1976–77 Los Angeles Kings season
Encyclopedia
Regular season
The 1976-77 season was similar to the year before for the Kings. Dionne continued to lead the offense, the defense was unspectacular but solid, but it was a season of roster turnover as some aging veterans departed (e.g. Bob Nevin, Mike Corrigan) and others lost significant time to injuries (Larry Brown, Juha Widing, Sheldon Kannegiesser). Youngsters like Glen Goldup, Lorne Stamler, and Steve Clippingdale struggled although second year defenseman Gary Sargent was solid. The Kings added Dave Schultz (the "Hammer") to replace Dan Maloney who left in the Dionne trade for toughness, but it took nearly all season for the roster to jell. In addition, backup goalie Gary Edwards struggled and was eventually traded for Gary SimmonsGary Simmons
Gary Simmons is a former ice hockey goaltender. He played parts of 4 seasons in the NHL with the California Seals, Cleveland Barons, and Los Angeles Kings.-External links:...
; he was not the answer either, so #1 goalie Rogie Vachon was overworked. The Kings were also stuck behind the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
who finished an amazing 60-8-12; many say this was the greatest team in NHL history.
After struggling near or below the .500 mark, the Kings won 5 of their last 6 games to finish 6th overall - the same as the year before although with 2 fewer points.
Schedule and results
| No. | R | Date | Score | Opponent | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | T | October 6, 1976 | 2–2 | @ Cleveland Barons Cleveland Barons (NHL) The Cleveland Barons were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League from 1976–78. They were a relocation of the California Golden Seals franchise, which had played in Oakland since 1967... (1976–77 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season The 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season was the first season for this franchise in Cleveland, after nine seasons in the San Francisco Bay Area as the Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals... ) |
0–0–1 |
| 2 | L | October 7, 1976 | 2–4 | @ Atlanta Flames Atlanta Flames The Atlanta Flames were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA from 1972 to 1980. The team, a member of the National Hockey League , was relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the start of the 1980–81 NHL season and were re-named the Calgary Flames. The NHL returned to the... (1976–77 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season The 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season was the fifth season for the franchise.-Game log:-Skaters:Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Atlanta... ) |
0–1–1 |
| 3 | W | October 9, 1976 | 7–4 | @ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1976–77 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their tenth in the National Hockey League. They finished third in the Norris Division for the third season in a row. In the playoffs, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round. Changes occurred in management and ownership. In December 1976, Baz... ) |
1–1–1 |
| 4 | L | October 10, 1976 | 0–1 | @ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' tenth season in the National Hockey League . They finished first in the Patrick Division with a record of 48 wins, 16 losses, and 16 ties for 112 points.... ) |
1–2–1 |
| 5 | T | October 13, 1976 | 4–4 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the franchise's sixtieth season, fiftieth as the Maple Leafs. The Leafs finished in third place in the Adams Division with a record of 33 wins, 32 losses and 15 ties for 81 points... ) |
1–2–2 |
| 6 | W | October 16, 1976 | 7–1 | Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1976–77 1976–77 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... ) |
2–2–2 |
| 7 | W | October 17, 1976 | 6–2 | St. Louis Blues (1976–77 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season The 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season was the tenth for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. The Blues won the Smythe Division title with a record of 32 wins, 39 losses and nine ties, good for 73 points, and received a first-round bye in the 1977 NHL Playoffs... ) |
3–2–2 |
| 8 | W | October 20, 1976 | 4–2 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Rangers season The 1976–77 New York Rangers season was the fifty-first season of the New York Rangers franchise in the National Hockey League. The Rangers placed fourth in the Patrick Division and did not qualify for the playoffs... ) |
4–2–2 |
| 9 | T | October 21, 1976 | 5–5 | @ Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1976–77 1976–77 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... ) |
4–2–3 |
| 10 | L | October 23, 1976 | 2–4 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1976–77 1976–77 Boston Bruins season The 1976–77 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 53rd season in the NHL. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
4–3–3 |
| 11 | W | October 26, 1976 | 3–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1976–77 1976–77 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;... ) |
5–3–3 |
