1981–82 Quebec Nordiques season

The 1981–82 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques' third season in the National Hockey League. The Nordiques had a successful regular season, qualifying for the playoffs, but they had a better playoff, making it to the Wales Final before losing to the eventual Stanley Cup champion New York Islanders.

1981–82 Quebec Nordiques
Division4th Adams
Conference7th Wales
1981–82 record33–31–16
Home record24–13–3
Road record9–18–13
Goals for356
Goals against345
Team information
General managerMaurice Filion
CoachMichel Bergeron
CaptainRobbie Ftorek (Oct.–Dec.)
Andre Dupont (Dec.–May)
Alternate captainsNone
ArenaColisée de Québec
Team leaders
GoalsPeter Stastny (46)
AssistsPeter Stastny (93)
PointsPeter Stastny (139)
Penalty minutesDale Hunter (272)
Plus/minusMichel Goulet (+35)
WinsDan Bouchard (27)
Goals against averageDan Bouchard (3.86)

Off-season

During the off-season, the four divisions of the NHL were re-aligned to better reflect the geographical locations of the teams. Quebec remained in the Adams Division with the Boston Bruins and Buffalo Sabres, while the Minnesota North Stars and Toronto Maple Leafs were replaced with the Hartford Whalers and the Nordiques' provincial rival, the Montreal Canadiens. The Nordiques signed Marian Stastny out of Czechoslovakia, the brother of Peter Stastny and Anton Stastny. Quebec replaced team captain Marc Tardif with Robbie Ftorek prior to the season. Ftorek did not remain the Nordiques captain for long, as he was traded to the New York Rangers in December, and was replaced with Andre Dupont.

Regular season

The Nordiques found themselves under .500 only once throughout the season, and that was five games in when they had a record of 2-3-0. Quebec got hot, and eventually reached a season-high nine games over .500 in the middle of January, however, a late season slump had the Nords finish the year only two games above .500, with a 33-31-16 record, earning 82 points, which was good enough to finish fourth in the Adams Division, and the Nordiques second post-season appearance in a row.

Offensively, the Nordiques were led by Peter Stastny, who set a team record with 139 points, as he scored 46 goals and earned 93 assists. Stastny finished behind only Wayne Gretzky of the Edmonton Oilers and Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders in the NHL scoring race. Real Cloutier rebounded from an injury plagued 1980–81 season by scoring 37 goals and 97 points, while rookie Marian Stastny scored 35 goals and 89 points. Michel Goulet notched 42 goals and 84 points, while Dale Hunter had a breakout season, scoring 22 goals and 72 points, as well as a team record 272 penalty minutes. On defense, Mario Marois led the way, scoring 11 goals and 43 points.

In goal, Dan Bouchard held on to the number one job, winning a team record 27 games, while posting a team best 3.86 GAA, as well as earning a shutout in 60 games.

Season standings
Adams Division
  GP W L T GF GA PIM PTS
Montreal Canadiens804617173602231463109
Boston Bruins80432710323285126696
Buffalo Sabres80392615307273142593
Quebec Nordiques80333116356345175782
Hartford Whalers80214118264351149360

[1]Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against
Note: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.

