1977-78 Regular Season

The 1977-78 PHL season saw several players enjoy breakout seasons, but none quite like Pittsburgh’s 

 Danny Stevenson. Stevenson scored a record 91 goals, helping to lead the Stingers from last place in their division to a miraculous first place finish in the Atlantic Division. In addition to Stevenson’s incredible season, Pittsburgh’s turnaround season was also due to brilliant coaching from Bob King, and a big rookie season from Finnish forward Risto Rautianen. Only two other teams reached the playoffs, New York and Washington. Long Island missed the playoffs, despite a fairly strong second season, Boston also missed the post-season, and Philadelphia suffered a disastrous season due to injuries to Gil Parsons, Bobby Ford, and David Johnson. The Redshirts fell all the way to a tie for last place in the league.  In the Northeast Division, Montreal retook first place, while Ottawa finished second. Detroit triumphantly returned to the playoffs with 39 wins, their best season since the dynasty years. Quebec also returned to the post-season thanks to a big year from young forward Etienne St. Laurent, who scored 44 goals. Toronto just squeaked into the playoffs, needing a win over Quebec and a Long Island loss on the final day of the season to get in.

In the Western Conference, LA won the Pacific Division once again in dominant fashion, while Minnesota took the Central Division for the fourth straight year. Lumberjacks’ captain Guy Dupont made it very clear he was not satisfied with his team’s playoff performance in recent years, boldly guaranteeing that the ‘Jacks would win the Lewis Cup in 1978. Dupont’s bold statement made headlines across the country. Elsewhere in the Western Conference, Chicago enjoyed another strong season, taking second in the Central. David Appleby led the St. Louis Spirits to third place in the Division and fourth place in the Western Conference. Denver rounded out the playoff teams in the Central while Dallas and Winnipeg’s struggles continued as both teams missed the playoffs once again. Despite a tough season, California managed to take second in the Pacific Division, while Edmonton actually improved on their strong debut season and finished third in the Pacific to reach the post-season once again. In Seattle, the Grey Wolves finally broke through and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history, with Pete Holloway and Jake Fairbanks both enjoying breakout seasons. With two new playoff teams, LA’s bid for a third consecutive Cup, not to mention Guy Dupont’s bold guarantee, there was no shortage of dramatic storylines heading into the 1978 post-season.