National Hockey League NHL 1971-1972
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1971-1972
1971-1972 Season
Boston Bruins finished first in the 1971-72 NHL standings with 119 points. New York Rangers (109 points) and Montréal Canadiens (108 points) followed.
1971-1972 NHL Standings
| # | Team | GP | W | T | L | OTW | OTL | GF | GA | +/- | TP | PPG | Postseason |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Boston Bruins | 78 | 54 | 11 | 13 | - | - | 330 | 204 | 126 | 119 | 1.53 | Champion |
| 2. | New York Rangers | 78 | 48 | 13 | 17 | - | - | 317 | 192 | 125 | 109 | 1.40 | Final loss |
| 3. | Montréal Canadiens | 78 | 46 | 16 | 16 | - | - | 307 | 205 | 102 | 108 | 1.38 | Quarterfinal loss |
| 4. | Chicago Black Hawks | 78 | 46 | 15 | 17 | - | - | 256 | 166 | 90 | 107 | 1.37 | Semifinal loss |
| 5. | Minnesota North Stars | 78 | 37 | 12 | 29 | - | - | 212 | 191 | 21 | 86 | 1.10 | Quarterfinal loss |
| 6. | Toronto Maple Leafs | 78 | 33 | 14 | 31 | - | - | 209 | 208 | 1 | 80 | 1.03 | Quarterfinal loss |
| 7. | Detroit Red Wings | 78 | 33 | 10 | 35 | - | - | 261 | 262 | -1 | 76 | 0.97 | Did not make playoffs |
| 8. | St. Louis Blues | 78 | 28 | 11 | 39 | - | - | 208 | 247 | -39 | 67 | 0.86 | Semifinal loss |
| 9. | Philadelphia Flyers | 78 | 26 | 14 | 38 | - | - | 200 | 236 | -36 | 66 | 0.85 | Did not make playoffs |
| 10. | Pittsburgh Penguins | 78 | 26 | 14 | 38 | - | - | 220 | 258 | -38 | 66 | 0.85 | Quarterfinal loss |
| 11. | California Golden Seals | 78 | 21 | 18 | 39 | - | - | 216 | 288 | -72 | 60 | 0.77 | Did not make playoffs |
| 12. | Buffalo Sabres | 78 | 16 | 19 | 43 | - | - | 203 | 289 | -86 | 51 | 0.65 | Did not make playoffs |
| 13. | Los Angeles Kings | 78 | 20 | 9 | 49 | - | - | 206 | 305 | -99 | 49 | 0.63 | Did not make playoffs |
| 14. | Vancouver Canucks | 78 | 20 | 8 | 50 | - | - | 203 | 297 | -94 | 48 | 0.62 | Did not make playoffs |
1971-1972 NHL Player Stats
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Phil Esposito (F) | 76 | 66 | 67 | 133 | 76 |
| 2. | Bobby Orr (D) | 76 | 37 | 80 | 117 | 106 |
| 3. | Jean Ratelle (F) | 63 | 46 | 63 | 109 | 4 |
| 4. | Vic Hadfield (F) | 78 | 50 | 56 | 106 | 142 |
| 5. | Rod Gilbert (F) | 73 | 43 | 54 | 97 | 64 |
1971-1972 NHL Goalie Stats
| # | Player | GP | GAA | SVP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tony Esposito (G) | 48 | 1.77 | .934 |
| 2. | Lorne Worsley (G) | 34 | 2.12 | .933 |
| 3. | Ken Dryden (G) | 64 | 2.24 | .930 |
| 4. | Cesare Maniago (G) | 43 | 2.65 | .920 |
| 5. | Gerry Cheevers (G) | 41 | 2.50 | .920 |
NHL Stories
Insights and analysis from EP Editorial team
1971-1972 NHL Demographics
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NHL Games
| date | home | visiting | score |
|---|---|---|---|
| 09/29/2026 09:00 PM UTC |  Carolina Hurricanes |  Florida Panthers | - |
| 06/15/2026 12:00 AM UTC |  Vegas Golden Knights | Carolina Hurricanes | 0 - 3 |
| 06/12/2026 12:00 AM UTC | Carolina Hurricanes | Vegas Golden Knights | 4 - 2 |
| 06/10/2026 12:00 AM UTC | Vegas Golden Knights | Carolina Hurricanes | 3 - 5 |
| 06/07/2026 12:00 AM UTC | Vegas Golden Knights | Carolina Hurricanes | 5 - 4 (OT 65:38) |
Player Nationalities Throughout History
NHL Team Comparison (Averages)
| # | Team | Players | Experience | Height | Weight | Age |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Boston Bruins | 29 | 9 845 | 6'0" | 190 lbs | 27.66 |
| 2. | Buffalo Sabres | 34 | 8 195 | 5'11" | 179 lbs | 27.00 |
| 3. | California Golden Seals | 34 | 4 552 | 5'11" | 181 lbs | 24.53 |
| 4. | Chicago Blackhawks | 23 | 9 651 | 5'11" | 185 lbs | 28.83 |
| 5. | Detroit Red Wings | 32 | 7 994 | 5'11" | 183 lbs | 27.69 |
| 6. | Los Angeles Kings | 31 | 9 314 | 5'10" | 179 lbs | 27.10 |
| 7. | Minnesota North Stars | 25 | 10 135 | 5'11" | 179 lbs | 30.08 |
| 8. | Montréal Canadiens | 28 | 8 379 | 6'0" | 183 lbs | 26.64 |
| 9. | New York Rangers | 30 | 11 893 | 5'11" | 181 lbs | 28.10 |
| 10. | Philadelphia Flyers | 41 | 7 346 | 5'11" | 183 lbs | 27.05 |
| 11. | Pittsburgh Penguins | 31 | 8 894 | 5'10" | 174 lbs | 28.71 |
| 12. | St. Louis Blues | 41 | 7 062 | 5'11" | 179 lbs | 27.34 |
| 13. | Toronto Maple Leafs | 25 | 8 738 | 5'11" | 179 lbs | 27.44 |
| 14. | Vancouver Canucks | 28 | 6 378 | 5'11" | 179 lbs | 27.18 |
Where Are They Now?
