1976-77 NHL season

 The 1976-77 NHL season had 18 teams and 80 games. Highlights include: 1. Montreal goes 60-8-12, including 33-1-6 at home. That's right, 1 loss at home. 2. California Seals move to Cleveland, becoming the Barons. 3. Kansas City Scouts move to Denver, becoming the Colorado Rockies. 4. March 9, 1977 New York Rangers retire Rod Gilbert #7. 5. June 24 1976 Bobby Orr signs with Chicago. 6. March 26 Boston trades Ken Hodge traded to Rangers for Rick Middleton. 7. October 7 1976, Stan Mikita gets to 1300 points. Playoffs: preliminary; New York Islanders 2 Chicago 0, Buffalo 2 Minnesota 0, Los Angeles 2 Atlanta 1, Toronto 2 Pittsburgh 1. Quarter finals; Montreal 4 St Louis 0, Philadelphia 4 Toronto 2, Boston 4 Los Angeles 2, New York Islanders 4 Buffalo 0. Semi finals; Montreal 4 New York Islanders 2, Boston 4 Philadelphia 0. Stanley Cup finals; Montreal 4 Boston 0. Guy Lafleur won Conn Smythe trophy as playoff MVP. #1 draft pick in 1977 was Dale McCourt. He was drafted by Detroit. He played 572 games, scored 194 goals, 284 assists, 478 points for Detroit, Buffalo and Toronto.  Next up soon, the 1977-78 season.