1933–34 Toronto Maple Leafs season



The 1933–34 Toronto Maple Leafs season was Toronto's 17th season in the NHL. The Maple Leafs finished 1st in the Canadian Division and lost in the Semi-finals to the Detroit Red Wings 3 games to 2.

Regular Season
The December 12, 1933 game versus the Toronto Maple Leafs was filled with violence. Just before the 13:00 mark of the second period, Eddie Shore was rushing the puck into the Leafs zone when he was checked by Red Horner into the boards, hitting his head. Horner retrieved the puck and rushed up the ice so Ace Bailey hung back to cover for Horner. Dazed and angry, Shore mistook Bailey for Horner and hit Bailey low from behind. Bailey fell backwards and his head hit the ice, fracturing it and sending him into convulsions. Red Horner then punched Shore who fell backwards, hitting his head on the ice, knocking him out. Both received game misconducts and Shore had to be carried off the ice by his teammates where 18 stitches were required to Shore's head. Bailey's life hung in the balance but he survived after two surgeries. The first all-star game was held on February 14, 1934 to benefit Bailey which Shore participated in. He apologized and Bailey forgave Shore. Shore was suspended for 16 games and wore a helmet for the rest of his career.

See also Ace Bailey Benefit All-Star Game.

On March 17, 1934, the Maple Leafs played the New York Rangers and celebrated St. Patrick's Day by declaring it "King Clancy Night." Clancy wore a special green Maple Leafs jersey complete with a shamrock on the back instead of a number. Green pants, socks and stick completed the uniform. Rangers GM/coach Lester Patrick was aghast at Clancy's attire and convinced him to wear his regular Leafs uniform after the first period.

Detroit Red Wings 3, Toronto Maple Leafs 2
Best of 5


 * Mar 22 Detroit Red Wings 2 at Toronto Maple Leafs 1 (00:01:33 OT)
 * Mar 24 Detroit Red Wings 6 at Toronto Maple Leafs 3
 * Mar 26 Toronto Maple Leafs 3 at Detroit Red Wings 1
 * Mar 28 Toronto Maple Leafs 5 at Detroit Red Wings 1
 * Mar 30 Toronto Maple Leafs 0 at Detroit Red Wings 1

Detroit Red Wings beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 3 games to 2.

Regular Season

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Playoffs

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals

MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals-against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts

Detroit-Toronto April 1934 Tour of Western Canada
The Detroit Red Wings and the Maple Leafs played a six game charity exhibition tour of Western Canada sponsored by the Gyro Club. The Leafs Joe Primeau didn't participate. The series was a high scoring affair with Toronto winning three games and Detroit two with one tie. Charlie Conacher led the tour in scoring with 10 goals and 16 points while Larry Aurie was second with 9 goals and 14 points.

April 14, 1934: Toronto 12, Detroit 8 @ Winnipeg, Manitoba

April 16, 1934: Detroit 9 Toronto 8 (OT) @ Winnipeg April 18, 1934: Toronto 8, Detroit 5 @ Trail, B.C. April 21, 1934: Toronto 5, Detroit 5 (OT) @ Vancouver, B.C. April 23, 1934: Detroit 8 Toronto 4 @ Vancouver April 26, 1934: Toronto 7, Detroit 5 @ Vancouver

Awards and Records

 * O'Brien Trophy: Toronto Maple Leafs
 * NHL Scoring Leader: Charlie Conacher
 * Charlie Conacher, Right Wing, NHL First Team All-Star
 * Busher Jackson, Left Wing, NHL First Team All-Star
 * King Clancy, Defense, NHL First Team All-Star
 * Joe Primeau, Center, NHL Second Team All-Star
 * Dick Irvin, Coach, NHL Second Team All-Star