1928-29

• Forward passing is now permitted in the neutral zone, as long as no offensive player preceded the puck into the offensive zone.

• Regular season overtime was changed to a ten-minute period to be played in its entirety, regardless of whether a goal is scored.

• George Owen of the Boston Bruins becomes the first player in NHL history to wear protective head gear. Helmets would eventually become mandatory for all incoming players 51 years later.

• The playoff format changes to a nonsensical one. The first-place teams in each division play a best-of-five series for the NHL title. The second and third-place teams play two-game total goals series to determine who plays in a best-of-three semifinal series. The semifinal winner takes on the NHL champion in a best-of-three series for the Stanley Cup. Under this format, the Boston Bruins swept the New York Rangers to take the Cup. The Bruins would go undefeated in postseason play.



Boston Bruins


Chicago Black Hawks


Detroit Cougars


Montreal Canadiens


Montreal Maroons


New York Americans


New York Rangers


Ottawa Senators


Pittsburgh Pirates


Toronto Maple Leafs