1950–51 NHL season

Regular season

In July 1950, the largest trade in NHL history to that point sent Sugar Jim Henry, Gaye Stewart, Bob Goldham, and Metro Prystai from Chicago to Detroit in exchange for Harry Lumley, Black Jack Stewart, Al Dewsbury, Don Morrison, and Pete Babando—nine players in total. Joe Primeau became coach of the Toronto Maple Leafs after Hap Day was moved up to assistant general manager. Toronto started the season undefeated in 11 games. Al Rollins posted a 1.75 goals against average over 40 games; the league awarded him the Vezina Trophy alone, despite the Leafs' hope that he would share it with Turk Broda.

Toronto's .679 win percentage remains the franchise's best for a season, though they finished second in the standings behind Detroit. The slumping New York Rangers hired hypnotist Dr. David Tracy to relax the team, but after a November 12 loss to Boston, Dr. Tracy said the treatment failed because he should have worked with goaltender Chuck Rayner, who was not relaxed enough. Montreal fans were excited when junior stars Jean Beliveau and Bernie Geoffrion received a trial in a December 16 game against the Rangers; the Canadiens tied 1–1 before 14,158 fans, with Geoffrion scoring the Montreal goal.

Chicago stood in third place at mid-season but then lost captain Black Jack Stewart to a ruptured disc in his back requiring surgery, ending his season and threatening his career. Injuries to Gus Bodnar and Bill Gadsby compounded the team's troubles, and the Black Hawks won only two games in the second half, finishing last. In March, Rocket Richard was tripped in a game against Detroit and rose with a cut between the eyes; no penalty was called, and after arguing with referee Hugh McLean, Richard received a misconduct penalty.

In the penalty box, Leo Reise of Detroit made derisive remarks, prompting Richard to punch Reise; when linesman Jim Primeau intervened, Richard struck him and was given a game misconduct. The Canadiens then took a train to New York for a game against the Rangers.