lochead scored 16 goals as a rookie with the wings in 1974–75 while playing on a line with bill hogaboam and nick libett. he continued to contribute as a role player for four and a half years which saw his point producing rise as lochead gained confidence. he finally hit the 20-goal mark in the 1977–78 nhl season, helping the club to reach the playoffs for the first time in eight years. playing on a line with dale mccourt and paul woods, the red wings defeated the atlanta flames in the first round of the playoffs and lochead scored two goals in the deciding 3-2 win at olympia stadium. his series winning goal is still remembered by many red wing fans.