On February 6, 1943, Elmer Lach had six assists in an 8-3 win over the Boston Bruins at the Montreal Forum. This was a time when the Bruins were a more powerful team than the Habs but the Canadiens got a five goal performance by Ray Getliffe, all assisted by Lach. Elmer also had a helper on a Joe Benoit goal.
This was in the days when a two minor was served in its entirety, regardless if the team on power play scored. Three of Lach’s assists came within a span of 1:36 in the second period, all while Boston’s Bep Guidolin was in the box.
Several members of the Canadiens have had five assist games, including: Buddy O’Connor, Toe Blake, Maurice Richard, Doug Harvey, Marcel Bonin, Henri Richard (twice), Mats Naslund, Stephane Richer, Lyle Odelein and Sheldon Souray.
In that 1942-43 NHL season, the Canadiens finished fourth in the six team lead and were eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs by the Bruins. Elmer Lach finished tied for fifth in the league with Doug Bentley with 40 assists each. In the race for the Art Ross Trophy, he tied teammate Buddy O’Connor for ninth, both with 58 points.
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