AH Timeline: The NHL-WHA merger: A different story

Expansion cities

  • Milwaukee, WI

    Votes: 3 42.9%
  • Ottawa, ON

    Votes: 5 71.4%
  • Portland, OR

    Votes: 3 42.9%
  • Miami, FL

    Votes: 1 14.3%
  • Kansas City, MO

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Phoenix, AZ

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Total voters
    7
  • Poll closed .
1978 NHL draft
  • 1978 NHL Amateur draft
    June 15, 1978

    Notable players taken

    - Bobby Smith 1st pick (Minnesota North Stars)

    - Mark Messier 2nd pick (Washington Capitals)

    - Wayne Gretzky 3rd pick (St Louis Blues)

    - Joel Quennville 19th pick (Cincinnati Stingers)

    - Craig MacTavish 153rd pick (Boston Bruins)

    new NHL alighment

    Whales Conference

    Adams Division
    Boston Bruins
    Buffalo Sabers
    Hartford Whales
    Montreal Canadiens
    Quebec Nordiques
    Toronto Maple Leafs

    Patrick Division
    Atlanta Flames
    Birmingham Bulls
    New York Islanders
    New York Rangers
    Philadelphia Flyers
    Pittsburgh Penguins
    Washington Capitals

    Campbell Conference

    Snythe Division
    Colorado Rockies
    Edmonton Oilers
    Houston Aeros
    Los Angeles Kings
    Vancouver Canucks
    Winnipeg Jets

    Norris Divsion
    Chicago Black Hawks
    Cincinnati Stingers
    Detroit Red Wings
    Indianapolis Racers
    Minnesota North Stars
    St Louis Blues

    The 1978-1979 NHL Season is up next! Stay Tuned! Comments are strongly appreaciated!
     
    1978-79 NHL Season
  • 1978-79 NHL regular season
    playoff teams in BOLD
    Whales Conference

    Adams Division
    Montreal Canadiens 115 points
    Boston Bruins 100 points
    Buffalo Sabers 88 points
    Quebec Nordiques 87 points

    Hartford Whalers 83 points
    Toronto Maple Leafs 81 points

    Patrick Division
    New York Islanders 116 points
    Philadelphia Flyers 95 points
    New York Rangers 91 points
    Atlanta Flames 90 points

    Pittsburgh Penguins 85 points
    Birmingham Bulls 70 points
    Washington Capitals 66 points

    Campbell Conference

    Snythe Division
    Winnipeg Jets 89 points
    Edmonton Oilers 82 points
    Los Angeles Kings 80 points
    Houston Aeros 79 points

    Vancouver Canucks 63 points
    Colorado Rockies 42 points

    Norris Division
    Chicago Black Hawks 73 points
    Cincinnati Stingers 72 points
    Minnesota North Stars 68 points
    Detroit Red Wings 62 points

    St Louis Blues 60 points
    Indianapolis Racers 40 points

    In the first post-merger season, the three-time defending Stanley Cup Champions from Montreal were up to their usual tricks again racking up an impressive 115 points. They would have company however as the New York Islanders had a 116 point-campaign for first in the entire NHL. As for the former WHA teams, most did pretty well in fact. The Quebec Nordiques would reach the playoffs thanks to finishing fourth in the Adams Division. (This was when the NHL playoff format was the top 4 teams in each Division are guaranteed to make the playoffs). The Winnipeg Jets would one-up the Nords however by winning a weak Snythe Division over the WHA-rival Edmonton Oilers. The Cincinnati Stingers would nearly win the even-weaker Norris Division, but Chicago got it on the last day of the season. Meanwhile, teams like the Birmingham Bulls, Indianapolis Racers and Colorado Rockies are struggling both on the ice and at the box office and could be sold and moved elsewhere.

    Awards
    MVP: Brian Trottier- New York Islanders
    COTY: Al Arbour- New York Islanders
    ROTY: Wayne Gretzky- St Louis Blues

    Comments appreciated! How did your team do?
     
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    1979 Stanley Cup Playoffs
  • 1979 Stanley Cup playoffs
    First Round
    MTL 3 - QUE 0
    BOS 3 - BUF 2
    NYI 3 - ATL 1
    PHI 2 - NYR 3

    WPG 3 - HOU 1
    LA 3 - EDM 2
    CHI 3 - DET 1
    CIN 2 - MIN 3

    Second Round
    MTL 3 - BOS 4
    NYI 4 - NYR 2

    WPG 4 - LA 0
    CHI 4 - MIN 2

    Conf. Finals
    Boston Bruins vs New York Islanders

    G1: BOS 2 @ NYI 3 (2OT) Islanders lead series 1-0
    After both teams scored twice early on, Gilles Gilbert for the Bruins and Billy Smith for the Isles matched each other save-for-save until John Tonelli scores halfway through the second overtime to win it.

