1971-72 NHL season

 The 1971-72 season had 14 teams and a 78 game schedule. Highlights include: 1. Montreal hiring Scotty Bowman. 2. New York Rangers goal a game line of Jean Ratelle, Vic Hadfield and Rod Gilbert finish 3rd, 4th and 5th in the points race.  Phil Esposito and Gordie Howe were 1-2. 3. Boston and New York were first teams since 1960 to finish 1-2 overall and reach Stanley Cup finals. 4. November 4 Los Angeles Kings acquire Rogie Vachon from Montreal. 5. March 22 Marcel Dionne of Detroit sets rookie record with 75 points in a season. 6. March 25 Gerry Cheevers sets unbeaten streak at 32 (24 wins 8 ties).  7. February 19 Phil Esposito first player to record 3 100 point seasons. Quarterfinals: Boston 4 Toronto 1, New York 4 Montreal 2, St Louis 4 Minnesota 3, Chicago 4 Philadelphia 0.  Semi finals: Boston 4 St Louis 0, New York 4 Chicago 0. Stanley Cup finals: Boston 4 New York 2. Boston wins 5th Stanley Cup. Bobby Orr wins Conn Smythe trophy. 1972 #1 draft pick us Billy Harris of the New York Islanders. He plays 897 games and records 231 goals, 327 assists and 558 points.  Next up - the 1972-73 season.