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April 9: On this day in 1932, Toronto won its first Stanley Cup under the Maple Leafs banner, bringing the silver chalice home for the first the first time since the Toronto St. Pats in 1922. The Leafs defeated the New York Rangers in 3 straight games, scoring 6 goals in each contest. The first game was played in New York City but the circus was in town forcing Game 2 over to Boston. The Leafs won Game 3 on home ice in Toronto after the team's first season at newly constructed Maple Leaf Gardens. It was the first time an NHL team swept the best-of-five finals in three games. Ace Bailey scored the Cup-winning goal. The series marked the Stanley Cup debut of the Leafs’ famed “Kid Line” of Harvey “Busher” Jackson, Charlie Conacher and Joe Primeau, who combined for eight goals in Toronto’s three victories.
April 9: On this day in 1950, the Leafs' quest for a fourth straight Stanley Cup was halted by Detroit Red Wings hero, Leo Reise Jr. who scored the only goal of Game 7 in overtime in the Leafs-Wings semi-final contest. Reise had also scored the double-overtime winner in Game 4 of the series.
April 9: On this day in 1963, Dick Duff of the Leafs set an NHL Stanley Cup playoff record that still stands for the fastest two goals from the start of a playoff game. They came against goalie Terry Sawchuk and the Detroit Red Wings in the first game of the Finals in a span of just 1:08. The Leafs won the game 4-2 and the series to win their second of three straight Stanley Cups.
April 9: On this day in 1964, the Leafs and Canadiens played Game 7 of their semi-final series in Montreal. The Leafs prevailed 3-1 to advance to the Finals. All three Leaf goals were scored by Dave Keon. The Leafs went on to win their 3rd Stanley Cup in a row.
April 9: On this day in 1977, Lanny McDonald scored a hat trick for the Leafs and added two assists as Toronto eliminated the Pittsburgh Penguins from the preliminary round of the playoffs with a 5-2 victory at Pittsburgh. In 1975, the NHL expanded the number of teams making the playoffs from 8 to 12. These best-of-three preliminary rounds were in place between 1975 and 1979.