Vs. Wales Conference

Vs. Campbell Conference

Schedule and results
#DateVisitorScoreHomeRecordPtsAttendance
1October 6Hartford Whalers5–6Quebec Nordiques1–0–0215,007
2October 8Quebec Nordiques7–5Boston Bruins2–0–0411,274
3October 10Quebec Nordiques1–2Pittsburgh Penguins2–1–0415,215
4October 12Minnesota North Stars4–2Quebec Nordiques2–2–0415,211
5October 14Quebec Nordiques2–4Buffalo Sabres2–3–0414,764
6October 17Toronto Maple Leafs4–6Quebec Nordiques3–3–0615,019
7October 19Vancouver Canucks3–6Quebec Nordiques4-3–0814,443
8October 21Quebec Nordiques6–3Washington Capitals5–3–0107,862
9October 22Quebec Nordiques2–3Philadelphia Flyers5–4–01016,948
10October 24Detroit Red Wings3–8Quebec Nordiques6–4–01215,212
11October 27Quebec Nordiques7–8Los Angeles Kings6–5–0127,595
12October 28Quebec Nordiques3–1Colorado Rockies7–5–014N/A
13October 31Quebec Nordiques4–11Edmonton Oilers7–6–01417,490
14November 2Montreal Canadiens4–5Quebec Nordiques8–6–01615,262
15November 4St. Louis Blues2–6Quebec Nordiques9–6–01815,005
16November 7Boston Bruins10–1Quebec Nordiques9–7–01815,232
17November 9Detroit Red Wings3–5Quebec Nordiques10–7–02015,043
18November 11Quebec Nordiques5–6Vancouver Canucks10–8–02012,558
19November 12Quebec Nordiques2–3Calgary Flames10–9–0207,226
20November 14Quebec Nordiques5–5Minnesota North Stars10–9–12115,784
21November 17New York Islanders2–7Quebec Nordiques11–9–12315,148
22November 19Quebec Nordiques1–1Montreal Canadiens11–9–22417,088
23November 21Hartford Whalers3–7Quebec Nordiques12–9–22615,016
24November 22Quebec Nordiques6–1Boston Bruins13–9–22810,024
25November 24Pittsburgh Penguins7–1Quebec Nordiques13–10-22814,805
26November 25Quebec Nordiques3–3Hartford Whalers13–10–32912,141
27November 28New York Rangers4–7Quebec Nordiques14–10–33115,229
28November 29Quebec Nordiques4–4New York Rangers14–10–43217,423
29December 2Edmonton Oilers8–9Quebec Nordiques15–10–43415,230
30December 5Boston Bruins5–3Quebec Nordiques15–11–43415,228
31December 8Calgary Flames7–4Quebec Nordiques15–12–43414,951
32December 12St. Louis Blues6–4Quebec Nordiques15–13–43415,204
33December 13Quebec Nordiques4–4Buffalo Sabres15–13–53515,708
34December 15Quebec Nordiques7–10New York Islanders15–14–53514,746
35December 17Quebec Nordiques3–2Detroit Red Wings16–14–53711,302
36December 19Buffalo Sabres3–7Quebec Nordiques17–14–53915,219
37December 22Montreal Canadiens2–5Quebec Nordiques18–14–54115,259
38December 27Quebec Nordiques3–6Montreal Canadiens18–15–54118,096
39December 29Chicago Black Hawks1–8Quebec Nordiques19–15–54315,227
40January 2Buffalo Sabres3–6Quebec Nordiques20–15–54515,221
41January 5Washington Capitals0–3Quebec Nordiques21–15–54715,143
42January 9Boston Bruins1–6Quebec Nordiques22–15–54915,217
43January 11Hartford Whalers2–6Quebec Nordiques23–15–55115,216
44January 13Quebec Nordiques4–2St. Louis Blues24–15–55312,530
45January 16Quebec Nordiques1–4Minnesota North Stars24–16–55315,516
46January 17Quebec Nordiques7–5Winnipeg Jets25-16–55514,061
47January 19Philadelphia Flyers2–2Quebec Nordiques25–16–65615,208
48January 20Quebec Nordiques2–4Hartford Whalers25–17–65611,197
49January 22Quebec Nordiques3–5Buffalo Sabres25–18–65616,433
50January 23Buffalo Sabres3–2Quebec Nordiques25–19–656N/A
51January 26Montreal Canadiens8–3Quebec Nordiques25–20–65615,338
52January 30Quebec Nordiques2–2Toronto Maple Leafs25–20–75716,360
53January 31Quebec Nordiques4–4Hartford Whalers25–20–85811,769
54February 2Colorado Rockies7–8Quebec Nordiques26–20–86015,177
55February 6Philadelphia Flyers3-4Quebec Nordiques27–20–86215,303
56February 7Quebec Nordiques5–5Washington Capitals27–20–96310,712
57February 11Quebec Nordiques4–4Los Angeles Kings27–20–10649,958
58February 12Quebec Nordiques2–9Colorado Rockies27–21–10647,129
59February 14Quebec Nordiques2–5New York Rangers27–22–106417,398
60February 16Winnipeg Jets3–7Quebec Nordiques28–22–106615,265
61February 19Quebec Nordiques4–4Winnipeg Jets28–22–116713,661
62February 21Quebec Nordiques3–5Chicago Black Hawks28–23–116712,563
63February 23Montreal Canadiens3–4Quebec Nordiques29–23–116915,330
64February 25Quebec Nordiques4-4Montreal Canadiens29–23–127016,969
65February 27Quebec Nordiques5–5New York Islanders29–23–137115,271
66March 1Los Angeles Kings5–5Quebec Nordiques29–23-147215,288
67March 3Edmonton Oilers4–6Quebec Nordiques30–23–147415,290
68March 6Pittsburgh Penguins6–4Quebec Nordiques30–24–147415,222
69March 9Calgary Flames9–4Quebec Nordiques30–25–147415,189
70March 13Chicago Black Hawks3–9Quebec Nordiques31–25–147615,288
71March 16Hartford Whalers7-5Quebec Nordiques31–26-147615,285
72March 17Quebec Nordiques3–6Toronto Maple Leafs31–27–147616,360
73March 20Vancouver Canucks3–3Quebec Nordiques31–27–157715,289
74March 22Quebec Nordiques4–5Boston Bruins31–28–157710,851
75March 24Quebec Nordiques3–3Hartford Whalers31–28–167810,509
76March 27Quebec Nordiques2–4Montreal Canadiens31–29–167818,175
77March 30Buffalo Sabres6–4Quebec Nordiques31–30–167815,201
78April 1Quebec Nordiques8–5Boston Bruins32–30–168011,407
79April 3Boston Bruins5–4Quebec Nordiques32–31–168015,276
80April 4Quebec Nordiques7–4Buffalo Sabres33–31–168216,433

