1944–45 Toronto Maple Leafs season
Encyclopedia
The 1944–45 Toronto Maple Leafs
season was the club's twenty-eighth season in the NHL
. Toronto had a mediocre 1943–44 season, finishing the year with a 23–23–4 record, earning 50 points, and a third place finish in the NHL standings. The Leafs were then quickly eliminated by their arch rivals, the Montreal Canadiens
, in the first round of the playoffs.
The Leafs offense was led teenage superstar Ted Kennedy, who turned 19 during the season, and had a club high 29 goals and 54 points. Gus Bodnar
, who was also 19 years old, led the club with 36 assists, while Lorne Carr
put together another solid season, scoring 21 goals and adding 25 assists for 46 points. Sweeney Schriner
, who only appeared in 26 games, managed to score 22 goals and 37 points. Babe Pratt
led the Leafs defense, scoring 18 goals and 41 points, while fellow blueliner Reg Hamilton
had 15 points, and a team high 41 penalty minutes.
In goal, rookie Frank McCool
had all the action, winning 24 games and posting a 3.22 GAA, while earning 4 shutouts. McCool would win the Calder Trophy for his efforts.
The Maple Leafs would open the playoffs against the heavily favoured and defending Stanley Cup
champions, the Montreal Canadiens
in a best of 7 series. The Canadiens dominated the league, as they had a record of 38–8–4, recording 80 points, which was 28 more than the Leafs. Toronto stunned the Canadiens in the series opener at the Montreal Forum
, as Frank McCool
shut out the Habs in a 1–0 Leafs victory. The Leafs then went up 2–0 in the series, winning a close game by a 3–2 score. The series shifted to Maple Leaf Gardens
, however, the Canadiens roared back, easily defeating Toronto 4–1 to cut the Leafs series lead to 2–1. The fourth game was decided in overtime, and it was the Leafs who were victorious, winning 4–3, and taking a commanding 3–1 series lead. The series moved back to Montreal for the fifth game, and the Canadiens easily dismantled the Leafs, winning 10–3, and sending the series back to Toronto for the sixth game. The Maple Leafs would complete the upset, hanging on for a 4–3 win in the game, and win the series 4–2.
Toronto's opponent in the 1945 Stanley Cup Finals
was the Detroit Red Wings
, who finished the regular season with a 31–14–5 record, earning 67 points, which was 15 higher than the Leafs. The Red Wings had defeated the Boston Bruins
in seven games in the first round. Toronto, led by Frank McCool
, would shutout the Red Wings in the first two games held at the Detroit Olympia
for an early series lead. The Maple Leafs returned home for the third game, and took a 3–0 series lead as McCool would earn another shutout as Toronto won the game 1–0. The Red Wings managed to finally find the back of the net in the fourth game, winning 5–3 to avoid the sweep. Detroit goaltender Harry Lumley then shutout the Leafs in the fifth game by a score of 2–0, and he would once again earn a shutout in the sixth game, as Detroit won the game 1–0 in overtime to set up a seventh and deciding game. Toronto, led by goaltender Frank McCool and Babe Pratt
, who scored the series winning goal, managed to hang on for a 2–1 victory in the seventh game to win the Stanley Cup for the fifth time in club history, and their first title in three years.
Goaltending
Goaltending
, Wally Stanowski
, Reg Hamilton
, Elwin Morris, John McCreedy
, Tommy O'Neill
, Ted Kennedy, Babe Pratt
, Gus Bodnar
, Art Jackson, Jack McLean, Mel Hill
, Nick Metz
, Bob Davidson (captain), Dave Schriner, Lorne Carr
, Conn Smythe
(manager), Hap Day
(coach), Frank Selke (business manager), Tim Daly (trainer)
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
season was the club's twenty-eighth season in the NHL
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
. Toronto had a mediocre 1943–44 season, finishing the year with a 23–23–4 record, earning 50 points, and a third place finish in the NHL standings. The Leafs were then quickly eliminated by their arch rivals, the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
, in the first round of the playoffs.
