[Leafs67]

1947-48 NHL Season
Standings

1. Toronto Maple Leafs: 30-19-11; 71 pts
2. Montreal Canadiens: 30-20-10; 70 pts
3. Chicago Blackhawks: 22-25-13; 57 pts
4. Boston Bruins: 22-25-13; 57 pts
5. Detroit Red Wings: 22-26-12; 56 pts
6. New York Rangers: 17-28-15; 49 pts

Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs came 1st place, and look to win a second straight Stanley Cup. Toronto was led by the line of Sid Smith (13-6-19 in 26 games), Syl Apps (20-27-47) and Bud Poile (21-31-52). Depth scoring was a major factor in Toronto's success, with Gus Bodnar (22-27-49), Harry Watson (17-25-42), and Gaye Stewart (16-25-41) making good contributions. Ted Kennedy (14-13-27) had a sleeper year, playing on the 3rd line with Stewart and Meeker, and both Apps and Bodnar emerged ahead of the wily center. Turk Broda (26-17-11, 5 shutouts, 2.61 GAA, .903 SV%) was the man in goal, and Wally Stanowski and Bill Barilko were +25 and +22 respectively. The Leafs made only 2 small transactions with Boston this season.

Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens came second place, by just 1 point under the Maple Leafs. Led by Maurice Richard (35-20-55), who won the league goal scoring title by 10 goals, and his linemates Elmer Lach (11-49-60), and Hector "Toe" Blake (17-27-44), as well as the dominating goaltending of Bill Durnan (23-12-8, 6 shutouts, 2.18 GAA, .922 SV%), the Canadiens rolled to a +34 goal difference. Ken Mosdell also impressed, tying for 3rd on the team with 44 points, and coming 2nd in goals with 20. Doug Harvey, Ken Reardon, and Butch Bouchard formed a dominant trio on defence, combining for a +42, and 75 points. Montreal led the league for most of the season, however on March 12th, Bill Durnan was injured against the Rangers, and the Canadiens slipped behind the Leafs. Other injuries included Doug Harvey missing 10 games in February and early March. The Canadiens were not involved in any major transactions.

Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks came third after a tight race with Boston and Detroit, coming in 13 points behind Montreal. With Doug Bentley (24-27-51), Max Bentley (22-45-67), and Bill Mosienko (24-20-44) leading the way on offense, and Emile Francis (22-25-13, 3 shutouts, 2.85 GAA, .902 SV%) in net the Blackhawks were clearly an offense based team. Bill Gadsby (2-27-29) led a feeble defensive core. Injuries over the course of the season included Bill Mosienko missing 4 weeks, and Roy Conacher missing 3 weeks. Chicago made only a few minor deals.

Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins barely squeaked into the playoffs past Detroit. Woody Dumart (18-25-43), Milt Schmidt (11-23-34), and Paul Ronty (12-27-39) led a feeble offense. Frank Brimsek (15-17-13, 1 shutout, 2.86 GAA, .896 SV%), who suffered a few injuries, was the team's saving grace in many games. The team did not have single player with a positive plus minus. Murray Henderson and Pat Egan anchored a very flimsy defense.

Detroit Red Wings
The young Detroit Red Wings surprised everyone by missing the playoffs. Sid Abel (25-15-40), Gordie Howe (18-18-36), and Ted Lindsay (7-24-31) struggled to score, Bill Quackenbush and Doug McCaig were the lone bright spots on defense, and Harry Lumley (22-26-12, 6 shutouts, 2.43 GAA, .914 SV%) was the only Red Wing who impressed.

New York Rangers
The New York Rangers were the worst in the NHL, and didn't even have a player with 40 points. Cal Gardner (19-20-39) was the closest. Frank Eddolls (3-22-25) was a +16, and the lone good player for New York, although Chuck Rayner (17-28-15, 1 shutout, 2.67 GAA, .910) had an alright season.

Awards
Art Ross: Max Bentley, CHI - 67 points
Hart Memorial Trophy: Max Bentley, CHI - 67 points
Vezina Trophy: Bill Durnan, MTL - 93 GA
Calder Memorial Trophy: Paul Ronty, BOS - 39 points