Playoffs

The Nordiques opened the 1982 Stanley Cup playoffs with a best of five Adams Division semi-final series with their Battle of Quebec rivals, the Montreal Canadiens. Montreal finished the season on top of the Adams Division with a 46-17-17 record, earning 109 points, which was 27 more than the Nordiques.[3]

The series opened with two games at the Montreal Forum, and the Canadiens handled the Nordiques easily in the first game, as Mario Tremblay and Mark Napier each scored twice for Montreal, leading them to a 5-1 victory. The Nordiques fought back in the second game, as goaltender Dan Bouchard made 33 saves as Quebec defeated Montreal 3-2 to even the series up. The series shifted to Le Colisée for the next two games, and in the third game of the series, the Nordiques were led by Dale Hunter and his two goals late in the first period, as well as another spectacular goaltending performance by Dan Bouchard, who made 22 saves, as the Nordiques edged the Canadiens 2-1 to take the series lead. Montreal fought back in the fourth game, which featured a brawl in which every player from both teams was involved. The brawl lasted for twenty minutes. There were 149 penalty minutes, and two game misconducts.[4] The Canadiens easily defeated the underdog Nordiques 6-2 to even the series up at two games each, with the fifth and deciding game back at the Montreal Forum. In the fifth game, the Nordiques took an early 2-0 lead with first period goals by Wilf Paiement and Anton Stastny, however, the Canadiens tied the game in the third period, setting up overtime. In the extra period, Dale Hunter emerged as the hero, scoring 22 seconds into the period against Montreal goalie Rick Wamsley to clinch the series for the Nordiques, who then moved on to the Adams Division finals.[4]

Quebec would face the Boston Bruins in the best of seven Adams Division finals. Boston had a 43-27-10 record, earning 96 points, and a second-place finish in the division. The Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres in four games in their first playoff round. The series opened with two games at the Boston Garden. In the first game, the Nordiques and Bruins were tied up at three heading into the final minute of the third period, however, Ray Bourque scored for Boston, as the Bruins won the game 4-3. In the second game, the Bruins easily defeated Quebec by a score of 8-4, taking a commanding 2-0 series lead. The series moved to Le Colisée for the next two games, and the Nordiques responded on their home ice, as Wilf Paiement scored the overtime winner in the third game for a 3-2 Quebec victory, cutting the Bruins series lead to 2-1. In the fourth game, the Nordiques, led by Michel Goulet and his two goals, as well as 33 saves by goaltender John Garrett, easily defeated the Bruins 7-2 to even up the series. The fifth game was back in Boston, however, the Nordiques, led by Peter Stastny and his two goals, shocked the Bruins with a 4-3 win to push Boston on the brink of elimination. In the sixth game back in Quebec City, the Bruins stormed out to an early 3-0 lead, however, the Nordiques fought back, and tied the game at five in the third period, setting up overtime. In overtime, the Bruins Peter McNab scored, as the Bruins tied the series, setting up a seventh and deciding game back in Boston. After a scoreless first period, the Nordiques Michel Goulet opened the scoring in the second period, however, Peter McNab of the Bruins tied the game. In the third period, Nordiques defenseman Dave Pichette scored on the powerplay, giving Quebec a 2-1 lead. The Bruins couldn't beat Nordiques goaltender Dan Bouchard, who made 28 saves in the game, as the Nordiques held on for the 2-1 win, and completing the series upset, advancing to the Wales Conference finals.

The Nordiques opponent in the Wales Conference finals was the two time defending Stanley Cup champions, the New York Islanders. The best of seven series opened with two games at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on Long Island, New York. The powerful Islanders, led by 27 saves by goaltender Billy Smith, defeated Quebec 4-1 in the series opener. In the second game, the Islanders were led by two goals by Mike Bossy, and another solid performance by Billy Smith, who made 35 saves, as New York defeated Quebec 5-2 to take a 2-0 series lead. In the third game back in Quebec, the Nordiques took the Islanders to overtime, however, New York's Wayne Merrick emerged the hero, as he scored late in the first overtime, giving the Islanders a 5-4 victory, and 3-0 series lead. New York completed the series sweep in the fourth game, as the Islanders took a 3-0 lead late into the third period. Quebec put up a fight, scoring twice to cut the Islanders lead to 3-2, however, Duane Sutter scored an empty net goal to give the Islanders a 4-2 victory.