Played in the league during season
| # | player | season | team | league | GP | G | A | PTS | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. |  Nikolai Goldobin (F) | 2026-2027 | SKA St. Petersburg | KHL | 8 | 1 | 12 | 13 | 2 |
| 2. |  Andrej Sustr (D) | 2026-2027 | Jukurit | Liiga | 9 | 0 | 13 | 13 | 6 |
| 3. | Justin Bailey (F) | 2026-2027 | Barys Astana | KHL | 9 | 7 | 5 | 12 | 10 |
| 4. | Colin Smith (F) | 2026-2027 | Hannover Scorpions | Oberliga | 4 | 4 | 8 | 12 | 2 |
| 5. |  Roby Järventie (F) | 2026-2027 | HC Ambrì-Piotta | NL | 6 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 4 |
| 6. | Garrett Pilon (F) | 2026-2027 | Barys Astana | KHL | 9 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 0 |
| 7. | Sheldon Rempal (F) | 2026-2027 | Salavat Yulaev Ufa | KHL | 8 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 4 |
| 8. | Roman Červenka (F) | 2026-2027 | HC Dynamo Pardubice | Extraliga | 6 | 2 | 8 | 10 | 2 |
| 9. | Ty Smith (D) | 2026-2027 | Dinamo Minsk | KHL | 8 | 1 | 9 | 10 | 6 |
| 10. | Jesse Puljujärvi (F) | 2026-2027 | Genève-Servette HC | NL | 6 | 6 | 3 | 9 | 2 |
Regular Season
NHL All-Time Points
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1487 | 894 | 1963 | 2857 |
| 2. | Jaromír Jágr (F) | 1733 | 766 | 1155 | 1921 |
| 3. | Mark Messier (F) | 1756 | 694 | 1193 | 1887 |
| 4. | Gordie Howe (F) | 1767 | 801 | 1049 | 1850 |
| 5. | Ron Francis (F) | 1731 | 549 | 1249 | 1798 |
NHL All-Time Goals
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Alexander Ovechkin (F) | 1573 | 929 | 758 | 1687 |
| 2. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1487 | 894 | 1963 | 2857 |
| 3. | Gordie Howe (F) | 1767 | 801 | 1049 | 1850 |
| 4. | Jaromír Jágr (F) | 1733 | 766 | 1155 | 1921 |
| 5. | Brett Hull (F) | 1269 | 741 | 650 | 1391 |
NHL All-Time Assists
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1487 | 894 | 1963 | 2857 |
| 2. | Ron Francis (F) | 1731 | 549 | 1249 | 1798 |
| 3. | Mark Messier (F) | 1756 | 694 | 1193 | 1887 |
| 4. | Raymond Bourque (D) | 1612 | 410 | 1169 | 1579 |
| 5. | Jaromír Jágr (F) | 1733 | 766 | 1155 | 1921 |
NHL All-Time Penalty Min.
