1967–68 Detroit Red Wings season



The 1967–68 Detroit Red Wings season was the Red Wings' 42nd season. The Red Wings finished last in the East Division and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Pre-season
The Red Wings held their training camp in Detroit.

Regular Season
Rick McCann played his first NHL game (of 43) on December 6, 1967 in a 3-3 tie with the New York Rangers while Gary Marsh played his first NHL game (of 7) on December 14, 1967 in a 3-1 loss to the Chicago Black Hawks.

Warren Godfrey was called up for the December 28, 1967 match and played 12 games for the Red Wings during the season, the last of his 788 game NHL career. Danny Lawson played his first NHL game (and only one of the season) on January 10, 1968 in a 2-1 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs. Irv Spencer was called up for the 8-5 loss on January 20, 1968 to the Pittsburgh Penguins and played 4 more games for Detroit, the last of his 230 game NHL career.

Nick Libett was called up for his first NHL game on February 10, 1968 in a 1-1 tie with the Boston Bruins. Libett became a regular and played the next 11 seasons for Detroit.

With playoff chances fading, the Red Wings made a blockbuster trade with the Maple Leafs on March 3, 1968, sending Norm Ullman, Paul Henderson, Floyd Smith and Doug Barrie in exchange for Frank Mahovlich, Pete Stemkowski, Garry Unger and the rights to Carl Brewer. The teams met less than a week later on March 9 at Maple Leaf Gardens. Detroit took a 4-0 lead, led by Mahovlich's goal and two assists. However, Ullman turned the tide with two goals and an assist as Toronto came back to win 7-5. Despite excellent performances from Mahovlich, Ullman, Unger and Henderson for the rest of the season, both teams missed the playoffs.

Galen Head played his only NHL game on March 21, 1968 in a 5-2 loss to the Maple Leafs.

Playoffs

 * The Red Wings did not qualify for the post season.

Regular Season

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals

MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts

Awards and Records

 * Gordie Howe, Right Wing, NHL First Team All-Star

Farm Teams

 * Fort Worth Wings, CPHL

Trivia

 * Red Wings who recorded a Hat trick this season include:
 * Norm Ullman during the 8-6 win over the Montreal Canadiens on December 17, 1967.
 * Floyd Smith had a four goal game during the 8-6 loss to the Los Angeles Kings on February 1, 1968.
 * Gordie Howe during the 6-3 win over the St. Louis Blues on March 16, 1968.