Top 5 Players of the 1956 Stanley Cup Finals

Originally published on Nov. 7, 2019

By Zane Miller

On Thursday, April 10th, 1956, the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Detroit Red Wings at the Montreal Forum to win the 43rd Stanley Cup Finals four games to one. It was the eighth Stanley Cup championship for the Canadiens franchise, and the 10th that was won in Quebec. These are the top five players that I felt most stood out during the series.

5. #1 Glenn Hall (Red Wings)- G

Hall claimed the win in game three, allowing just one goal in the Red Wings’ 3-1 victory.

4. #1 Jacques Plante (Canadiens)- G

Plante picked up the win in all four of the Canadiens’ victories, including a shutout in game four and only giving up one goal in games two and five.

3. #16 Henri Richard (Canadiens)- F

Richard claimed partial player of the game in game two, earning a goal and an assist as the Canadiens won 5-1.

2. #9 Gordie Howe (Red Wings)- F

Howe scored player of the game honors in game three, as he added a goal and an assist to help the Red Wings to the 3-1 victory.

1. #4 Jean Beliveau (Canadiens)- F

Beliveau earned player of the game in games one, four, and five, as well as partial player of the game in game two. In games one and four, Beliveau scored two goals, while in game five he had a goal and an assist in the Canadiens’ 3-1 win to earn the series title.

Players of the Game Breakdown:

Link to stats database: https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/1956-detroit-red-wings-vs-montreal-canadiens-stanley-cup-final.html