| # | Player | GP | G | TP | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Tiger Williams (F) | 962 | 241 | 513 | 3966 |
| 2. | Dale Hunter (F) | 1409 | 323 | 1020 | 3565 |
| 3. | Tie Domi (F) | 1020 | 104 | 245 | 3515 |
| 4. | Marty McSorley (D) | 961 | 108 | 359 | 3381 |
| 5. | Bob Probert (F) | 935 | 163 | 384 | 3300 |
NHL All-Time Games Played
| # | Player | GP | G | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Patrick Marleau (F) | 1779 | 566 | 631 | 1197 |
| 2. | Gordie Howe (F) | 1767 | 801 | 1049 | 1850 |
| 3. | Mark Messier (F) | 1756 | 694 | 1193 | 1887 |
| 4. | Jaromír Jágr (F) | 1733 | 766 | 1155 | 1921 |
| 5. | Ron Francis (F) | 1731 | 549 | 1249 | 1798 |
NHL All-Time Points Per Game
| # | Player | GP | G | TP | PPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Oliver Bonk (D) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2.00 |
| 2. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1487 | 894 | 2857 | 1.92 |
| 3. | Mario Lemieux (F) | 915 | 690 | 1723 | 1.88 |
| 4. | Newsy Lalonde (F) | 99 | 124 | 166 | 1.68 |
| 5. | Connor McDavid (F) | 794 | 409 | 1220 | 1.54 |
NHL All-Time Points Per Season
| # | Player | Season | GP | G | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1985-1986 | 80 | 52 | 215 |
| 2. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1981-1982 | 80 | 92 | 212 |
| 3. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1984-1985 | 80 | 73 | 208 |
| 4. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1983-1984 | 74 | 87 | 205 |
| 5. | Mario Lemieux (F) | 1988-1989 | 76 | 85 | 199 |
NHL All-Time Goals Per Season
| # | Player | Season | GP | G | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1981-1982 | 80 | 92 | 212 |
| 2. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1983-1984 | 74 | 87 | 205 |
| 3. | Brett Hull (F) | 1990-1991 | 78 | 86 | 131 |
| 4. | Mario Lemieux (F) | 1988-1989 | 76 | 85 | 199 |
| 5. | Phil Esposito (F) | 1970-1971 | 78 | 76 | 152 |
NHL All-Time Assists Per Season
| # | Player | Season | GP | A | TP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1985-1986 | 80 | 163 | 215 |
| 2. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1984-1985 | 80 | 135 | 208 |
| 3. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1982-1983 | 80 | 125 | 196 |
| 4. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1990-1991 | 78 | 122 | 163 |
| 5. | Wayne Gretzky (F) | 1986-1987 | 79 | 121 | 183 |
NHL All-Time Penalty Min. Per Season
| # | Player | Season | GP | TP | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Dave Schultz (F) | 1974-1975 | 76 | 26 | 472 |
| 2. | Paul Baxter (D) | 1981-1982 | 76 | 43 | 409 |
| 3. | Mike Peluso (F) | 1991-1992 | 63 | 9 | 408 |
| 4. | Dave Schultz (F) | 1977-1978 | 74 | 36 | 405 |
| 5. | Marty McSorley (D) | 1992-1993 | 81 | 41 | 399 |
List of NHL Champions
NHL Awards
- NHA Stanley Cup Champion
- NHL All-Rookie Team
- NHL All-Star Game
- NHL Best Defenseman (Norris Trophy)
- NHL Best Defenseman (Norris Trophy) Finalist
- NHL Best GAA
- NHL Best Goalie (Vezina Trophy)
- NHL Best Goalie (Vezina Trophy) Finalist
- NHL Best Plus/Minus
- NHL Best SVS%
- NHL Coach of the Year (Jack Adams Award)
- NHL Contribution to U.S. Hockey (Lester Patrick Trophy)
- NHL First All-Star Team
- NHL Foundation Player Award
- NHL General Manager of the Year
- NHL Gentleman Conduct (Lady Byng Trophy)
- NHL Gentleman Conduct (Lady Byng Trophy) Finalist
- NHL Leadership-Humanitarian Award (King Clancy Trophy)
- NHL Lowest GA (Jennings Trophy)
- NHL Mark Messier Leadership Award
- NHL Most Assists
- NHL Most Assists by Defenseman
- NHL Most Assists by Rookie
- NHL Most Goals (Maurice Richard Trophy)
- NHL Most Goals by Defenseman
- NHL Most Goals by Rookie
- NHL Most Penalized Player
- NHL Most Points (Art Ross Trophy)
- NHL Most Points by Defenseman
- NHL Most Points by Rookie
- NHL Most Valuable Player (Hart Trophy)
- NHL Most Valuable Player (Hart Trophy) Finalist
- NHL MVP Selected by NHLPA (Ted Lindsay Award)
- NHL Playoffs Most Assists
- NHL Playoffs Most Goals
- NHL Playoffs Most Points
- NHL Playoffs Most Points by Defenseman
- NHL Rookie of the Month
- NHL Rookie of the Year (Calder Trophy)
- NHL Rookie of the Year (Calder Trophy) Finalist
- NHL Second All-Star Team
- NHL Sportsmanship Award (Bill Masterton Trophy)
- NHL Sportsmanship Award (Bill Masterton Trophy) Finalist
- NHL Stanley Cup Champion
- NHL Stanley Cup Clinching Goal
- NHL Stanley Cup MVP (Conn Smythe Trophy)
- NHL Top Defensive Forward (Frank J. Selke Trophy)
- NHL Top Defensive Forward (Selke Trophy) Finalist
- NHL YoungStars Roster