NHL Final Tied at 2-2

Apr. 25, 1965 - Billy Reay, coach of the Chicago Black Hawks, said it early in the series: “They can’t stop Bobby Hull game in and game out.”

So the Golden Jet proved the coach right tonight by scoring two goals, including the winner, as the Black Hawks whipped the penalty-riddled Montreal Canadiens, 5-1, at Chicago Stadium to tie the best-of-seven Stanley Cup final at 2-2.

After taking the lead in the third minute of the game and losing it in the second period, the Hawks struck for four goals in the finale to win going away.

Charlie Hodge was the netminding victim of the Chicago splurge, taking over as a surprise replacement for Gump Worsley, who suffered a thigh injury in the pregame warmup.

Hodge made some great saves on a 28-shot barrage by the Hawks but was weak on a couple of goals, especially Hull’s winner. Hodge appeared to be napping when Bobby electrified the huge crowd by scoring on a 70-foot shot just 26 seconds after the third period faceoff.

Besides Hull, who netted his ninth and 10th goals of the playoffs and first of the final, rookie Fred Stanfield, Bill Hay, and defenseman Doug Jarrett were the other Chicago snipers. Jean Beliveau scored for Montreal.

Canadiens coach Toe Blake had a harsh running commentary against referee Vern Buffey from the bench throughout the second and third periods. Toe had to be restrained by trainer Larry Aubut from going after Buffey as the game ended. 

The red-faced Montreal coach refused to talk to reporters after the game.

“Let me see how much guts you fellows have,” he challenged reporters. “You saw the game and the refereeing, so write it.”

Canadiens general manager Sam Pollock said he wasn’t crying because of the loss.

“All I ask is that the same circumstances prevail in Montreal Tuesday,” said Sam. “The crowd certainly influenced the referee tonight. There’s something funny when a team that plays our type of hockey takes that many more penalties than the home team.”The penalty count totaled 38 minutes to the Canadiens and 18 to Chicago.

As for Hull, he was all in favor of home-ice crowds.

“As far as home ice is concerned, it’s certainly nice to have 20,000 fans cheering for you,” said Bobby. “We have to win one in Montreal, and it might as well be the next one.”

Hawks owner Jim Norris said: “This was the big one, boys — the one that could do it all for us.”

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