The Original Six era in the National Hockey League (NHL) came to an end with the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals. This was a significant moment in the history of the league, as it marked the expansion of the NHL from six teams to twelve. The two teams that competed in the Finals were the Montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Canadiens were a dominant force during the Original Six era, having won the Stanley Cup in both 1965 and 1966. Led by legendary coach Toe Blake and star players such as Jean Beliveau and Jacques Lemaire, the Canadiens were aiming for their third consecutive championship. They were known for their swift skating, strong defensive play, and exceptional goaltending.
On the other side, the Maple Leafs were a storied franchise with a rich history of success. Coached by the legendary Punch Imlach, the Leafs had won the Stanley Cup four times in the 1960s. They had a talented roster that included players like Dave Keon, Tim Horton, and Johnny Bower.
The 1967 Stanley Cup Finals was a hard-fought series between these two Original Six teams. The Canadiens had a strong start, winning the first two games of the series. However, the Maple Leafs rallied back and won the next two games to tie the series at 2-2. The momentum swung back and forth, with each team winning a game to bring the series to a decisive seventh game.
As a fan of hockey history, I find it fascinating to think about this particular moment in time. The Original Six era was characterized by intense rivalries and a close-knit group of teams that competed against each other year after year. The league was tightly controlled, with limited expansion and a strong sense of tradition.
However, by the late 1960s, the NHL was facing pressure to expand and include more teams from other cities. The success of the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals and the growing popularity of the sport paved the way for the league to expand and embrace new markets.
The end of the Original Six era marked a turning point in the NHL’s history. The league expanded to twelve teams in the 1967-68 season, adding the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, St. Louis Blues, and California Seals. This expansion brought new opportunities for players, fans, and the growth of the sport.
The Original Six era in the NHL ended with the 1967 Stanley Cup Finals between the Canadiens and the Maple Leafs. This marked the expansion of the league and the beginning of a new era in hockey history. The Original Six teams would always hold a special place in the hearts of fans, but the league’s growth and evolution were necessary for the sport to thrive.