1939-40 NHL season

 The 1939-40 season had 7 teams and 48 game schedule. Tragedy struck Montreal as player coach Babe Siebert and his daughter drowned in August. Without him on defense, the Canadiens finish last.  New York Americans, struggling financially, first trades Sweeney Shriner to Toronto for Busher Jackson, Buzz Boll, Murray Armstrong and Jimmy Fowler. Americans then trade Eddie Wiseman and $5000 to Boston for Eddie Shore.  On February 25th, the first NHL game was televised featuring New York Rangers and Montreal. Quarterfinals had Toronto beat Chicago 2-0 and Detroit beat the Americans 2-1. Although nobody knew it at the time, the Americans won their last playoff game (game 2) and played their last playoff game (game 3). Semi finals had Toronto beat Detroit 2-0 and Rangers beat Boston 4-2.  Stanley Cup finals had New York beat Toronto 4-2.  Circus had booted the Rangers out of Madison Square Garden after game 2.  Also nobody knew it at the time, this would be the last Stanley Cup victory for the Rangers until 1994.