During the previous season, the club had a 37–35–8 record, earning 82 points, and finished in third place in the Smythe Division.
[2] Offensively, the Black Hawks were led by Pit Martin, who had a club high 32 goals and 71 points.
Keith Magnuson had a team high +13 rating, and Phil Russell led the club with 194 penalty minutes.
In goal, Tony Esposito once again led the club with 30 victories and a 2.97 GAA, earning four shutouts in 68 games.
The Canadiens had a record breaking season in 1975–76 with 58 wins and 127 points and finished in first place in the Norris Division.