A RECORD FOR LACH

On this date in 1945, Montreal Canadiens forward, Elmer Lach, established a new record for most assists, 51, in a National Hockey League season.

In a contest against the New York Rangers, at Madison Square Garden, the Habs put their offence on overdrive in an 11-5 victory over New York.

Lach began his assault on the assist record in the first period. He equalled the previous mark of 49 assists, when he earned an assist on a goal by linemate Toe Blake. Clint Smith, of the Chicago Black Hawks, held the previous record of 49 helpers, which he accomplished in 1943-44.

Later in the first frame, Lach took sole possession of the record when he assisted on a goal by his other linemate, Rocket Richard. 

He added another assist in the second period when Blake scored his second goal of the game. It gave him three assists and the new record of 51.

Elmer Lach, switched gears in the final twenty-minutes, and scored a goal in the first minute of play. 

His tally against Rangers' goalie, Ken McAuley, was unassisted. That just seemed appropriate on the night  Lach became the NHL's assist king.