    G2: BOS 0 @ NYI 2 Islanders lead series 2-0
    Billy Smith is perfect yet again as the Islanders take a 2-0 series heading to Boston.

    G3: NYI 6 @ BOS 3 Islanders lead series 3-0
    Mike Bossy records a hat-trick to help lead New York to a chokehold on the series as they are one win away from their first Stanley Cup Final in franchise history.

    G4: NYI 1 @ BOS 2 Islanders lead series 3-1
    The B's get a win to stay alive with Rick Middleton scoring both Boston goals to send the series back to Nassau Coliseum for game 5.

    G5: BOS 2 @ NYI 3 (OT) Islanders win series 4-1
    With Boston leading 2-1 with just seconds left in the third period, Bob Nystrom puts home a rebound to tie the game. Then just 19 seconds into overtime, John Tonelli does it again, scoring a breakaway goal past Gilbert to send New York to the Stanley Cup Final

    Winnipeg Jets vs Chicago Black Hawks

    G1: CHI 0 @ WPG 5 Jets lead series 1-0
    Kent Nilsson and the powerful "Swedish Express" of the Jets would dominate game 1, racking up 44 shots and scoring 5 goals. Chicago could get nothing past goalie Markus Mattsson as Winnipeg took game 1 easily.

    G2: CHI 0 @ WPG 10 Jets lead series 2-0
    If Game 1 was a blowout, then game 2 was a complete whipping of the Black Hawks by the Jets. Winnipeg would score a record 10 goals with two players (Nilsson and Willy Lindstrom) recording hat-tricks. Chicago used 3 goalies in this game as well, that's how bad it was for them.

    G3: WPG 7 @ CHI 1 Jets lead series 3-0
    The Jets continued to look absolutely unstoppable as the series shifted to Chicago Stadium. Willy Lindstrom and his teammates continued to razzle and dazzle all over the Hawks. Chicago would finally get on the board in this one on a goal from Stan Mikita late in the second.

    G4: WPG 6 @ CHI 1 Jets win series 4-0
    Winnipeg would dominate for the fourth straight game in this series. The Swedish Express was on full display again to send the Jets to the Stanley Cup Final in just their first season in the NHL.

    The Finals will be in a separate post! We're set up for a good one!
     
    1979 Stanley Cup Final
  • 1979 Stanley Cup Final
    Winnipeg Jets (Campbell Conference Champions) vs New York Islanders (Whales Conference Champions

    G1: WPG 2 @ NYI 3 Islanders lead series 1-0

    Winnipeg on paper, would have dominated game 1 thanks to their 52 shots on goal. But Billy Smith stopped all but 2 shots he faced including an unbelievable glove save on Kent Nilsson with just 23 seconds left in regulation. Meanwhile, Brian Trottier and Mike Bossy would be up to their usual tricks scoring all Islander goals to take game 1.

    G2: WPG 7 @ NYI 6 (3OT) Series tied 1-1

    In a game 2 marathon, both teams put on a show. The Swedish Express took the Islanders for a ride in the first, scoring 5 goals in that period. But New York would not quit and rally to take a 6-5 lead with 2:08 to play in the 3rd that chased Jets goalie Markus Mattsson from the net and replaced by Joe Daley. Winnipeg would score the tying goal with just 1.4 seconds left in regulation as Nilsson got redemption from game 1 on Smith. Early in the extra period, Clark Gilles had a chance to end it, but he kicked the puck in so the refs didn't count it. Both goalies played their hearts out as a late night game became an early morning game on Long Island. Finally, with just 37 seconds left in Triple overtime (and past 1 am local time), Morris Lukowich scored on a two-on-one to steal home-ice advantage and tie the series going north to Winnipeg.

    G3: NYI 3 @ WPG 1 Islanders lead series 2-1

    Brian Trottier would have his third straight 2 goal game of the series as his team shut down the Jet offense for most of the night to take the series lead again.

    G4: NYI 4 @ WPG 3 (OT) Islanders lead series 3-1

    In another overtime classic, the Jets dominated on just about everything except finding the back of the net as Billy Smith had to stop 66 shots for the win. John Tonelli, acquired in a trade from the Aeros would score his third overtime winner in this playoff year to give the Islanders a 3-1 series lead heading home for game 5

    G5: WPG 5 @ NYI 4 (2OT) Islanders lead series 3-2

    Game 5 also went to overtime. The Jets once again opened up a lead in third only to see the Islanders rally to tie the game up and send it to OT. Rich Preston would play hero for Winnipeg scoring just 1 minute and 4 seconds left in the second overtime to delay the Islanders Stanley Cup celebration for at least another game.

