Nov. 2, 1963 - Jean Beliveau (pictured) scored twice and helped set up two more goals as the Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings, 5-1, tonight in Montreal and thwarted Gordie Howe’s bid to become the NHL’s all-time goal scorer. Beliveau, enjoying his biggest point night of the season and taking over the league scoring lead with 17 points, completely overshadowed Howe’s attempt to score goal No. 545. Howe, needing only one goal to break a tie with Maurice (Rocket) Richard, who was sitting in the stands, was well-checked by Gilles Tremblay. New York Ranger castoff Dave Balon also scored twice, and Bill Hicke got the other Montreal goal. Andre Pronovost scored Detroit’s lone tally. The Canadiens were never behind. They opened a two-goal lead in the early minutes of the first period and then, with the score 2-1, poured three goals behind Terry Sawchuk in the final session. Beliveau got his first of the night when he pushed a loose puck in front of the net behind Sawchuk. He also set up the second Montreal goal, making a fine rush and forcing Sawchuk to make a tough save as Balon shoved in the rebound from a few feet out. The Wings were a man short at the time, with Andre Pronovost off for charging. The Wings were shorthanded again when Beliveau got his second goal. Howe was in the penalty box for holding Tremblay when Beliveau took Claude Provost’s pass and flicked a rising shot into the cage before Sawchuk could make a move.
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