocket’s 28 games, the
Rangers lost just 4 times.
The
Leafs finish dead last. If they need a rebuild, and it’s looking like they do, trading
Milt Schmidt soon could get them something very good. This is two straight really bad years.. #tradeschmidt
Ted Kennedy wins the scoring title, taking advantage of
Maurice Richards absence.
Richard ended up with 22 goals and 19 assists.
Gordie Howe finished his rookie year with 16 goals and 34 points. Solid season for any 19 year old.
Scoring was way down this year. Teams combined to score a half goal less per game in 1947/48, which is the lowest total in a decade.