| 12 | W | October 28, 1976 | 5–1 | Atlanta Flames Atlanta Flames The Atlanta Flames were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA from 1972 to 1980. The team, a member of the National Hockey League , was relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the start of the 1980–81 NHL season and were re-named the Calgary Flames. The NHL returned to the... (1976–77 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season The 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season was the fifth season for the franchise.-Game log:-Skaters:Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Atlanta... ) |
6–3–3 |
| 13 | W | October 30, 1976 | 4–3 | Cleveland Barons Cleveland Barons (NHL) The Cleveland Barons were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League from 1976–78. They were a relocation of the California Golden Seals franchise, which had played in Oakland since 1967... (1976–77 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season The 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season was the first season for this franchise in Cleveland, after nine seasons in the San Francisco Bay Area as the Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals... ) |
7–3–3 |
| 14 | L | November 2, 1976 | 1–7 | @ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1976–77 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their tenth in the National Hockey League. They finished third in the Norris Division for the third season in a row. In the playoffs, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round. Changes occurred in management and ownership. In December 1976, Baz... ) |
7–4–3 |
| 15 | W | November 3, 1976 | 4–2 | @ Cleveland Barons Cleveland Barons (NHL) The Cleveland Barons were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League from 1976–78. They were a relocation of the California Golden Seals franchise, which had played in Oakland since 1967... (1976–77 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season The 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season was the first season for this franchise in Cleveland, after nine seasons in the San Francisco Bay Area as the Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals... ) |
8–4–3 |
| 16 | L | November 5, 1976 | 1–4 | @ Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... (1976–77 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season The 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season was the team's seventh in the NHL. The Canucks failed to reach the playoffs. Phil Maloney, the teams general manager and head coach, was replaced mid-season as head coach by Orland Kurtenbach, the first captain of the Canucks.-Off-season:The Canucks made a... ) |
8–5–3 |
| 17 | T | November 6, 1976 | 3–3 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Rangers season The 1976–77 New York Rangers season was the fifty-first season of the New York Rangers franchise in the National Hockey League. The Rangers placed fourth in the Patrick Division and did not qualify for the playoffs... ) |
8–5–4 |
| 18 | T | November 10, 1976 | 2–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the franchise's sixtieth season, fiftieth as the Maple Leafs. The Leafs finished in third place in the Adams Division with a record of 33 wins, 32 losses and 15 ties for 81 points... ) |
8–5–5 |
| 19 | T | November 13, 1976 | 3–3 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1976–77 1976–77 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;... ) |
8–5–6 |
| 20 | L | November 14, 1976 | 4–5 | @ Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1976–77 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season was the Hawks' fifty-first season in the NHL, and the club was coming off a 32-30-18 record in 1975-76, earning 82 points, and finishing in first place in the Smythe Division... ) |
8–6–6 |
| 21 | T | November 16, 1976 | 0–0 | Cleveland Barons Cleveland Barons (NHL) The Cleveland Barons were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League from 1976–78. They were a relocation of the California Golden Seals franchise, which had played in Oakland since 1967... (1976–77 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season The 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season was the first season for this franchise in Cleveland, after nine seasons in the San Francisco Bay Area as the Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals... ) |
8–6–7 |
| 22 | L | November 18, 1976 | 1–3 | New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Islanders season The 1976–77 New York Islanders season was the fifth season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed... ) |
8–7–7 |
| 23 | L | November 20, 1976 | 3–4 | Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1976–77 1976–77 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... ) |
8–8–7 |
| 24 | L | November 24, 1976 | 4–5 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1976–77 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season was the Hawks' fifty-first season in the NHL, and the club was coming off a 32-30-18 record in 1975-76, earning 82 points, and finishing in first place in the Smythe Division... ) |
8–9–7 |
| 25 | L | November 27, 1976 | 3–4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1976–77 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season The 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season was the Canadiens' 68th season. The Canadiens won their 20th Stanley Cup in 1976–77, taking the NHL championship. They set an NHL record for most points in a season by a team with 132 points... ) |
8–10–7 |