    G6: NYI 1 @ WPG 2 Series tied 3-3

    Game 6 looked like it was again bound for overtime, until with 29 seconds left Preston would strike again to give the Jets the lead. New York would have one last chance though and with seconds left Bob Nystrom had an amazing chance to tie the game, but Mattsson would make an amazing save to send the series to a game 7 on Long Island

    G7: WPG 0 @ NYI 5 Islanders win series 4-3

    Game 7 would be unspectacular as the Jets finally ran out of gas. Mike Bossy and Brian Trottier would combine for all the Islander goals as New York cruised to their first Stanley Cup in franchise history in a rout.

    1979 Stanley Cup Champions
    New York Islanders

    Comments appreciated!
     
    1979 NHL offseason News
  • After a few seasons of mediocrity, Nelson Skalbania and his Indianapolis Racers will be moving North and West to Calgary, Alberta for the 1979-1980 NHL season. After meeting with the Seaman Brothers, Daryl and Bryon, Skalbania was impressed and will be moving the team there. They will swap divisions with the Houston Aeros. The biggest story is that the team will be called the Calgary Wranglers, after the city's wild west history. They will play at the Stampede Corral until a new arena opens in Calgary
     
    1979 NHL Draft
  • Notable Picks in the 1979 NHL Draft

    1st Pick Rob Ramage - Calgary Wranglers (D)

    3rd Pick Mike Gartner - St Louis Blues (RW)

    8th Pick Ray Bourque - Hartford Whalers (D)

    14th Pick Kevin Lowe - Los Angeles Kings (D)

    20th Pick Michel Goulet - Boston Bruins (LW)
     
    1979-80 NHL Season
  • 1979-80 NHL Regular Season Standings
    Playoff teams in BOLD

    Whales Conference

    Adams Division
    Montreal Canadiens 110 points
    Boston Bruins 97 points
    Buffalo Sabers 89 points
    Hartford Whalers 85 points

    Toronto Maple Leafs 81 points
    Quebec Nordiques 76 points

    Patrick Division
    New York Islanders 118 points
    Philadelphia Flyers 106 points
    Atlanta Flames 88 points
    New York Rangers 87 points

    Washington Capitals 72 points
    Pittsburgh Penguins 70 points
    Birmingham Bulls 58 points

    Campbell Conference

    Snythe Division
    Winnipeg Jets 103 points
    Edmonton Oilers 90 points
    Los Angeles Kings 86 points
    Vancouver Canucks 69 points

    Colorado Rockies 47 points
    Calgary Wranglers 43 points

    Norris Division
    St Louis Blues 77 points
    Minnesota North Stars 66 points
    Houston Aeros 66 points
    Chicago Black Hawks 63 points

    Cincinnati Stingers 59 points
    Detroit Red Wings 54 points

    - In their first year in Cowtown, the Wranglers still finished in the NHL basement, but still drew way more fans then they did in Indianapolis last season.

    - The Canadiens, Islanders and Jets were the class of league this season. Just like last year those 3 seem like the favorites to win it all.

    - Wayne Gretzky and Rookie Mike Gartner lead the Blues to an unexpected Norris Division title in just Gretzky's second year in the league.

    - The Birmingham Bulls are looking at relocation after drawing horrible attendance in Alabama since they came there during their time in WHA. Potential buyers include

    • Arthur Imperatore Sr. (54) Wants a team in New Jersey
    • Harry Glickman (56) Owner of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers
    • Herman Sarkowski (54) Co-founder of the NFL's Seattle Seahawks
    • Jerry Colangelo (40) Owner and GM of the NBA's Phoenix Suns.
    • Jerry Seltzer (47) Roller Derby Magnate. Failed to buy the now-defunct Oakland Seals franchise in 1970.
    • Herb Kohl (45) Founder of Kohl's stores and later U.S. Senator from Wisconsin. Would move the team to Milwaukee.
    Comments Appreciated! Any playoff predictions?
     
    1980 Stanley Cup Playoffs part 1
  • 1980 Stanley Cup Playoffs: First and Second Rounds

    Montreal Canadiens 3 - Hartford Whalers 0
    Boston Bruins 3 - Buffalo Sabres 2
    New York Islanders 3 - New York Rangers 1
    Philadelphia Flyers 1 - Atlanta Flames 3

    Winnipeg Jets 3 - Vancouver Canucks 0
    Edmonton Oilers 3 - Los Angeles Kings 1
    St Louis Blues 3 - Chicago Black Hawks 0
    Minnesota North Stars 2 - Houston Aeros 3

    Second Round
    Montreal Canadiens 4 - Boston Bruins 2
    New York Islanders 4 - Atlanta Flames 1

    Winnipeg Jets 4 - Edmonton Oilers 2
    St Louis Blues 4 - Houston Aeros 3

    Comments appreciated! We’re set up for to great conference finals! In one we have the defending champion Islanders going head to head with a team looking to continue a dynasty in the Canadiens. The other sees last year’s runner-up , the Winnipeg Jets up take on a rising St Louis Blues team. Who will win? Find out next post!
     
