JEAN BELIVEAU'S LONE PLAYOFF HAT TRICK

When delving into Jean Beliveau's playoff statistical record, it isn't difficult to discover why he is considered a legend in the game.

In 17 post-seasons, Beliveau played in 162 games, scored 79 goals and 97 assists for a grand total of 176 points. He won ten Stanley Cups from 1956 to 1971. Also, Beliveau, in 1965, had the distinction of being the initial winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player in the playoffs.

Beliveau's one and only playoff hat trick came in game two of the Canadiens semi-final series against the Chicago Black Hawks. The contest was played on April 20, 1968, at the Forum in Montreal.

He began his demolition of the Black Hawks in the first period after Chicago had taken a 1-0 lead on a goal by Stan Mikita. After Mikita's tally, Beliveau rolled up his sleeves and went to work. His first goal came when he beat Chicago goalie Denis DeJordy by "jabbing" the puck into the net.

In period two, Beliveau broke the 1-1 tie with his second goal of the game at 10:04.

Before Beliveau completed his hat trick, teammate Jacques Lemaire enhanced the Canadiens lead with a goal at the 15:41 mark. Beliveau earned an assist on the goal. "Rookie Jacques Lemaire sandwiched a goal between two sparkling Beliveau counters in the second period. All came on power plays."

At 17:57 of the middle frame, Beliveau scored his third goal of the game. "Beliveau, putting his reach to excellent use, scooped a backhand shot from 20 feet away as he pivoted in front of DeJordy."

A game report noted that with the hat trick, Beliveau's playoff goal count of 67, placed him second behind the retired "Rocket" Richard's 82 goals. His three goals against Chicago enabled him to leap over Gordie Howe and his 65 playoff goals.

As for a memento to remember his first NHL playoff hat trick, Beliveau was informed by the Habs trainer that the wife of team president, David Molson, had requested the stick and puck from his third goal. Also, she made a caveat that if Beliveau wanted the souvenirs, she would return them. Beliveau, however, was able to pose for a picture holding three pucks.

"It's nice to get three goals but the big thing is to win," Beliveau said after graciously giving his blessing to Mrs. Molson keeping the stick and puck. "In this game we did not start fast enough. We will have to be sharper in Chicago because [the] Hawks will be much tougher."

After winning the first two games in Montreal, the Canadiens and Hawks split the next two games at Chicago Stadium. On home ice for game five, Montreal's 4-3 overtime win sent them to the Stanley Cup final against the St. Louis Blues. The Canadiens swept the Blues to win the first Stanley Cup in the post-expansion era.