| 26 | T | November 28, 1976 | 6–6 | @ Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains... (1976–77 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season The 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season was the Rockies' first season. The former Kansas City Scouts relocated in the off-season to Denver. With the World Hockey Association's Denver Spurs leaving Denver in a midnight move to Ottawa, Ontario just about 10 months earlier, Denver would get a franchise... ) |
8–10–8 |
| 27 | L | December 1, 1976 | 3–6 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the franchise's sixtieth season, fiftieth as the Maple Leafs. The Leafs finished in third place in the Adams Division with a record of 33 wins, 32 losses and 15 ties for 81 points... ) |
8–11–8 |
| 28 | T | December 2, 1976 | 3–3 | @ Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1976–77 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season The 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season was the Canadiens' 68th season. The Canadiens won their 20th Stanley Cup in 1976–77, taking the NHL championship. They set an NHL record for most points in a season by a team with 132 points... ) |
8–11–9 |
| 29 | W | December 4, 1976 | 4–1 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1976–77 1976–77 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;... ) |
9–11–9 |
| 30 | T | December 8, 1976 | 3–3 | Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains... (1976–77 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season The 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season was the Rockies' first season. The former Kansas City Scouts relocated in the off-season to Denver. With the World Hockey Association's Denver Spurs leaving Denver in a midnight move to Ottawa, Ontario just about 10 months earlier, Denver would get a franchise... ) |
9–11–10 |
| 31 | L | December 11, 1976 | 2–4 | Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1976–77 1976–77 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... ) |
9–12–10 |
| 32 | W | December 14, 1976 | 4–2 | @ Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1976–77 1976–77 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... ) |
10–12–10 |
| 33 | W | December 15, 1976 | 3–1 | @ Atlanta Flames Atlanta Flames The Atlanta Flames were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA from 1972 to 1980. The team, a member of the National Hockey League , was relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the start of the 1980–81 NHL season and were re-named the Calgary Flames. The NHL returned to the... (1976–77 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season The 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season was the fifth season for the franchise.-Game log:-Skaters:Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Atlanta... ) |
11–12–10 |
| 34 | L | December 18, 1976 | 0–2 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1976–77 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season The 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season was the Canadiens' 68th season. The Canadiens won their 20th Stanley Cup in 1976–77, taking the NHL championship. They set an NHL record for most points in a season by a team with 132 points... ) |
11–13–10 |
| 35 | L | December 22, 1976 | 2–3 | Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... (1976–77 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season The 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season was the team's seventh in the NHL. The Canucks failed to reach the playoffs. Phil Maloney, the teams general manager and head coach, was replaced mid-season as head coach by Orland Kurtenbach, the first captain of the Canucks.-Off-season:The Canucks made a... ) |
11–14–10 |
| 36 | W | December 27, 1976 | 7–4 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1976–77 1976–77 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;... ) |
12–14–10 |
| 37 | L | December 28, 1976 | 3–8 | @ Minnesota North Stars Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white... (1976–77 1976–77 Minnesota North Stars season -Game log:-External links:... ) |
12–15–10 |
| 38 | L | December 30, 1976 | 0–2 | Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' tenth season in the National Hockey League . They finished first in the Patrick Division with a record of 48 wins, 16 losses, and 16 ties for 112 points.... ) |
12–16–10 |
| 39 | W | January 1, 1977 | 5–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1976–77 1976–77 Boston Bruins season The 1976–77 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 53rd season in the NHL. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
13–16–10 |
| 40 | L | January 4, 1977 | 3–4 | @ St. Louis Blues (1976–77 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season The 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season was the tenth for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. The Blues won the Smythe Division title with a record of 32 wins, 39 losses and nine ties, good for 73 points, and received a first-round bye in the 1977 NHL Playoffs... ) |
13–17–10 |
| 41 | L | January 5, 1977 | 2–5 | @ Minnesota North Stars Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white... (1976–77 1976–77 Minnesota North Stars season -Game log:-External links:... ) |
13–18–10 |
