Summary
The NHL adopted a new, and rather odd, playoff format this season. The second- and third-place teams from each division played their counterparts from the other division in a two-game, total-goals series.
The winners of those games then met in a best-of-three series, while the two first-place teams met in a best-of-five series to determine the Stanley Cup finalists, and the final series was best-of-three.
While the Bruins were sweeping the Canadiens in the battle of first-place teams, the New York Rangers beat the New York Americans and Toronto Maple Leafs to reach the finals.
The Bruins then their first Stanley Cup with two hard-fought wins over the Rangers. It was the first time two U. S.-based teams had played for the trophy.
