1970-71 NHL season

 Yhe 1970-71 NHL season had 14 teams and a 78 game schedule. Teams played a balanced schedule where all teams played each other 6 times. The Vancouver Canucks and Buffalo Sabres joined the league and added to the East division, smile Chicago was moved to the West. Playoff format changed slightly, with the crossover happening in the semis.  Boston Bruins had the top 4 point getters, all with 100+ points, a first. Phil Esposito first to score 60 goals, then 70, finishing with 76.  June 10 1970, California Seals trade Francois Lacombe and their first round pick in 1971 to Montreal for Ernie Hicke and their first round pick in 1971. Montreal picks Guy Lafleur. He plays 1176 games, scores 560g, 793 assists for 1353 points. He has 5 100 point seasons,  5 50 goal seasons, and one 60 goal season.  January 1971 Detroit trades Frank Mahavolich to Montreal.   March 18, 1971 Gilbert Perreault scores his 35th goal of the season,  breaking a rookie record. He finished with 38. Playoffs had: QF; Montreal 4 Boston 3, New York 4 Toronto 2, Chicago 4 Philadelphia 0, Minnesota 4 St. Louis 2. SF; Montreal 4 Minnesota 2, Chicago 4 New York 3. Stanley Cup finals: Montreal 4 Chicago 3.  Montreal wins the 1971 Stanley Cup. It is their 17th.