| 42 | L | January 8, 1977 | 1–6 | @ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' tenth season in the National Hockey League . They finished first in the Patrick Division with a record of 48 wins, 16 losses, and 16 ties for 112 points.... ) |
13–19–10 |
| 43 | W | January 9, 1977 | 5–4 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Rangers season The 1976–77 New York Rangers season was the fifty-first season of the New York Rangers franchise in the National Hockey League. The Rangers placed fourth in the Patrick Division and did not qualify for the playoffs... ) |
14–19–10 |
| 44 | L | January 12, 1977 | 2–3 | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the franchise's sixtieth season, fiftieth as the Maple Leafs. The Leafs finished in third place in the Adams Division with a record of 33 wins, 32 losses and 15 ties for 81 points... ) |
14–20–10 |
| 45 | L | January 13, 1977 | 3–4 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1976–77 1976–77 Boston Bruins season The 1976–77 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 53rd season in the NHL. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
14–21–10 |
| 46 | L | January 15, 1977 | 0–6 | @ Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1976–77 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season The 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season was the Canadiens' 68th season. The Canadiens won their 20th Stanley Cup in 1976–77, taking the NHL championship. They set an NHL record for most points in a season by a team with 132 points... ) |
14–22–10 |
| 47 | W | January 18, 1977 | 6–3 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1976–77 Toronto Maple Leafs season was the franchise's sixtieth season, fiftieth as the Maple Leafs. The Leafs finished in third place in the Adams Division with a record of 33 wins, 32 losses and 15 ties for 81 points... ) |
15–22–10 |
| 48 | W | January 20, 1977 | 5–3 | Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1976–77 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their tenth in the National Hockey League. They finished third in the Norris Division for the third season in a row. In the playoffs, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round. Changes occurred in management and ownership. In December 1976, Baz... ) |
16–22–10 |
| 49 | W | January 22, 1977 | 6–0 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Rangers season The 1976–77 New York Rangers season was the fifty-first season of the New York Rangers franchise in the National Hockey League. The Rangers placed fourth in the Patrick Division and did not qualify for the playoffs... ) |
17–22–10 |
| 50 | L | January 26, 1977 | 2–3 | Minnesota North Stars Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white... (1976–77 1976–77 Minnesota North Stars season -Game log:-External links:... ) |
17–23–10 |
| 51 | W | January 29, 1977 | 4–0 | @ New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Islanders season The 1976–77 New York Islanders season was the fifth season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed... ) |
18–23–10 |
| 52 | W | February 2, 1977 | 7–2 | Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1976–77 1976–77 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... ) |
19–23–10 |
| 53 | T | February 5, 1977 | 3–3 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1976–77 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season The 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season was the Canadiens' 68th season. The Canadiens won their 20th Stanley Cup in 1976–77, taking the NHL championship. They set an NHL record for most points in a season by a team with 132 points... ) |
19–23–11 |
| 54 | L | February 8, 1977 | 1–4 | @ New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Islanders season The 1976–77 New York Islanders season was the fifth season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed... ) |
19–24–11 |
| 55 | L | February 9, 1977 | 3–6 | @ Cleveland Barons Cleveland Barons (NHL) The Cleveland Barons were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League from 1976–78. They were a relocation of the California Golden Seals franchise, which had played in Oakland since 1967... (1976–77 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season The 1976–77 Cleveland Barons season was the first season for this franchise in Cleveland, after nine seasons in the San Francisco Bay Area as the Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals... ) |
19–25–11 |
| 56 | L | February 12, 1977 | 2–3 | Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1976–77 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their tenth in the National Hockey League. They finished third in the Norris Division for the third season in a row. In the playoffs, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round. Changes occurred in management and ownership. In December 1976, Baz... ) |
19–26–11 |
| 57 | W | February 15, 1977 | 3–0 | New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 New York Islanders season The 1976–77 New York Islanders season was the fifth season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed... ) |
20–26–11 |
| 58 | L | February 17, 1977 | 3–4 | Atlanta Flames Atlanta Flames The Atlanta Flames were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA from 1972 to 1980. The team, a member of the National Hockey League , was relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the start of the 1980–81 NHL season and were re-named the Calgary Flames. The NHL returned to the... (1976–77 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season The 1976–77 Atlanta Flames season was the fifth season for the franchise.-Game log:-Skaters:Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Atlanta... ) |
