Howie Meeker failed to hit the scoresheet in his inaugural NHL encounter, yet its significance will remain with him forever. When the sweating was done, the game ended in a 3-3 draw. The Leafs allowed the Wings back into the game when Sid Abel scored at 19:49 with the Detroit netminder pulled for an extra skater. A Tall, impressive Detroit rookie named Gordie Howe stole the limelight that night, scoring his first NHL goal against Turk Broda in the second period, and flattening Leaf forward Syl Apps.