Bobby Rousseau put together the best campaign of his NHL career in 1965-66, delivering a breakout year that helped power the Montreal Canadiens back to the top of the league. Rousseau scored 30 goals and added 48 assists for 78 points, edging out Jean Béliveau for the team scoring lead by a single point. His playmaking touch stood out across the league as well. He led the NHL in assists and finished tied with Stan Mikita for second place in the Art Ross Trophy race.
His strong performance carried straight into the postseason. Rousseau collected eight points in ten games, helping Montreal sweep the Toronto Maple Leafs in the opening round and defeat the Detroit Red Wings in six games to capture another Stanley Cup championship.
Despite Rousseau’s exceptional production, Gordie Howe earned First Team NHL All-Star honours at right wing. The two stars posted remarkably similar numbers that year, but Howe’s iconic stature and Hart Trophy voting (finishing third) gave him the edge. Rousseau still earned recognition, finishing as the runner-up for the Lady Byng Trophy behind Alex Delvecchio.
By the end of his career, Rousseau had put together an impressive resume:
942 regular season games
128 playoff games
Four Stanley Cup championships with Montreal
1961-62 Calder Trophy winner
NHL stops with the Canadiens, Minnesota North Stars, and New York Rangers
NHL Hockey Trivia: Bobby Rousseau
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