Season 6 Wrap-Up

With the regular season now in the books, we turn to the playoffs. First, however, I wanted to reflect on a historic Season 6 and some key notes from each of the franchises.

1. Victorias (10-1-5)

It was a return to form for the venerable Vics, who surged to the top of the standings thanks to the slick playmaking of offensive defenseman Cyclone Taylor (7 G, 21 A), who won his fourth scoring title in six years. The bigger story, perhaps, was the wildly successful rookie season of phenom Newsy Lalonde, the first overall pick of the last player draft; Lalonde finished third in the league in both goals (12) and total points (25). The Vics also received stellar netminding from Bowse Hutton, whose 2.06 goals-against average and .935 save percentage set single-season records. All told, it's hardly surprising that this team had a 13-game unbeaten streak, lost just once all year, and posted a +21 goal differential that was the best ever.

2. Bulldogs (9-5-2)

Though ravaged by injuries, the Bulldogs performed admirably, and their +9 goal differential was second only to the Vics' +21. Gord Roberts absolutely dominated with an 18-goal campaign that tied Frank McGee's single-season goal-scoring record, set way back in Season 2. Rookie blueliner Frank Patrick (5 G, 12 A, +8) had an all-around excellent season, giving the Dogs the true number-one defenseman they've lacked all these years.

3. Comets (6-7-3)

This team somehow made the playoffs despite a -11 goal differential and arguably the worst five-on-five play of any team this year. How did they do it? Their power play clicked at a devastating 32.56%, the second-best single-season percentage in history. The Comets received offensive contributions from up and down the lineup, led by ace forward Frank McGee, who electrified crowds en route to finishing second in the league with 16 goals. On a more bittersweet note, Harry Trihey, no longer skilled enough to be an everyday player, handed over his captaincy to quiet star George Richardson.

4. Millionaires (4-8-4)

Last year's Creighton Cup champions tumbled to fourth place, although on the basis of goal differential (-3), they seem to have suffered from bad luck and probably deserved to finish third. Jimmy Gardner (9 G, 15 A) had an MVP-caliber season, and stars like Barney Stanley and Hugh Lehman performed very well, but the Millies got almost nothing from their supporting cast, and their woeful power play (12.96%) was the worst of all time. Moreover, a couple of late-third-period penalties by hotheaded Billy Gilmour turned two potential ties into losses.

5. Thistles (3-11-2)

Three straight postseason appearances came to a screeching halt as the Thistles dropped from first place into the cellar. Along the way, the Thistles racked up the most losses (11) and worst goal differential (-16) in league history. Dan Bain contended for a scoring title (6 G, 16 A) and Alf Smith's 11 goals placed him fourth overall in that category, but there's not much else that can be said. This team just flat-out stunk it up.