Punch line (ice hockey)

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The Punch line was a famous ice hockey line for the Montreal Canadiens in the 1940s. It consisted of Elmer Lach at center, Toe Blake on left wing, and Maurice Richard on the right side.

During their time together, they lead the Habs to two Stanley Cup victories. During the 1944–45 NHL season, the three finished first (Lach), second (Richard), and third (Blake) in scoring for the league. The would also form the forward line for the first team all-star team in that same season. Richard would be the first team all-star right wing for all but one year while with Blake and Lach.

All three members are in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Blake would retire after the 1947–48 NHL season, but would later coach Richard (on the famed Habs teams of the late 1950s that won five Cups in a row). Lach and Richard would later both set the record for most points in a career. Blake also was the Canadiens' coach for eight of the eleven Cups of Maurice Richard's younger brother, Henri.

See also: List of famous ice hockey linemates

[edit] External links

• Plenty of 'Punch' left in Lach
• The Golden Years: Toe Blake