1926–27 Detroit Cougars season



The 1926–27 Detroit Cougars season was the first season of National Hockey League (NHL) hockey in Detroit, Michigan. The Detroit Cougars finished at the bottom of the American Division as well as the league and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Founding
On May 15, 1926, the city of Detroit was granted a license to start an NHL franchise and begin play for the upcoming season. A group of investors from Detroit led by Charles A. Hughes, decided to purchase one of the most successful teams from the bankrupt Western Canada Hockey League. The Victoria Cougars had won the Stanley Cup in 1925, breaking the six year reign of only NHL teams winning the cup. (As of 2008, the 1925 Cougars are the last non-NHL team to win the Stanley Cup.) The investment group decided to buy the team on September 25, 1926 and keep the Cougars name, while relocating to Detroit.



Regular Season
Olympia Stadium wasn't finished being built in time for the 1926–27 season, so the Cougars began play in Border Cities Arena right across the Detroit River in Windsor, Ontario. The team struggled as the players adjusted to the style of play in the NHL and the team finished with only twelve wins on the season and over $80,000 in debt. The team's total of 28 points is the lowest total points for a season in the Detroit Red Wings' franchise history.

Final Standings
For complete final standings, see 1926–27 NHL season

November
Record: 3–2–0; Home: 1–1–0; Road: 2–1–0

December
Record: 2–6–1; Home: 1–4–0; Road: 1–2–1

January
Record: 3–8–1; Home: 1–2–0; Road: 2–6–1

February
Record: 2–6–0; Home: 2–4–0; Road: 0–2–0

March
Record: 2–6–2; Home: 1–4–1; Road: 1–2–1


 * Green background indicates win.
 * Red background indicates regulation loss.
 * Yellow background indicates tie.

Playoffs

 * The Detroit Cougars did not qualify for the post season.

Scoring Leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes

* Stats reflect games played with Detroit only.

Goaltending
Note: GP = Games olayed; TOI = Time on ice (minutes); W = Wins; L = Losses; OTL = Overtime losses; GA = Goals against; SO = Shutouts; SV% = Save percentage; GAA = Goals against average

Awards and Records

 * The Cougars did not receive any awards this season.

Transactions
The Cougars were involved in the following transactions during the 1926–27 season.

Roster
Goaltenders:

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Defensemen

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Forwards

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