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    1980 NHL Conference Finals
  • Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post! I will take your suggestions and definitely consider them for the future. In the meantime, here are the Conference Finals for 1980!

    Whales Conference Final: New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens

    G1: Montreal Canadiens 2 @ New York Islanders 5 Islanders lead series 1-0

    The Habs simply looked old and tired in game 1 against a rising Islander team. Bossy and Trottier just made it a nightmare for Montreal fans, scoring 4 out of 5 New York Goals

    G2: Montreal Canadiens 0 @ New York Islanders 9 Islanders lead series 2-0

    New York dominated Game 2, putting 9 goals past Montreal goalie Denis Herron at home. The series was headed to Montreal with the series looking like a sweep for the champs.

    G3: New York Islanders 1 @ Montreal Canadiens 3 Islanders lead series 2-1

    Before game 3, Montreal coach Claude Ruel made a change in net, switching to Michel Larocque over Herron. It seemed to work, as the Islanders struggled on offense in this one. Guy LaFluer would score two Montreal goals in the third to give the Canadiens a win to get back in the series

    G4: New York Islanders 2 @ Montreal Canadiens 3 Series tied 2-2

    Game 4 would be a repeat of game 3, as the Islander offense struggled to get anything past Larocque while Montreal was shooting the puck at will but could only get 3 past Billy Smith of the Isles. 3 goals were all it took however, as the series was tied heading back to Nassau Coliseum.

    G5: Montreal Canadiens 1 @ New York Islanders 0 (2OT) Canadiens lead series 3-2

    Game 5 on Long Island would be one for the ages. Smith and Larocque would make a combined 156 saves between the two of them that night. Finally, on the 157th shot of the game, Yvonne Lambert would score a beutiful breakaway goal to give Montreal the win and give them a 3-2 series lead heading home.

    G6: New York Islanders 1 @ Montreal Canadiens 4 Canadiens win series 4-2

    The Habs would roll in game 6, thanks to 2 goals from LaFluer that help send Montreal back to the Stanley Cup Final.


    Campbell Conference Final: Winnipeg Jets vs St Louis Blues

    G1: St Louis Blues 1 @ Winnipeg Jets 5 Jets lead series 1-0

    Winnipeg would take game one on the strength of a Kent Nilsson hat-trick.

    G2: St Louis Blues 5 @ Winnipeg Jets 4 (OT) Series tied 1-1

    The Blues played a great game 2, but Winnipeg seemed to be one step ahead all night. That is, until Mike Gartner would score with just 5.6 seconds left in regulation to force overtime where Wayne Gretzky would put one past Gary Smith to win it.

    G3: Winnipeg Jets 5 @ St Louis Blues 2 Jets lead series 2-1

    In St Louis for game 3, the Jets took flight as all five Winnipeg goals were scored by 5 different players on the Jets

    G4: Winnipeg Jets 2 @ St Louis Blues 3 (OT) Series tied 2-2

    With the Jets up 2-0 in the third, Peter Sullivan would score an own goal as he tried to pass the puck to a teammate. That seemed to take the wind out of the Jets sails as the Blues came back to win it in overtime on a Brian Sutter goal.

    G5: St Louis Blues 4 @ Winnipeg Jets 0 Blues lead series 3-2

    The Blues rode their momentum from game 4 into game 5 and would surprisingly crush the Jets. All of a sudden the Jets were down in the series while the Blues were a win away from reaching the Stanley Cup Final for the first time in a decade

    G6: Winnipeg Jets 2 @ St Louis Blues 1 Series tied 3-3

    Game 6 in St Louis would be a thriller. Bernie Federko would score just 54 seconds into the game. That seemed to the game's only goal until with just 2:25 left in the third, Sullivan would redeem himself scoring the tying goal on a rebound. Then, with just 1 minute and 14 seconds left in regulation, Morris Lukowich would score on a penalty shot to give the Jets the lead. They would survive a Blues onslaught to hang on and force game 7.

    G7: St Louis Blues 1 @ Winnipeg Jets 3 Jets win series 4-3

    The Blues again would strike first in game 7 and again they would seem to hang on and win. But then disaster stuck for St Louis fans. The Jets would get a power play for hooking against Mike Gartner. Winnipeg would score 9 seconds into the power play to tie it, then they would score two more times to advance to the Stanley Cup for the second year in a row.

    Comments appreciated! Who's your pick for the final?
     
    1980 Stanley Cup Finals
  • 1980 Stanley Cup Finals: Winnipeg Jets vs Montreal Canadiens

    Going into this series, everything was about even between these two teams except for goaltending. Winnipeg's Markus Mattsson was given the advantage over Montreal's Michel "Bunny" Larocque. The ladder had been on a roll though, as he had won his last 4 starts.

    G1: Winnipeg Jets 3 @ Montreal Canadiens 2 Jets lead series 1-0

    Game 1 would 2-2 for most of the game, until late in the 3rd. That's when Jet defensemen Bill Davis would score on shot from about center ice that went over the pad of Larocque to stun the Forum in Montreal and give Winnipeg the win in game 1.

