1974 Lewis Cup Finals

The 1974 Lewis Cup Finals would pit the Detroit Mustangs, winners of 3 of the last 5 Lewis Cups, against the Philadelphia Redshirts, the only charter member of the PHL that had yet to win a championship during the league's existence. Heavily favored to win it all once again, the Mustangs found themselves stunned in the first two games at home, losing both contests by 2 goals. treating game 3 in Philly like a must-win, Detroit kept things close throughout the game before finally pulling ahead to win the game in the third period on a goal from Bjorn Rasmussen. Despite still being down 2-1 in the series, it appeared that the Mustangs were now in control. Game 4 would go to overtime, where Detroit dominated, forcing Redshirts goaltender Micheal McArdle to make 13 saves in OT alone. Late in the extra period Philadelphia winger Bobby Ford blocked a Cliff Lyle shot, putting center David Johnson on a breakaway. Johnson beat Bobby Cole for the winner, giving Philly a commanding 3-1 series lead. The city of Detroit was in shock, while Philadelphia celebrated. It appeared that the Redshirts drought, as well as Detroit's reign were finally over. In game 5, with the Lewis Cup in the building, Bobby Cole made 46 saves for the shutout as Detroit won 2-0. Game six would go into double overtime. Both teams had several big scoring chances but both goaltenders refused to yield. Finally, early in the second overtime, Don Banks scored for Detroit to force game 7. The Redshirts, determined not to let their disappointment get the better of them in game 7, played their hearts out, keeping the game scoreless until almost the end of the second period despite a barrage of Detroit shots. Banks would finally find the back of the net, however, with just 1:36 to go in the second and Philadelphia found themselves desperately trying to tie it throughout the third. In the end, Bobby Cole, playing in his final game, proved to be too much for Philly in game 7. The heartbroken Redshirts skated off the ice as Detroit, now one of the PHL's all-time greatest dynasties, celebrated their 4th Lewis Cup in only 6 seasons.