By the Numbers: The '78 Dynasty—Lafleur, Longevity, and the Montreal Machine
In the storied annals of the NHL, certain numbers are etched in gold. While "99" belongs to Wayne Gretzky and "66" to Mario Lemieux, the number “78” serves as the secret code for one of the most dominant stretches of hockey ever played. From the calendar year to the stat sheet, 1978 was the heartbeat of a Montreal Canadiens dynasty that redefined excellence.
78-Game Masterclass: “The Flower” Leads the NHL in Scoring
The 1977-78 regular season was a canvas for the league’s most electrifying artist: Guy Lafleur. "The Flower" was at the absolute zenith of his powers—as he led the NHL in scoring; finishing the campaign with a staggering 132 points, a total fueled by 60 goals and 72 assists. The most poetic detail of that Art Ross Trophy performance? Lafleur suited up for exactly 78 games. Averaging nearly 1.7 points per game, Lafleur’s 78-game tear ensured the Canadiens finished with a league-best 129 points—losing only 10 times all year.
Cool Fact: In 1978, Guy Lafleur won his third consecutive Art Ross Trophy (1976, 1977, 1978).
‘78: The First Selke Season
While Lafleur was filling nets, the NHL was undergoing a massive shift. The ‘78 season was the first time the league awarded the Frank J. Selke Trophy, honouring the “forward who best excels in the defensive aspects of the game”. Fittingly, the first Selke Trophy went to Montreal’s Bob Gainey, proving the '78 Canadiens were as stifling on defense as they were explosive on offense.
Cool Fact: In 1978, Bob Gainey won his first of four consecutive Frank J. Selke Trophies (1978, 1979, 1980, 1981).
The Dynasty Stays Gold
The significance of the number culminated in May 1978. The ’78 Stanley Cup Final was a heavyweight rematch between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins. On May 25, 1978, the Canadiens hoisted the Stanley Cup for the third consecutive year. It was the penultimate step in their legendary "four-straight" run with Head Coach Scotty Bowman.
Cool Fact: In ‘78, defenseman Larry Robinson led all players with 17 assists, and finished tied with teammate Guy Lafleur with 21 points, to win the Conn Smythe Trophy.
78: Pure Legacy in NHL History
In a league defined by iconic numbers, number “78” stands as a quiet constant linking brilliance, dominance, and banners. From Lafleur’s 78-game masterpiece to Selke-born defense and Montreal’s dynasty staying gold, the number “78” threaded excellence across the NHL. Some numbers fade into history—number “78” helped shape it.