Regular season
Toronto was a very streaky club during the regular season, where they started off very hot, winning their first six games, and 10 of their first 14, before a mid-season slump, when they managed a 5–10–2 record in 17 games. The Leafs would continue to be a streaky club for the remainder of the year, which included a five game winning streak, and a seven game winless streak. Overall, the Maple Leafs managed to end the season with a 24–22–4 record, earning 52 points, and third place in the NHL standings.The Leafs offense was led teenage superstar Ted Kennedy, who turned 19 during the season, and had a club high 29 goals and 54 points. Gus Bodnar
Gus Bodnar
August Bodnar was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks and Boston Bruins.-Playing career:...
, who was also 19 years old, led the club with 36 assists, while Lorne Carr
Lorne Carr
Lorne William Bell Carr was a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League.-Profession career:Carr began his career in 1930 with the Vancouver Lions of the Pacific Coast Hockey League. He next played for the Buffalo Bisons of the International Hockey League. In 1934 Carr signed...
put together another solid season, scoring 21 goals and adding 25 assists for 46 points. Sweeney Schriner
Sweeney Schriner
David "Sweeney" Schriner was a Russian-born Canadian professional ice hockey forward who played 11 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Americans and Toronto Maple Leafs. He was named Rookie of the Year in 1935 and was the NHL scoring leader in 1935–36 and 1936–37...
, who only appeared in 26 games, managed to score 22 goals and 37 points. Babe Pratt
Babe Pratt
Walter "Babe" Pratt was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman/left winger who played for the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League.Babe was an important member of two Stanley Cup winning teams, the 1940 Rangers and 1945 Maple Leafs...
led the Leafs defense, scoring 18 goals and 41 points, while fellow blueliner Reg Hamilton
Reg Hamilton
Reginald James Hamilton was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman.Hamilton started his National Hockey League career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1935. He would also play with the Chicago Black Hawks for two seasons, 1945–1947...
had 15 points, and a team high 41 penalty minutes.
In goal, rookie Frank McCool
Frank McCool
Francis McCool was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He was born in Calgary, Alberta.-Playing career:...
had all the action, winning 24 games and posting a 3.22 GAA, while earning 4 shutouts. McCool would win the Calder Trophy for his efforts.
The Maple Leafs would open the playoffs against the heavily favoured and defending Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
champions, the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
in a best of 7 series. The Canadiens dominated the league, as they had a record of 38–8–4, recording 80 points, which was 28 more than the Leafs. Toronto stunned the Canadiens in the series opener at the Montreal Forum
Montreal Forum
The Montreal Forum was an indoor arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Called "the most storied building in hockey history" by Sporting News, it was home of the National Hockey League's Montreal Maroons from 1924 to 1938 and the Montreal Canadiens from 1926 to 1996...
, as Frank McCool
Frank McCool
Francis McCool was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He was born in Calgary, Alberta.-Playing career:...
shut out the Habs in a 1–0 Leafs victory. The Leafs then went up 2–0 in the series, winning a close game by a 3–2 score. The series shifted to Maple Leaf Gardens
Maple Leaf Gardens
Maple Leaf Gardens is an indoor arena that was converted into a Loblawssupermarket and Ryerson University athletic centre in Toronto, on the northwest corner of Carlton Street and Church Street in Toronto's Garden District.One of the temples of hockey, it was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the...
, however, the Canadiens roared back, easily defeating Toronto 4–1 to cut the Leafs series lead to 2–1. The fourth game was decided in overtime, and it was the Leafs who were victorious, winning 4–3, and taking a commanding 3–1 series lead. The series moved back to Montreal for the fifth game, and the Canadiens easily dismantled the Leafs, winning 10–3, and sending the series back to Toronto for the sixth game. The Maple Leafs would complete the upset, hanging on for a 4–3 win in the game, and win the series 4–2.
Toronto's opponent in the 1945 Stanley Cup Finals
1945 Stanley Cup Finals
-References and notes:* Podnieks, Andrew; Hockey Hall of Fame . Lord Stanley's Cup. Bolton, Ont.: Fenn Pub. pp 12, 50. ISBN 978-1-55168-261-7...
was the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
, who finished the regular season with a 31–14–5 record, earning 67 points, which was 15 higher than the Leafs. The Red Wings had defeated the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
in seven games in the first round. Toronto, led by Frank McCool
Frank McCool
Francis McCool was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He was born in Calgary, Alberta.-Playing career:...
