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May 06, 2016

Stanley Cup Flashbacks: 1948: Kennedy Delivers Another Championship In Toronto

The year is 1948. In an increasingly familiar story, Teeder Kennedy leads the Toronto Maple Leafs to another Stanley Cup championship.

This time he sets a Toronto record and led the playoffs in goals and points (8-6). He set up the tying goal that led to an overtime win in game 1 versus Boston; then had four goals in a 5-3 2nd game win and scored the winner in the series clincher. Ended with 2 winners, two first goals and that tying assist. His tough corner work and ferocious checking were key features of the Leafs win.

Turk Broda, Syl Apps and Harry Watson were veteran returning stars, but the Leafs were really bolsters by newcomers Max Bentley, the spectacular superstar from the Chicago Blackhawks.

Two rookies of note from this team: Les Costello, a promising farm hand who would quit hockey the following season to become a Catholic priest; and Howie Meeker, who would later become a famous television broadcaster but in his rookie season outdid Gordie Howe to win the Calder Trophy.

The Leafs had no problems in the final series, sweeping Detroit in 4 straight games, scoring 18 goals while surrendering just 7. The Leafs became one of just four NHL teams to repeat as Stanley Cup champions.

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