The summer of 1951 was an eventful one in the PHL. The league expanded to ten teams with the addition of the Quebec Nationale, New York released long-time goaltender Dick Wallace, and Philadelphia recruited two phenoms, goaltender David Zimmer, and winger Richie Moore. The additions did not, however, translate to regular season success for Philly, as they finished fourth in the American Division. 34-year-old Dick Wallace, determined to make the Civics look bad for releasing him, signed with the expansion Nationale and turned in one of the best goaltending performances in history, leading Quebec to a miraculous second place finish. Disaster struck in Buffalo, superstar David Poulin suffered a career-ending injury when he was sent feet-first into the boards during a game in early December, leaving him crippled. Rookie goaltender Billy Jeffery led the New York Civics to a second place finish, with Civics forward George Allen making history as the first player in PHL history to score 50 goals in a single season.
In the playoffs, Quebec's Magic ran out early on as they lost to provincial rival Montreal in six games, while Hamilton took down Buffalo in seven games before sweeping Montreal to the final. Boston had a tough road to the finals, taking out Philadelphia and New York in two emotional seven game series. In the Lewis Cup final, the Kings won game one before Boston swept the last four to take their fifth Lewis Cup.
Logo & Uniform Changes:
- The league adds a tenth franchise, the Quebec Nationale, who make their debut wearing Blue, Black, and White uniforms.
- Montreal changes their uniforms, introdcing a new logo and a second shade of red.
Standings:
Canadian Division
- Hamilton
- Quebec
- Montreal
- Buffalo
- Toronto
American Division
- Boston
- New York
- Chicago
- Philadelphia
- Detroit
Classic Games:
Playoff Tree:
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