20–27–11 |
| 59 | W | February 19, 1977 | 2–0 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1976–77 1976–77 Boston Bruins season The 1976–77 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 53rd season in the NHL. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
21–27–11 |
| 60 | W | February 22, 1977 | 4–0 | St. Louis Blues (1976–77 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season The 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season was the tenth for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. The Blues won the Smythe Division title with a record of 32 wins, 39 losses and nine ties, good for 73 points, and received a first-round bye in the 1977 NHL Playoffs... ) |
22–27–11 |
| 61 | T | February 24, 1977 | 2–2 | Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... (1976–77 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season The 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season was the team's seventh in the NHL. The Canucks failed to reach the playoffs. Phil Maloney, the teams general manager and head coach, was replaced mid-season as head coach by Orland Kurtenbach, the first captain of the Canucks.-Off-season:The Canucks made a... ) |
22–27–12 |
| 62 | W | February 26, 1977 | 4–3 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1976–77 1976–77 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;... ) |
23–27–12 |
| 63 | W | February 27, 1977 | 5–1 | @ Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1976–77 1976–77 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... ) |
24–27–12 |
| 64 | W | March 1, 1977 | 3–2 | @ Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1976–77 1976–77 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... ) |
25–27–12 |
| 65 | W | March 2, 1977 | 5–0 | @ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1976–77 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their tenth in the National Hockey League. They finished third in the Norris Division for the third season in a row. In the playoffs, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round. Changes occurred in management and ownership. In December 1976, Baz... ) |
26–27–12 |
| 66 | L | March 3, 1977 | 2–7 | @ Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1976–77 1976–77 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... ) |
26–28–12 |
| 67 | T | March 5, 1977 | 3–3 | Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1976–77 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1976–77 Pittsburgh Penguins season was their tenth in the National Hockey League. They finished third in the Norris Division for the third season in a row. In the playoffs, the Penguins were eliminated in the first round. Changes occurred in management and ownership. In December 1976, Baz... ) |
26–28–13 |
| 68 | W | March 8, 1977 | 7–1 | Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1976–77 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season was the Hawks' fifty-first season in the NHL, and the club was coming off a 32-30-18 record in 1975-76, earning 82 points, and finishing in first place in the Smythe Division... ) |
27–28–13 |
| 69 | W | March 10, 1977 | 6–0 | Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1976–77 1976–77 Washington Capitals season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals... ) |
28–28–13 |
| 70 | T | March 13, 1977 | 2–2 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1976–77 1976–77 Boston Bruins season The 1976–77 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 53rd season in the NHL. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-NHL Draft:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:... ) |
28–28–14 |
| 71 | L | March 14, 1977 | 0–3 | @ Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1976–77 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season The 1976–77 Montreal Canadiens season was the Canadiens' 68th season. The Canadiens won their 20th Stanley Cup in 1976–77, taking the NHL championship. They set an NHL record for most points in a season by a team with 132 points... ) |
28–29–14 |
| 72 | W | March 17, 1977 | 3–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1976–77 1976–77 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;... ) |
29–29–14 |
| 73 | L | March 19, 1977 | 3–5 | Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1976–77 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1976–77 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' tenth season in the National Hockey League . They finished first in the Patrick Division with a record of 48 wins, 16 losses, and 16 ties for 112 points.... ) |
29–30–14 |
| 74 | L | March 22, 1977 | 2–4 | @ St. Louis Blues (1976–77 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season The 1976–77 St. Louis Blues season was the tenth for the franchise in St. Louis, Missouri. The Blues won the Smythe Division title with a record of 32 wins, 39 losses and nine ties, good for 73 points, and received a first-round bye in the 1977 NHL Playoffs... ) |
29–31–14 |
