Who was the first player to score 50 goals in a single NHL season?

The correct answer is Maurice Richard. He achieved the remarkable feat of scoring 50 goals in a single NHL season during the 1944-1945 season while playing for the Montreal Canadiens. Richard's accomplishment was groundbreaking at the time, as he became the first player in NHL history to reach the 50-goal mark within the constraints of a regular 50-game season. This achievement not only set a new standard in professional hockey but also contributed to Richard's legacy as one of the sport's greatest players.

Wayne Gretzky, while an iconic player, did not score 50 goals in a single season first; rather, he consistently broke and set new records later on. Gordie Howe is also one of the legends of the game and had many outstanding seasons, but he did not achieve the milestone before Richard. Bobby Orr, known primarily for his exceptional skills as a defenseman, revolutionized that position but was not associated with being the first player to score 50 goals in a season.