    G2: Winnipeg Jets 1 @ Montreal Canadiens 3 Series tied 1-1

    Game 2 would see the Habs at their best, having millions of scoring opportunities. Only the great goaltending of Mattsson would keep the game close as the series was tied heading to Winnipeg.

    G3: Montreal Canadiens 0 @ Winnipeg Jets 5 Jets lead series 2-1

    Game 3 was all Jets as Kent Nilsson picked up a natural hat-trick, scoring the Jets last 3 goals which included 2 empty-netters. Montreal meanwhile seemingly forgot to show up to a boisterous Winnipeg Arena crowd that was as loud as they ever had been.

    G4: Montreal Canadiens 4 @ Winnipeg Jets 5 (OT) Jets lead series 3-1

    If the Winnipeg fans were loud in game 3, they were like an Jet plane before takeoff in game 4. Their team did exactly that, jumping out to an early lead. The Canadiens would finally get some offense after that and even force overtime. Willy Lindstrom, who had been quiet for most of the playoffs, would get the goal at 12:06 of the extra period to give the Jets a 3-1 series lead going back to Montreal.

    G5: Winnipeg Jets 6 @ Montreal Canadiens 3 Jets win series 4-1

    The Habs tried their best, but could not hold off the Swedish Express in game 5. Lindstrom would be a nightmare again for Montreal fans, as he scored twice and had 3 assists. In just their second NHL season, the Winnipeg Jets were Stanley Cup Champions.

    Comments appreciated! Congrats to the Jets and their fans!
     
    1980 in other sports news
  • In other sports in 1980

    The San Diego Chargers are Super Bowl Champions for the first time in their history, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-9 in Super Bowl XIV. Led by Super Bowl MVP Dan Fouts 114 passing yards and Kellen Winslow's 2 touchdown catches, that was more to put away a cinderella Tampa team who was winless just a few years ago.

    In an NBA Finals for the ages, Larry Bird and his Boston Celtics beat fellow rookie Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers in a dramatic seventh game in the Boston Garden thanks to Jeff Judkins jumper from the free-throw line with 1 second left in regulation to put them up 108-107 which would be the final score of the seventh and deciding game.

    The Philadelphia Phillies are world series champions for the first time in team history with a five-game victory over the AL Champion New York Yankees. Pete Rose was named MVP of the series by hitting 4 home runs and 9 hits in the series.

    In a surprise, the US men's Olympic hockey team wins the gold medal at this years Olympic Games over Finland in the Final game 4-2. The game that will be remembered however, was the Semi-Final game vs the Soviet Union. The Americans trailed for most of the game, but Jim Craig was fabulous limiting the Soviets to just 3 goals. Mike Eruzione would score the go-ahead goal about midway through the third and at the end of the game announcer Al Michaels said, "Do you believe in Miracles? YES!" It was an emotional scene and an iconic moment that will be relived for years to come
     
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    1980 NHL Entry Draft
  • Notable picks in the 1980 NHL Draft

    1. Doug Wickenheiser (C) - Calgary Wranglers

    2. Dave Babych (D) - Montreal Canadiens (from Colorado)

    3. Denis Savard (C) - Los Angeles Kings (from Detroit)

    4. Paul Coffey (D) - Seattle Thunderbirds

    5. Larry Murphy (D) - Cincinnati Stingers

    17. Brent Sutter (C) - Atlanta Flames

    37. Don Beaupre (G) - Buffalo Sabres

    66. Jari Kurri (D) - Washington Capitals

    68. Bernie Nicholls (C) - Pittsburgh Penguins

    132. Andy Moog (G) - Quebec Nordiques

    Comments appreciated! What do you think?
     
    1980-81 NHL Season
  • 1980-81 NHL Regular Season Standings
    Playoff Teams In BOLD

    Whales Conference

    Adams Division
    Montreal Canadiens 99 points
    Quebec Nordiques 87 points
    Boston Bruins 86 points
    Buffalo Sabres 82 points

    Hartford Whalers 77 points
    Toronto Maple Leafs 73 points

    Patrick Division
    New York Islanders 103 points
    Philadelphia Flyers 97 points
    New York Rangers 90 points
    Washington Capitals 83 points

    Atlanta Flames 81 points
    Pittsburgh Penguins 73 points

    Campbell Conference

    Snythe Division
    Winnipeg Jets 98 points
    Los Angeles Kings 92 points
    Seattle Thunderbirds 89 points
    Edmonton Oilers 78 points

    Vancouver Canucks 75 points
    Calgary Wranglers 52 points
    Colorado Rockies 49 points

    Norris Division
    St Louis Blues 100 points
    Houston Aeros 90 points
    Minnesota North Stars 84 points
    Cincinnati Stingers 80 points

