1977-78 O-Pee-Chee NHL Hockey Cards

The 1977-78 O-Pee-Chee NHL set consists of 396 hockey cards featuring players from the 18 teams in the league at the time. The Topps set from that year is scaled down and has just 264 cards.

The 1977-78 collection is a bit lackluster with Mike Palmateer (Toronto Maple Leafs) and Mike Milbury (Boston Bruins) representing the most valuable rookie cards. The rookie cards of Paul Holmgren, Don Edwards, Stan Jonathan and Willi Plett are also significant.

Overall, the 1977-78 OPC set is led in value by the hockey cards of Bobby Orr, Bryan Trottier and Guy Lafleur. For Trottier of the New York Islanders, it’s his second year card. Bobby Orr is featured as a member of the Chicago Blackhawks (his second card with the team). Orr would not play a single game in 1977-78 and just six in 1978-79 before his career came to a halt due to multiple knee injuries. Lafleur appeared on several cards in the set with three record breaker cards and four league leaders.

1977-78 O-Pee-Chee NHL Checklist

Back To O-Pee-Chee NHL Index Page

1977-78 NHL Season

1977-78 saw the Montreal Canadiens dominate the National Hockey League regular season with 59 wins while losing just ten games. Their 129 points was 16 better than the second place Boston Bruins.

Guy Lafleur of the Canadiens won his third consecutive Art Ross Trophy with 132 points on 60 goals and 72 assists. it would be the last time Lafleur would win the award. He also won the Hart Trophy as league MVP for the second consecutive season.

Lafleur would add another 21 points in 15 playoff games as the Habs captured their third of four consecutive Stanley Cup championships. However, it was defenseman Larry Robinson that would take home the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. Montreal lost just three times on their run to the championship, once to the Detroit Red Wings in the opening round before sweeping Toronto in the second. The final against the Boston Bruins would go six games.

Important newcomers to the NHL, playing their first games in 1977-78 include: Doug Wilson, Barry Beck, Dale McCourt, Mike Bossy, Dave Taylor and Ron Duguay. Greats that played their final games include: John Bucyk, Dennis Hull, Ed Johnston, Ed Giacomin, Ken Hodge and Derek Sanderson.

The Minnesota North Stars won the battle for last place overall with 45 points compared to the 48 put up by the Washington Capitals. With the first overall pick they earned for the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft, the North Stars selected Bobby Smith. The Capitals had the second pick and took Ryan Walter.

1977-78 NHL Standings

1977-78 NHL Scoring Leaders