Brothers Frank and Peter Mahovlich starred for the Canadiens, scoring nine goals in the seven-game final series.
Both clubs would suffer public controversies regarding coaching performances, specifically accusations of mishandling star players during the series.
The wide open matchup should have favoured the frustrated Hull, who had been successfully shadowed in the series by Canadiens rookie Rejean Houle.
The first two Canadien goals were tallied with the two backliners on the ice and the hobbled Magnuson was beaten one on one by speedy Montreal centre Henri Richard for the ultimate game winner.
Following death threats, MacNeil and his family were assigned body guards for the final home game in Montreal.