The 1971/72 NHL season was the 55th season in the National Hockey League . 14 teams played 78 games each. The Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup after a 4-2 win in the final series against the New York Rangers . The play-off mode had already been changed last year. This time the still stronger East benefited from this and provided both finalists. The season started without two of their veterans. Gordie Howe ended his career and in Montreal the gap left by Jean Béliveau had to be filled by the young Guy Lafleur . The Canadiens hired Scotty Bowman as coach . Financially, too, new times dawned. Bobby Orr signed a contract that made him a million dollars in five years.