Photo by Denis Brodeur/NHLI via Getty Images
With the Washington Capitals celebrating their 50th anniversary, NoVa Caps is summarizing each of the previous 49 seasons, from earliest to most recent. The 1977-78 season was the fourth NHL season for the Washington Capitals.
Their record in 1977-78 was 17-49-14 in 80 games for 48 points which was fifth in the Norris Division and second worst in the NHL, ahead of only the Minnesota North Stars. This was more than a ten-point drop in standings points from the previous season. The Capitals ranked 17th out of 18 for goals scored and 15th out of 18 for goals given up.
They won their second game of the season on October 26 but did not win again until December 7. They had several tie games in that stretch to break up the losing, but the winless stretch ended with a four-game losing streak.
They won their first two games in 1978 but did not win again until January 21. Most of the second half of the season was marked by long winless stretches, including three losing streaks of four games or more. They ended the season on a good note by winning their last three games.
Photo: EBay
Notable Capitals Draftees in 1977 NHL Draft
- Robert Picard (1st round — #2 overall)
- Mark Lofthouse (2nd round — #21 overall)
- Rollie Boutin (7th round — #111 overall)
General Manager: Max McNab
Head Coach: Tom McVie
Captain: Yvon Labre
Leaders
Goals: Guy Charron (38), Bob Sirois (34)
Assists: Bob Sirois (37), Guy Charron (35)
Points: Guy Charron (74), Bob Sirois (61)
Penalty Minutes: Gordon Lane (195), Bryan Watson (167)
Major Trades
- August 17, 1977 – Traded rights to Ron Low and 1979 3rd round pick to Detroit Red Wings for Walt McKechnie, 1978 3rd round pick, and 1979 2nd round pick
- October 16, 1977 – Traded Hartland Monahan to Pittsburgh Penguins for 1979 1st round pick
Previous Summaries
1974-75 Season
1975-76 Season
1976-77 Season
By Diane Doyle
