Canadiens 1971 Year in Review

The Montreal Canadiens stunned the hockey world by winning the Stanley Cup in 1971, beating the Boston Bruins in the 1st round of the playoffs and the Chicago Black Hawks in the Final

Jean Beliveau scored his 500th goal on Feb. 11, 1971; the future Hall of Famer would announce his retirement 4 months later

The Boston Bruins dominated the regular season (57 wins), with Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr leading the way

Important changes for the Montreal Canadiens in 1971:
- Frank Mahovlich was acquired from the Red Wings in January
- Rookie goaltender Ken Dryden backstopped the Habs to a surprising Stanley Cup championship
- Jean Beliveau and John Ferguson announced their retirements
- Guy Lafleur, who had a record-setting season with the Quebec Remparts in the QMJHL, was picked 1st overall by the Canadiens in the NHL Draft
- Al MacNeil was promptly replaced by Scotty Bowman as head coach after winning the Stanley Cup