    Chicago Black Hawks 65 points
    Detroit Red Wings 53 points

    Headlines
    - The Islanders once again finish in first place overall with 103 points as Mike Bossy scores 50 goals in 50 games (Like IRL) and wins MVP over Wayne Gretzky
    - Speaking of the great one, the Blues have a breakout season, finishing with the most points of any team in the Campbell Conference
    - The L.A. Kings have their best season in years, led by Marcel Dionne and breakout rookie Larry Murphy as they nearly unseat Winnipeg in the Snythe Division
    - In the franchises first year in Seattle, the Thunderbirds have a breakout year from Defensemen Rod Langway and his rookie partner Paul Coffey as the T-Birds seem to have the best Defensemen combo in the league for years to come.
    - Colorado Rockies for sale, bids to be announced.

    MVP: Mike Bossy, NY Islanders (F)
    ROTY: Paul Coffey, Seattle (D)
    COTY: John Brophy, Seattle

    Comments appreciated! How did your team do?
     
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    1981 NHL Playoffs part 1
  • 1981 NHL Playoffs: First and Second Rounds
    Winners in BOLD

    Whales Conference
    First Round
    Montreal Canadiens 3 - Buffalo Sabres 1
    Boston Bruins 3 - Quebec Nordiques 1
    New York Islanders 3 - Washington Capitals 2
    Philadelphia Flyers 3 - New York Rangers 0

    Second Round
    Montreal Canadiens 4 - Boston Bruins 2
    New York Islanders 4 - Philadelphia Flyers 3

    Campbell Conference
    First Round
    Winnipeg Jets 3 - Edmonton Oilers 0
    Los Angeles Kings 3 - Seattle Thunderbirds 1
    St Louis Blues 3 - Cincinnati Stingers 0
    Houston Aeros 3 - Minnesota North Stars 1

    Second Round
    Los Angeles Kings 4 - Winnipeg Jets 2
    St Louis Blues 4 - Houston Aeros 2

    Whales Conf. Final Preview: For the second year in a row these two teams meet in the Semis. Last year the Islanders won the first two games but lost the next 4 in a row to Montreal. This New York team wants revenge. Meanwhile the Canadiens want to do it again and there's no reason why they can't. Guy LaFluer has had a great playoff year and Larocque looks just as good as last year.
    My Prediction: In a close, back and forth series... the Canadiens do it again. Montreal in 7.

    Campbell Conf. Final Preview: Two young team who will be NHL powers in the coming years meet each other in this years CCF. The Blues are lead by Wayne Gretzky and Mike Gartner who are arguably the best duo in the game right now. Bernie Federko has also looked great this season. The Kings on the other hand, knocked off the up-and-coming Seattle Thunderbirds before shocking the Hockey World by upsetting the defending Stanley Cup Champion Winnipeg Jets and look to the same to these Blues. Marcel Dionne has never been this close in his career to the Stanley Cup Finals. Rookie Larry Murphy wants to prove he should have won rookie of the year as he has been excellent all through these 1981 Stanley Cup playoffs.
    My Prediction: The Blues are a great team. but the way the Kings have been playing recently gives them the slight edge. Los Angeles in 7.

    Comments appreciated! Who's your pick?
     
    1981 NHL Conference Finals
  • Whales Conference Final: New York Islanders vs Montreal Canadiens

    G1: MTL 1 @ NYI 4 Islanders lead series 1-0

    New York would come out flying in this one, scoring 3 goals in the first 39 seconds of the series. Brian Trottier would have a hat-trick to give the Islanders the win and the series advantage.

    G2: MTL 1 @ NYI 0 Series tied 1-1

    Yvonne Lambert would score the games only goal midway through the first period on a deflection as the series was tied going to Montreal.

    G3: NYI 5 @ MTL 1 Islanders lead series 2-1

    The Islanders once more frustrated the Canadiens in game 3, Billy Smith played great in goal and 5 different Islanders would score all New York Goals.

    G4: NYI 4 @ MTL 2 Islanders lead series 3-1

    The Canadiens would open up the scoring, but it didn't matter. Mike Bossy and Bob Nystrom would score two goals each for the Isles as they took a 3-1 series lead.

    G5: MTL 0 @ NYI 2 Islanders win series 4-1

    The Islanders punched a ticket to the Stanley Cup Finals with a 2-0 game 5 win. Billy Smith stopped 53 shots from Montreal to pave the way for Trottier and John Tonelli to score both Islander goals to win it.

    Campbell Conference Final: St Louis Blues vs Los Angeles Kings

    G1: LA 4 @ STL 0 Kings lead series 1-0

    In St Louis, the Kings dominated game 1. Getting a great offensive performance from Marcel Dionne and shutdown goaltending from Mario Lessard was huge if they want to win the series and they showed in game 1 of this one.