, would shutout the Red Wings in the first two games held at the Detroit Olympia
Detroit Olympia
Olympia Stadium, better known as the Detroit Olympia and nicknamed The Old Red Barn, stood at 5920 Grand River Avenue in Detroit, Michigan from 1927 until 1987. It was best known as the home of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team of the National Hockey League from its opening until...
for an early series lead. The Maple Leafs returned home for the third game, and took a 3–0 series lead as McCool would earn another shutout as Toronto won the game 1–0. The Red Wings managed to finally find the back of the net in the fourth game, winning 5–3 to avoid the sweep. Detroit goaltender Harry Lumley then shutout the Leafs in the fifth game by a score of 2–0, and he would once again earn a shutout in the sixth game, as Detroit won the game 1–0 in overtime to set up a seventh and deciding game. Toronto, led by goaltender Frank McCool and Babe Pratt
Babe Pratt
Walter "Babe" Pratt was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman/left winger who played for the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League.Babe was an important member of two Stanley Cup winning teams, the 1940 Rangers and 1945 Maple Leafs...
, who scored the series winning goal, managed to hang on for a 2–1 victory in the seventh game to win the Stanley Cup for the fifth time in club history, and their first title in three years.
Game log
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record | Pts |
| 1 | October 28 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
1–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 1–0–0 | 2 |
| 2 | October 29 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 11–5 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
2–0–0 | 4 |
| 3 | November 2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–1 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
3–0–0 | 6 |
| 4 | November 4 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
2–7 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–0–0 | 8 |
| 5 | November 9 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 6–3 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
5–0–0 | 10 |
| 6 | November 11 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
1–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 6–0–0 | 12 |
| 7 | November 12 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2–4 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
6–1–0 | 12 |
| 8 | November 15 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
8–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 6–2–0 | 12 |
| 9 | November 18 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
4–5 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 7–2–0 | 14 |
| 10 | November 19 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–3 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
8–2–0 | 16 |
| 11 | November 23 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 1–5 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
8–3–0 | 16 |
| 12 | November 25 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
0–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 9–3–0 | 18 |
| 13 | November 26 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 1–4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
9–4–0 | 18 |
| 14 | December 2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
2–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 10–4–0 | 20 |
| 15 | December 3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–5 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
10–5–0 | 20 |
| 16 | December 9 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
5–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 10–6–0 | 20 |
| 17 | December 14 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2–2 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
10–6–1 | 21 |
| 18 | December 16 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1–1 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 10–6–2 | 22 |
| 19 | December 23 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
5–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 10–7–2 | 22 |
| 20 | December 25 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–6 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
10–8–2 | 22 |
| 21 | December 27 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 8–2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
11–8–2 | 24 |
| 22 | December 30 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
0–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 12–8–2 | 26 |
| 23 | January 4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
2–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 13–8–2 | 28 |
| 24 | January 6 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
5–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 13–9–2 | 28 |
| 25 | January 9 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
5–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 13–10–2 | 28 |
| 26 | January 11 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–7 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
13–11–2 | 28 |
| 27 | January 13 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
1–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 14–11–2 | 30 |
| 28 | January 14 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 0–3 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
14–12–2 | 30 |
| 29 | January 16 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–5 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
14–13–2 | 30 |
| 30 | January 20 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
4–8 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 15–13–2 | 32 |
| 31 | January 21 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 0–4 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
15–14–2 | 32 |
| 32 | January 27 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
0–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 16–14–2 | 34 |
| 33 | January 28 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 7–0 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
17–14–2 | 36 |
| 34 | February 3 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
4–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 17–15–2 | 36 |
| 35 | February 4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–3 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
18–15–2 | 38 |
| 36 | February 6 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 5–1 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
