Leaf forward got credit for goal to win last Cup

Jim Pappin, the longtime NHL forward credited with the Maple Leafs’ last Stanley Cup-winning goal, died at age 82.

Pappin was given credit for Toronto’s second goal in a 3-1 seriesending victory over Montreal in Game 6 of the 1967 final. Linemate Pete Stemkowski deflected it in, but let Pappin take credit to earn a contract bonus.

Pappin also played on their 1964 championship team.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Pappin,” the Leafs said in a statement. “Jim played five seasons in Toronto, winning the Stanley Cup in 1964 & ’67. Named one of the 100 Greatest Leafs, he scored the Cup-winning goal and led the team in scoring in ’67. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

Traded to Chicago in 1968, he had his biggest offensive seasons on the MPH Line with Pit Martin and Dennis Hull, with career highs of 41 goals, 51 assists and 92 points in 1972-73.

The Blackhawks tweeted: “The P in the MPH Line tallied 444 points in 488 games in Chicago and ranks 17th all-time for franchise scorers with 216 goals. Our hearts go out to Jim’s family and friends.”

After seven seasons with Chicago, he spent 1975-76 with the California Seals and followed the franchise to Cleveland the following year for his final NHL campaign.

In 767 regular-season games over 14 seasons, Pappin had 278 goals and 295 assists. In 92 playoff games, he added 33 goals and 34 assists.