"The Flower," as he was affectionately referred to by teammates, flowered in 1974-75, more than doubling his previous season's totals with 53 goals and 66 assists. He became the first player in NHL history to score 50 or more goals while playing in less than 70 games. Lafleur led the league in scoring with 99 points (33G, 66A). The Montreal Canadiens finished with 107 points (37G, 70A). Lafleur also led the league in plus/minus rating with a +52 mark. The Canes were ranked second with a +39 margin. He was awarded the Lady Byng Memorial Trophy for sportsmanship and ability to lead by example. Lafleur was the first player to win this award twice. Lafleur played in all but three games for the Habs in 1974-75, finishing with a career-high 53 goals and 66 assists. That same year, he was chosen as the MVP of the 1975 All-Star Game. Before the start of the 1973-74 season, the NHL granted Montreal expansion rights, which resulted in the creation of the Montreal Canadiens II team.