1965–66 NHL season 1965–66 NHL season The 1965–66 NHL season was the 49th season of the National Hockey League. Six teams each played 70 games. The Montreal Canadiens won their second consecutive Stanley Cup as they defeated the Detroit Red Wings four games to two in the final series. A new trophy was introduced for this season. Jack Adams won the first Lester Patrick Trophy for his contribution to hockey in the United States. February saw the momentous announcement that six conditional franchises had been awarded to Los Angeles, San Francisco, St. Louis, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, all to begin play in
Edinburgh Trophy of Canada. On the sides of the base, there were small plaques to inscribe the winning team's name. The winners were to be considered the "World's Minor Professional Champions". At the same time, the terms of the championship were announced. The two leagues would play off annually, alternating in the east and the west. The first playoff would be held in the city of the champion of the Western Hockey League. All contested series were best-of-nine format. Edinburgh Trophy The Edinburgh Trophy was a trophy given to the winners of a series played between the champions of the Western Hockey