1970–71 NHL season facts for kids

The 1970–71 NHL season was the 54th season for the National Hockey League (NHL). During this exciting year, 14 teams played 78 games each. The Montreal Canadiens won the Stanley Cup, beating the Chicago Black Hawks in a thrilling seven-game final series. This season was also special because two new teams joined the league: the Buffalo Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks.

Regular Season Highlights

The 1970–71 NHL regular season was full of action! Teams played many games to see who would make it to the playoffs.

Top Teams and Newcomers

The Boston Bruins had an amazing season, finishing with the best record in the league. They won 57 games and earned 121 points! The New York Rangers and the Montreal Canadiens also had strong seasons in the East Division.

In the West Division, the Chicago Black Hawks were the top team, showing their strength with 107 points. The St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers also made it to the playoffs from this division.

The two new teams, the Buffalo Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks, were just starting out. They worked hard to compete in their first NHL season.

Top Scorers of the Season

Many players showed off their incredible skills by scoring lots of goals and assists. Here are some of the top players who earned the most points:

• Phil Esposito from the Boston Bruins was the top scorer with an amazing 152 points (76 goals and 76 assists).
• Bobby Orr, also from the Boston Bruins, was right behind him with 139 points (37 goals and 102 assists). He was known for his incredible defense and scoring.
• John Bucyk, another Boston Bruins player, scored 116 points.
• Ken Hodge (Boston Bruins) and Bobby Hull (Chicago Black Hawks) also had over 90 points, showing their scoring power.

Stanley Cup Playoffs: The Road to the Championship

The Stanley Cup playoffs are a thrilling tournament where the best teams battle to win the championship trophy.

Exciting Playoff Matches

The playoffs started with eight teams fighting for the Stanley Cup.

• The Montreal Canadiens pulled off a big upset in the Quarter-finals, beating the top-ranked Boston Bruins.
• The Chicago Black Hawks easily won their Quarter-final series against the Philadelphia Flyers.
• The New York Rangers also advanced by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The Final Showdown

After many intense games, the Montreal Canadiens and the Chicago Black Hawks faced off in the Stanley Cup Final. It was a very close series that went all the way to seven games. In the end, the Montreal Canadiens won the championship, lifting the famous Stanley Cup!

NHL Awards and Honors

At the end of the season, special awards are given to players who showed outstanding performance.

• Clarence S. Campbell Bowl: Awarded to the Chicago Black Hawks for being the best team in the West Division during the regular season.
• Art Ross Trophy: Given to Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins for being the league's top scorer.
• Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy: Awarded to Jean Ratelle of the New York Rangers for his perseverance and dedication to hockey.
• Calder Memorial Trophy: Given to Gilbert Perreault of the Buffalo Sabres as the best rookie player.
• Conn Smythe Trophy: Awarded to Ken Dryden of the Montreal Canadiens as the most valuable player in the playoffs.
• Hart Memorial Trophy: Given to Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins as the league's most valuable player.
• James Norris Memorial Trophy: Awarded to Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins as the best defenceman.
• Lady Byng Memorial Trophy: Given to Johnny Bucyk of the Boston Bruins for sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with high playing ability.
• Lester B. Pearson Award: Awarded to Phil Esposito of the Boston Bruins, chosen by the players as the most outstanding player.
• NHL Plus/Minus Award: Given to Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins for having the best plus/minus rating.
• Vezina Trophy: Awarded to Eddie Giacomin and Gilles Villemure of the New York Rangers as the best goaltenders.
• Lester Patrick Trophy: Honored William M. Jennings, John B. Sollenberger, and Terry Sawchuk for their contributions to hockey in the United States.

All-Star Teams

The NHL also picks the best players for the First and Second All-Star Teams. These teams represent the top players at each position.

• Goaltenders: Eddie Giacomin (New York Rangers) was on the First Team, and Jacques Plante (Toronto Maple Leafs) was on the Second Team.
• Defencemen: Bobby Orr (Boston Bruins) and J.C. Tremblay (Montreal Canadiens) were on the First Team. Brad Park (New York Rangers) and Pat Stapleton (Chicago Black Hawks) were on the Second Team.
• Centre: Phil Esposito (Boston Bruins) was the First Team Centre, and Dave Keon (Toronto Maple Leafs) was on the Second Team.
• Right Wingers: Ken Hodge (Boston Bruins) was on the First Team, and Yvan Cournoyer (Montreal Canadiens) was on the Second Team.
• Left Wingers: Johnny Bucyk (Boston Bruins) was on the First Team, and Bobby Hull (Chicago Black Hawks) was on the Second Team.