    G2: LA 3 @ STL 2 Kings lead series 2-0

    LA would be at their best again in game 2, shutting down Wayne Gretzky and friends again. Dionne and Denis Savard would combine for all 3 King goals as they headed home with a 2-0 series lead.

    G3: STL 5 @ LA 2 Kings lead series 2-1

    Wayne Gretzky would put the Blues on his back at The Forum in Los Angeles for game 3 with a goal and three assists in the win.

    G4: STL 5 @ LA 2 Series tied 2-2

    In game 4, the Kings would score the games first two goals and it appeared they were headed for a 3-1 series lead. But the St Louis offense woke up, as Bernie Federko started the rally with a penalty shot goal. Suddenly the Blues were getting goals while LA was quiet for the rest of the game.

    G5: LA 4 @ STL 3 (OT) Kings lead series 3-2

    With about 5 minutes to go in the third period, the Blues were up 3-1 and seemed destined for a win. Suddenly, Mike Gartner was called for an elbow. Charlie Simmer would score on the power play to bring LA within one. With just seconds left in the third, Dionne would score the tying goal to force overtime. Just 45 seconds into the extra period, Kevin Schamehorn would score his first ever playoff goal to give the Kings the win and an opportunity to advance to the Stanley Cup Finals on home ice.

    G6: STL 4 @ LA 5 Kings win series 4-2

    With the game tied 4-4 in the third, Gretzky had a chance to put the Blues ahead when he beat Lessard on a breakaway. Unfortunately, the puck hit the post and the game stayed tied. With less than two minutes to play, Rick Chartraw's point shot found the back of the net to give the Kings a 5-4 lead. After surviving a late push from St. Louis, the Kings poured off the bench. Los Angeles was heading to the Stanley Cup Finals.

    Comments appreciated! Who's your pick to take it home?
     
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    1981 Stanley Cup Final
  • 1981 Stanley Cup Final: New York Islanders vs Los Angeles Kings
    TV: CBC (Canada) ESPN (United States)

    G1: LA 2 @ NYI 1 (OT) Kings lead series 1-0

    Game 1 was close, with former LA King Butch Goring opening the scoring in the first period. It appeared the Islanders had the win as both Billy Smith and Mario Lessard playing well in net. Suddenly, just a minute after Goring's goal, Denis Savard scored for Los Angeles to tie the game. Despite a late push from both teams, the game would go into overtime, where Jay Wells played the hero, as the Kings take game 1.

    G2: LA 2 @ NYI 3 (OT) Series tied 1-1

    Game two would also go into overtime, with Savard once again getting an opportunity to win it. Smith made the save, then stopped several more LA chances, before Mike Bossy finally ended the game and tied the series near the end of the first overtime. “We obviously would’ve like to win both games at home but this is a big win for us. We’ll take the split” said Bossy afterwards

    G3: NYI 2 @ LA 0 Islanders lead series 2-1

    The series moved to California, where the Kings hoped to use the home ice advantage they had stolen. However, the Kings couldn’t even get on the board in game three. Billy Smith stopped 42 shots in a 2-0 New York win.

    G4: NYI 4 @ LA 2 Islanders lead series 3-1

    Game four was closer, as the teams battled through a 2-2 tie until Brian Trottier scored to put the Isles ahead. Ken Morrow sealed the win with an empty-netter and the Islanders are now just one win away.

    G5: LA 4 @ NYI 1 Islanders lead series 3-2

    A win was critical for Los Angeles in game five back on Long Island if they wanted to continue the series. The building was packed once again as the Islanders anticipated a home-ice victory. Though New York opened the scoring, Los Angeles quickly responded with a pair of goals from Marcel Dionne and Steve Jensen to give the Kings the lead. New York pushed to regain it but could not solve Lessard while Dave Taylor and Dan Bonar each scored to increase the gap to 4-1 and secure a key win for the Kings. The series would now head back to LA with the pressure now on the Islanders.

    G6: NYI 3 @ LA 2 Islanders win series 4-2

    Prior to game six, the Islanders received devastating news. Goaltender Billy Smith had been hit high with a shot late in game five and woke up with severe concussion symptoms. Backup Roland Melanson would start for New York as the Islanders had another opportunity to claim the title. Melanson was tested early, as the Isles took two penalties early on. Los Angeles pressed for the opening goal but Melanson met every challenge. Finally, with the second penalty over, Wayne Merrick scored a big goal to give New York the lead. Midway through the second period, Stefan Persson made it 2-0. Los Angeles finally got on the board three minutes later on a goal from Charlie Simmer, but the Kings couldn’t keep pace with the Islanders, who extended the lead thanks to a goal from Bob Lorimer. New York clung to a 3-1 lead until just four minutes remaining, when Denis Savard brought the Kings to within one. As Los Angeles pulled Mario Lessard for the extra attacker. The Kings pushed hard for the tying goal but Roland Melanson met the challenge. With just four seconds left, Marcel Dionne had the puck on his stick with an open net, but Melanson slid across the goalmouth just in time to get his stick on the puck a redirected it away from the net just as the final buzzer sounded. As the Isles mobbed their goaltender, fans back on Long Island erupted as they had watched on TV. For the second time in three season, the New York Islanders are Stanley Cup Champions.

