1929–30 Boston Bruins season

The 1929–30 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' sixth season in the NHL. In defending its American Division title for the second straight season, the Bruins took advantage of new rules and its powerhouse lineup to set three impressive records including most wins in a single regular season (38), most regular season wins on home ice (20), and the best single season winning percentage in NHL history (0.875) – a record which still stands. However, the club failed to defend its Stanley Cup title, losing in the finals to the Montreal Canadiens.

See also: 1929–30 NHL season

To combat low scoring – the previous season had the fewest goals per game recorded before or thereafter – a major rule change was implemented. Players were now allowed forward passing in the offensive zone, instead of only in the defensive and neutral zones. This led to abuse: players sat in front of the opposing net waiting for a pass, and goals scored nearly tripled league-wide. The rule was changed again mid-season in December 1929, and players were no longer allowed to enter the offensive zone before the puck, thus giving birth to the modern offside rule.

In the meantime, however, Boston took advantage of the new rule from its opening match, defeating Detroit 5–2 before a sellout crowd behind Cooney Weiland's two goals. The team was noted in the press for its skill in dealing with the new infractions called for hanging back, recording many fewer penalties than the other teams in early season play.

After a rough match on November 23 against the Montreal Maroons, superstar defenseman Eddie Shore went to the hospital with multiple injuries, missing the return match against the Maroons on the 26th. Bruins' president Charles Adams presented Shore with a check for $500, purportedly $100 for each facial scar he received at the hands of the Maroons.