19–15–2 | 40 |
| 37 | February 10 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
2–1 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 19–16–2 | 40 |
| 38 | February 11 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 1–2 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
19–17–2 | 40 |
| 39 | February 17 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
4–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 19–18–2 | 40 |
| 40 | February 18 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 1–6 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
19–19–2 | 40 |
| 41 | February 24 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
4–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 19–19–3 | 41 |
| 42 | February 25 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2–5 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
19–20–3 | 41 |
| 43 | February 27 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... |
3–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 19–20–4 | 42 |
| 44 | March 3 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
2–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 20–20–4 | 44 |
| 45 | March 4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 6–3 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
21–20–4 | 46 |
| 46 | March 6 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 5–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
22–20–4 | 48 |
| 47 | March 10 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
2–9 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 23–20–4 | 50 |
| 48 | March 11 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
24–20–4 | 52 |
| 49 | March 17 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
4–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 24–21–4 | 52 |
| 50 | March 18 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 5–6 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
24–22–4 | 52 |
Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Montreal Canadiens 2
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record |
| 1 | March 20 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 1–0 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
1–0 |
| 2 | March 22 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–2 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
2–0 |
| 3 | March 24 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
4–1 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2–1 |
| 4 | March 27 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
3–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–1 |
| 5 | March 29 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–10 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
3–2 |
| 6 | March 31 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
2–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 4–2 |
Toronto Maple Leafs 4, Detroit Red Wings 3
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record |
| 1 | April 6 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 1–0 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1–0 |
| 2 | April 8 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2–0 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
2–0 |
| 3 | April 12 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
0–1 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–0 |
| 4 | April 14 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
5–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–1 |
| 5 | April 19 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 0–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
3–2 |
| 6 | April 21 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1–0 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 3–3 |
| 7 | April 22 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2–1 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
4–3 |
Regular season
Scoring| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 49 | 29 | 25 | 54 | 14 | |
| 47 | 21 | 25 | 46 | 7 | |
| 49 | 8 | 36 | 44 | 18 | |
| 50 | 18 | 23 | 41 | 39 | |
| 26 | 22 | 15 | 37 | 10 | |
| 50 | 22 | 13 | 35 | 26 | |
| 45 | 18 | 17 | 35 | 14 | |
| 50 | 17 | 18 | 35 | 49 | |
| 31 | 9 | 13 | 22 | 6 | |
| 50 | 3 | 12 | 15 | 41 | |
| 34 | 2 | 9 | 11 | 16 | |
| 36 | 4 | 5 | 9 | 6 | |
| 24 | 3 | 4 | 7 | 8 | |
| 33 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 24 | |
| 17 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 11 | |
| 8 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 17 | |
| 8 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 13 | |
| 29 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 18 | |
| 50 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goaltending
| Player | MIN | GP | W | L | T | GA | GAA | SA | SV | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3000 | 50 | 24 | 22 | 4 | 161 | 3.22 | 4 | ||||
| Team: | 3000 | 50 | 24 | 22 | 4 | 161 | 3.22 | 4 |
Playoffs
Scoring| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 13 | 7 | 2 | 9 | 2 | |
| 13 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 | |
| 13 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 6 | |
| 13 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 4 | |
| 13 | 3 | 1 | 4 | 4 | |
| 13 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 5 | |
| 13 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 14 | |
| 13 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 2 | |
| 7 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | |
| 11 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 4 | |
| 13 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 5 | |
| 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |
| 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 10 | |
| 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goaltending
| Player | MIN | GP | W | L | T | GA | GAA | SA | SV | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 807 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 30 | 2.23 | 4 | |||||
| Team: | 807 | 13 | 8 | 5 | 30 | 2.23 | 4 |
Transactions
- October 13, 1944: Acquired Bill EzinickiBill EzinickiWilliam "Wild Bill" Ezinicki is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey forward for the Toronto Maple Leafs , the Boston Bruins , and the New York Rangers of the NHL....
from the Buffalo BisonsBuffalo Bisons (AHL)The Buffalo Bisons were an American Hockey League ice hockey franchise that played from 1940 to 1970 in Buffalo, New York. They replaced the original Buffalo Bisons hockey team, which left the area in 1936 after its arena collapsed...