    Comments appreciated! Congrats to all the Islander fans out there!
     
    1981 NHL offseason part 1
  • After years of losing money in Kansas City (1974-76) and Denver (1976-81) the Colorado Rockies are on the market for a new owner. Potential buyers include.

    Bill Daniels, Cable TV Magnate. (60 years old) Would keep the team in Denver
    Red McCombs, Owner of the NBA's San Antonio Spurs (53 years old) Wants a team in Dallas
    Harry T. Magurian Jr. (54 years old) Businessman and Owner of the NBA's Boston Celtics. Has a desire for a team in Florida
    John McMullen, Engineer and Businessman based in New Jersey. (62 years old)
    Bruce Firestone (29 years old) Real Estate Developer from Ottawa, Ontario
    Jerry Seltzer, Roller Derby Magnate (48 years old) Failed to buy the now-defunct Oakland Seals franchise in 1970. Would like a team back in the Bay Area.

    Comments appreciated! any predictions on who should get the Rockies?
     
    Sports news in 1980-81
  • Other sports in 1980-81.

    The Cleveland Browns defeat the Atlanta Falcons in Super Bowl XV 23-21. Brian Sipe was named MVP thanks to his 2 touchdown pases and his clutch 4th quarter drive that set up the game winning field goal by Don Cockroft with 2 seconds left in regulation.

    The Boston Celtics win their second straight NBA title by defeating the Portland Trail Blazers in 5 games in the NBA Finals. Robert Parish won MVP of the series thanks to averging 25.3 points a game in the series.

    For the first time ever, the World Series champion is from outside the United States as the Montreal Expos defeat the Oakland A's in a 4 game sweep in the 1981 world series. Gary Carter was awarded the series MVP for hitting 4 home runs in the series, including the go-ahead home run in the 8th inning of game 4 to clinch the series for the 'Spos.
     
    1981 NHL Draft
  • 1981 NHL Draft: Notable Picks

    1st Pick - Dale Hawerchuk (C) Colorado Rockies

    2nd Pick - Ron Francis (C) Calgary Wranglers

    3rd Pick - Bobby Carpenter (C) Los Angeles Kings (from Detroit)

    5th Pick - Joe Cirella (D) Chicago Black Hawks

    7th Pick - Mark Hunter (RW) Toronto Maple Leafs

    9th Pick - Grant Fuhr (G) Hartford Whalers

    13th Pick - Al MacInnis (D) Minnesota North Stars

    38th Pick - Chris Chelios (D) Houston Aeros

    56th Pick - Mike Vernon (G) Seattle Thunderbirds

    70th Pick - John Vanbiesbrouck (G) Atlanta Flames

    Comments apricated!
     
    1981-82 NHL Regular Season
  • 1981-82 NHL Regular Season results
    Playoff teams in BOLD

    Adams Division
    Hartford Whalers 92 points
    Montreal Canadiens 90 points
    Boston Bruins 85 points
    Buffalo Sabres 82 points

    Toronto Maple Leafs 77 points
    Quebec Nordiques 77 points

    Patrick Division
    New York Islanders 116 points
    Atlanta Flames 98 points
    Washington Capitals 94 points
    New York Rangers 93 points

    Philadelphia Flyers 88 points
    Pittsburgh Penguins 71 points

    Snythe Division
    Los Angeles Kings 101 points
    Seattle Thunderbirds 97 points
    Winnipeg Jets 93 points
    Vancouver Canucks 81 points

    Edmonton Oilers 78 points
    Calgary Wranglers 57 points
    Colorado Rockies 56 points

    Norris Division
    St Louis Blues 105 points
    Houston Aeros 94 points
    Cincinnati Stingers 90 points
    Minnesota North Stars 83 points

    Chicago Black Hawks 61 points
    Detroit Red Wings 49 points

    Season headlines

    - The Islanders once again finish in first place overall despite most players declining a bit this year.

    - Wayne Gretzky puts up astronomical numbers for a player this season, scoring 85 goals and 100 assists as the Blues top the Campbell Conference. They also make a mid-season trade for goalie Roland Melanson from the Islanders to give them a solid goalie.

    - Midway through the season the Rockies are purchased by a group of owners led by Cable TV Excutive Bill Daniels, Coors ceo Joe Coors and Denver Broncos owner Edgar Kaiser. The team will stay in Colorado.

    - CBS will also telecast the NHL playoff games for American viewers this year. The network and the NHL signed a deal that will last until the end of the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals.

    Comments appreciated! Who's your pick to Claim Lord Stanley's cup in '82?
     
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