Maurice Richard's playing style (esp. 1940s, early '50s)

[The Panther]

I'm wondering if anyone here has seen, in person (unlikely), or seen video of (still unlikely), Maurice Richard in action during the 1940s or, say, the early 1950s? I've always wondered about his playing style -- how he skated, what his 'hockey IQ' was like, how he passed the puck, how he drove the net, etc.

I checked Jean Béliveau's excellent book for references to this. I don't think Béliveau would have seen The Rocket live in the '40s (not sure), but he joined the team for two games during 1950-51 and three more games two seasons later. So he may have lined up alongside The Rocket as early as 1950-51 (unless Richard was injured then -- I think he missed five games that season). Richard was 29 years old that season. In his book (albeit translated), Béliveau describes Richard's style of play as "hell bent", meaning he would do anything to get to the net and score. He also says Richard was not a particularly good all-around player, by which I think he means he was focused on driving the net at the cost of other aspects of the game. He also refers to Richard's legendary temper.

Though not noted as a playmaker, Richard did finish top-10 in NHL assists four times (his highest finish was 6th in 1953).

Judging by his goal-scoring prowess in the playoffs, where he is likely the #1 goal-scorer (if not performer) in NHL history, I think we can infer The Rocket was a very "clutch" player who lived for big games and big moments.

But anyway, what about his style of play? What more modern player can his style be compared to? All the video I've seen of him is when he's already in his 30s -- likely because Hockey Night in Canada started broadcasting, I think, from 1952 or 1953...

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[The Panther]

Just for fun, two photos of the Habs and Richard from the autumn of 1942 (his rookie season):

(back row, 2nd right)

with Tony Demers (l) and Elmer Lach (c)

 

[Howie Hodge]

Great pics!

Laughing at the team picture, some jerseys are faded, and Tony Demers is wearing a jersey not with the logo, but a number #19 on it!

I believe Demers wore #5, and it was actually Marcel Dheere that wore # 19.

Times have changed!

(Please correct me if I'm wrong...)

 

[Killion]

Im afraid I wasnt around that early Panther but there are a couple of Members here who were & who can provide some eye witness testimony.... hopefully they'll pipe in.... all I can do is echo what Ive read, heard from some of the oldtimers who saw his career unfold....