TORONTO – Jim Pappin, the former NHL forward credited with the Toronto Maple Leafs’ last goal to win the Stanley Cup, has died. He was 82. Maple Leafs and the Chicago Blackhawks announced the death on Wednesday on social media. “We are deeply saddened to learn of Jim Pappin’s death,” the Maple Leafs said. “Jim played five seasons in Toronto, winning the Stanley Cup in 1964 and ’67. Named one of the 100 best cards, he scored the winning goal of the Cup and led the team to score in ’67. “Our thoughts are with his family and friends.” The Blackhawks later stated: “The ‘P’ on the MPH line has 444 points in 488 games in Chicago and is ranked 17th all-time franchise scorer with 216 goals. Our hearts are with Jim’s family and friends. “ Pappin was praised for Toronto’s second goal in a 3-1 victory over Montreal in Game 6 on May 2, 1967. Pete Stemkowski dismissed it, but allowed Pappin to receive the credit for win a contract bonus. Pappin also played for the Stanley Cup in Toronto in 1964, spending five seasons with the Maple Leafs. Moved to Chicago in 1968, he made his Blackhawks biggest attacking season with MPH Line teammates Pit Martin and Dennis Hull, finishing with 41 goals, 51 assists and 92 points in 1972-73. After seven seasons with Chicago, he spent the 1975-76 season with the California Seals and followed the franchise in Cleveland the following year for his final season in the NHL. In 767 regular season games in 14 NHL seasons, Pappin had 278 goals and 295 assists. In 92 playoff games, he had 33 goals and 34 assists.