of the AHLAmerican Hockey LeagueThe American Hockey League is a 30-team professional ice hockey league based in the United States and Canada that serves as the primary developmental circuit for the National Hockey League...
for George BoothmanGeorge BoothmanGeorge Edward Boothman is a former Canadian ice hockey centre. He played for the Toronto Maple Leafs.-External links:...
and Don WebsterDon WebsterDonald Webster was a professional ice hockey player who played 27 games in the National Hockey League. Born in Toronto, Ontario, he played with the Toronto Maple Leafs.- References :*... - October 25, 1944: Signed Free Agent Frank McCoolFrank McCoolFrancis McCool was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He was born in Calgary, Alberta.-Playing career:...
- November 24, 1944: Acquired John MahaffyJohn Mahaffy (ice hockey)John Mahaffy is a retired professional ice hockey centre who played 37 games in the National Hockey League. Born in Montreal, Quebec, he played for the New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens.- External links :...
from the Montreal CanadiensMontreal CanadiensThe Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
for cash - December 24, 1944: Acquired Art Jackson from the Boston BruinsBoston BruinsThe Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
for $7,500 and Future Considerations
1945 Toronto Maple Leafs Stanley Cup Champions
Don Metz, Frank McCoolFrank McCool
Francis McCool was a Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played for the Toronto Maple Leafs in the National Hockey League. He was born in Calgary, Alberta.-Playing career:...
, Wally Stanowski
Wally Stanowski
Walter Stanowski is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman. He was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba.Stanowski started his National Hockey League career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1939. He would also play for the New York Rangers and retire after the 1951 season. In 1941, he was a member of the...
, Reg Hamilton
Reg Hamilton
Reginald James Hamilton was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman.Hamilton started his National Hockey League career with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1935. He would also play with the Chicago Black Hawks for two seasons, 1945–1947...
, Elwin Morris, John McCreedy
John McCreedy
Johnny McCreedy was a professional ice hockey player who played 64 games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Toronto Maple Leafs...
, Tommy O'Neill
Tom O'Neill (ice hockey)
Tom "Windy" O'Neill is a former professional ice hockey player who played 66 games in the National Hockey League. Born in Deseronto, Ontario, he played with the Toronto Maple Leafs...
, Ted Kennedy, Babe Pratt
Babe Pratt
Walter "Babe" Pratt was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman/left winger who played for the New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs and the Boston Bruins in the National Hockey League.Babe was an important member of two Stanley Cup winning teams, the 1940 Rangers and 1945 Maple Leafs...
, Gus Bodnar
Gus Bodnar
August Bodnar was a Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks and Boston Bruins.-Playing career:...
, Art Jackson, Jack McLean, Mel Hill
Mel Hill
John Melvin Hill was an ice hockey right winger who was perhaps best known for his record three overtime goals in a playoff series in the 1939 playoffs which earned him the moniker, "Sudden Death".-Playing career:Hill started playing for the Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League in 1937–38,...
, Nick Metz
Nick Metz
Nicholas John Metz was a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who played 12 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs.-Awards:*Stanley Cup champion in 1942, 1945, 1947, 1948...
, Bob Davidson (captain), Dave Schriner, Lorne Carr
Lorne Carr
Lorne William Bell Carr was a professional ice hockey player in the National Hockey League.-Profession career:Carr began his career in 1930 with the Vancouver Lions of the Pacific Coast Hockey League. He next played for the Buffalo Bisons of the International Hockey League. In 1934 Carr signed...
, Conn Smythe
Conn Smythe
Constantine Falkland Cary Smythe MC was a Canadian businessman, soldier and sportsman in ice hockey and horse racing. He is best known as the principal owner of the Toronto Maple Leafs of the National Hockey League from 1927 to 1961 and as the builder of Maple Leaf Gardens...
(manager), Hap Day
Hap Day
Clarence Henry "Happy" Day , later known as Hap Day, was a Canadian professional hockey player who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Toronto Maple Leafs and New York Americans...
(coach), Frank Selke (business manager), Tim Daly (trainer)