| 75 | W | March 23, 1977 | 3–1 | @ Chicago Black Hawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1976–77 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season The 1976–77 Chicago Black Hawks season was the Hawks' fifty-first season in the NHL, and the club was coming off a 32-30-18 record in 1975-76, earning 82 points, and finishing in first place in the Smythe Division... ) |
30–31–14 |
| 76 | W | March 26, 1977 | 6–4 | Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1976–77 1976–77 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... ) |
31–31–14 |
| 77 | T | March 29, 1977 | 3–3 | @ Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... (1976–77 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season The 1976–77 Vancouver Canucks season was the team's seventh in the NHL. The Canucks failed to reach the playoffs. Phil Maloney, the teams general manager and head coach, was replaced mid-season as head coach by Orland Kurtenbach, the first captain of the Canucks.-Off-season:The Canucks made a... ) |
31–31–15 |
| 78 | W | March 31, 1977 | 7–5 | Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains... (1976–77 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season The 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season was the Rockies' first season. The former Kansas City Scouts relocated in the off-season to Denver. With the World Hockey Association's Denver Spurs leaving Denver in a midnight move to Ottawa, Ontario just about 10 months earlier, Denver would get a franchise... ) |
32–31–15 |
| 79 | W | April 2, 1977 | 7–2 | Minnesota North Stars Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white... (1976–77 1976–77 Minnesota North Stars season -Game log:-External links:... ) |
33–31–15 |
| 80 | W | April 3, 1977 | 6–4 | @ Colorado Rockies Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are a Major League Baseball team based in Denver, Colorado. Established in 1991, they started play in 1993 and are in the West Division of the National League. The team is named after the Rocky Mountains... (1976–77 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season The 1976–77 Colorado Rockies season was the Rockies' first season. The former Kansas City Scouts relocated in the off-season to Denver. With the World Hockey Association's Denver Spurs leaving Denver in a midnight move to Ottawa, Ontario just about 10 months earlier, Denver would get a franchise... ) |
34–31–15 |
Playoffs
For the second straight year, the Kings faced the Atlanta FlamesAtlanta Flames
The Atlanta Flames were a professional ice hockey team based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA from 1972 to 1980. The team, a member of the National Hockey League , was relocated to Calgary, Alberta, Canada for the start of the 1980–81 NHL season and were re-named the Calgary Flames. The NHL returned to the...
in the mini series. And for the second year in a row, the Kings scored in the first minute of game 1 and won 5-2. But unlike the prior year, they lost game 2 in Atlanta 3-2, forcing a deciding game 3 back in L.A. Vachon was brilliant as the Kings took a 3-1 lead into the 3rd period. But Atlanta scored late to make it 3-2, and the issue wasn't decided until the Kings got an empty net goal for a 4-2 win.
For the second straight year, the Kings faced the Boston Bruins
Boston Bruins
The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...
in the quarter finals and again were heavy underdogs. Boston dominated the first two games in Boston, winning 8-3 and 6-2. The Kings offense woke up when they returned to L.A., but the defense continued to struggle and the Kings lost 7-6 to fall behind 3 games to none. Vachon looked exhausted (he had now played 74 games) and the Kings could not cope with Boston's size advantage. But they managed to outskate Boston in a 7-4 game 4 win, but it seemed a formality to go back to Boston for game 5. It was in that game that Vachon played one of the great games in playoff history. The Kings were badly outshot but in the words of Boston goalie Gerry Cheevers
Gerry Cheevers
Gerald Michael "Cheesey" Cheevers is a former goaltender in the National Hockey League and World Hockey Association between 1961 and 1980, most famous for his two stints with the Boston Bruins, where he backstopped the team to Stanley Cup wins in 1970 and 1972...
, "Vachon did everything but stand on his head to make great save after great save." The Kings led 2-1 and clinched the game with an empty netter, forcing a game 6 in Los Angeles. In that game, the Kings fell behind 3-0 but battled back to tie the game in the 3rd period at 3. Then, as Kings defenseman Dave Hutchison
Dave Hutchison
Dave Hutchison is a retired former professional ice hockey player who played for the Philadelphia Blazers and Vancouver Blazers of the World Hockey Association, plus the Los Angeles Kings, Toronto Maple Leafs, Chicago Black Hawks and New Jersey Devils of the NHL...
went to clear the puck on a Boston power play, he broke his stick on the ice, turned the puck over, and Boston scored to win the game 4-3 and the series 4 games to 2.
Awards and records
Lady Byng Memorial TrophyLady Byng Memorial Trophy
The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, formerly known as the Lady Byng Trophy, is presented each year to the National Hockey League "player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard of playing ability"...
- Marcel Dionne
Marcel Dionne
Marcel Elphege "Little Beaver" Dionne is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Detroit Red Wings, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers...
All NHL 2nd team - Rogie Vachon, Goalie