1966–67 NHL season

1966–67 NHL season was the 50th season of the National Hockey League and the final campaign before a major expansion doubled the league's size. The Toronto Maple Leafs, led by veterans like George Armstrong, Johnny Bower, and Terry Sawchuk, captured their 13th Stanley Cup by defeating the Montreal Canadiens in the final. This historic season was also marked by the stellar play of Chicago Black Hawks center Stan Mikita, who won the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and Lady Byng Memorial Trophy.

Regular season

The 70-game regular season saw the Chicago Black Hawks finish atop the standings with 94 points, powered by the prolific scoring of Stan Mikita and Bobby Hull. The Montreal Canadiens, led by Jean Béliveau and Henri Richard, placed second, while the aging Toronto Maple Leafs secured the final playoff berth in the four-team Original Six format. The Detroit Red Wings, Boston Bruins, and New York Rangers missed the postseason, with the Boston Bruins showcasing the rookie brilliance of defenseman Bobby Orr, who won the Calder Memorial Trophy.

Stanley Cup playoffs

In the Stanley Cup playoffs semifinals, the Toronto Maple Leafs, coached by Punch Imlach, upset the first-place Chicago Black Hawks in six games, with key goals from Dave Keon and Bob Pulford. The other semifinal saw the Montreal Canadiens, under Toe Blake, defeat the New York Rangers in four straight. The Stanley Cup Finals pitted Toronto Maple Leafs against Montreal Canadiens, with Toronto Maple Leafs winning the series four games to two; veterans George Armstrong and Jim Pappin scored crucial goals, while goaltenders Johnny Bower and Terry Sawchuk shared duties to secure the championship on home ice at Maple Leaf Gardens.

League leaders

Stan Mikita of the Chicago Black Hawks dominated the scoring race, capturing the Art Ross Trophy with 97 points (35 goals, 62 assists) and also leading in assists. His teammate Bobby Hull won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy by scoring a league-high 52 goals. In goaltending, Glenn Hall of the Chicago Black Hawks and Ed Giacomin of the New York Rangers posted strong numbers, with Hall earning a share of the Vezina Trophy alongside Denis DeJordy. Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins began revolutionizing the defenseman position, leading all rookies in scoring.

Milestones and events

This season was the last for the Original Six era, with the 1967 NHL Expansion adding six new teams for the following campaign. Bobby Orr won the Calder Memorial Trophy and made his first NHL All-Star Game appearance, signaling a new era for the league. Gordie Howe of the Detroit Red Wings continued to add to his legendary career totals, while Henri Richard of the Montreal Canadiens captured his tenth Stanley Cup. The league also saw the retirement of iconic broadcaster Foster Hewitt from Hockey Night in Canada after the finals.

Team summaries

The Chicago Black Hawks were the regular season powerhouse, with Stan Mikita achieving a rare triple crown of the Art Ross Trophy, Hart Memorial Trophy, and Lady Byng Memorial Trophy. The Montreal Canadiens, featuring stars like Yvan Cournoyer and Gump Worsley, were runners-up for the Stanley Cup. The champion Toronto Maple Leafs relied on a veteran core including Tim Horton, Allan Stanley, and Red Kelly, defying expectations. The Detroit Red Wings (Norm Ullman), Boston Bruins (Phil Esposito), and New York Rangers (Rod Gilbert) missed the playoffs, with the Boston Bruins' future brightened by the arrival of Bobby Orr.

Category:National Hockey League seasons Category:1966–67 NHL season Category:1966 in ice hockey Category:1967 in ice hockey