This was the first season for the NHL’s six new teams. Expansion introduced a longer regular season and playoff schedule.
The Montreal Canadiens, after losing in 1966-67 to Toronto, were able to sweep the first expansion team to reach the Stanley Cup Final, the St. Louis Blues. The Canadiens lost only one game in the playoffs, and handed the Blues a ticket back to St. Louis with a 3-2 win in Montreal in Game Four. This would be the eighth and last Stanley Cup for legendary coach Hector “Toe” Blake.
The Conn Smythe Trophy was awarded to a player on the losing team for the second time in history. St. Louis goaltender Glenn Hall captured the prize, playing in 18 games and posting a 2.43 goals against average.