Quebec Nordiques 3, Montreal Canadiens 2
#DateVisitorScoreHomeRecordAttendance
1April 7Quebec Nordiques1–5Montreal Canadiens0-116,096
2April 8Quebec Nordiques3–2Montreal Canadiens1-116,391
3April 10Montreal Canadiens1–2Quebec Nordiques2-115,323
4April 11Montreal Canadiens6–2Quebec Nordiques2-215,314
5April 13Quebec Nordiques3–2Montreal Canadiens3-217,611

Quebec Nordiques 4, Boston Bruins 3
#DateVisitorScoreHomeRecordAttendance
1April 15Quebec Nordiques3–4Boston Bruins0-114,673
2April 16Quebec Nordiques4–8Boston Bruins0-214,673
3April 18Boston Bruins2–3Quebec Nordiques1-215,302
4April 19Boston Bruins2–7Quebec Nordiques2-215,287
5April 21Quebec Nordiques4–3Boston Bruins3-214,673
6April 23Boston Bruins6–5Quebec Nordiques3-315,330
7April 25Quebec Nordiques2–1Boston Bruins4-314,673

New York Islanders 4, Quebec Nordiques 0
#DateVisitorScoreHomeRecordAttendance
1April 27Quebec Nordiques1–4New York Islanders0-115,137
2April 29Quebec Nordiques2–5New York Islanders0-215,230
3May 1New York Islanders5–4Quebec Nordiques0-315,238
4May 3New York Islanders4–2Quebec Nordiques0-415,238

Player statistics

Scoring leaders
Regular season
Player GP G A Pts PIM
Peter Stastny80469313991
Real Cloutier6737609734
Marian Stastny7435548927
Michel Goulet8042428448
Dale Hunter80225072272
Playoffs
Player GP G A Pts PIM
Peter Stastny127111810
Marian Stastny16314175
Anton Stastny165101510
Michel Goulet1685136
Real Cloutier16751210

Goaltending
Regular season
PlayerGPMinWLTGASOGAA
Dan Bouchard60357227221123013.86
John Garrett127204536205.17
Michel Plasse83882313505.41
Clint Malarchuk21200111407.00
Playoffs
PlayerGPMinWLGASOGAA
Dan Bouchard11677473803.37
John Garrett5323322103.90
Note:
Pos = Position; GPI = Games played in; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalty minutes; +/- = Plus/minus; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals
Min, TOI = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T,T/OT = Ties; OTL = Overtime losses; GA = Goals-against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts; SA = Shots against; SV = Shots saved; SV% = Save percentage;

Transactions

The Nordiques were involved in the following transactions during the 1981–82 season.

Trades
December 30, 1981 To New York Rangers
Robbie Ftorek
8th round pick in 1982 – Brian Glynn		 To Quebec Nordiques
Jere Gillis
Pat Hickey
January 12, 1982 To Hartford Whalers
Michel Plasse
4th round pick in 1983 – Ron Chyzowski		 To Quebec Nordiques
John Garrett
February 1, 1982 To Washington Capitals
Lee Norwood
6th round pick in 1982 – Mats Kihlstrom		 To Quebec Nordiques
Tim Tookey
7th round pick in 1982 – Daniel Poudrier
March 9, 1982 To Toronto Maple Leafs
Miroslav Frycer
7th round pick in 1982 – Jeff Triano		 To Quebec Nordiques
Wilf Paiement
June 9, 1982 To Minnesota North Stars
11th round pick in 1983 – Oldrich Valek		 To Quebec Nordiques
12th round pick in 1982 – Jan Jasko

Free agents
PlayerFormer Team
Pat DaleyWinnipeg Jets
Jean HamelDetroit Red Wings
Gary DillonColorado Rockies

Draft picks

Quebec's draft picks from the 1981 NHL Entry Draft which was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec.

Round # Player Nationality College/junior/club team (league)
111Randy Moller CanadaLethbridge Broncos (WHL)
353Jean-Marc Gaulin CanadaSorel Black Hawks (QMJHL)
474Clint Malarchuk CanadaPortland Winter Hawks (WHL)
595Ed Lee United StatesPrinceton University (NCAA)
6116Mike Eagles CanadaKitchener Rangers (OHL)
8158Andre Cote CanadaQuebec Remparts (QMJHL)
9179Marc Brisebois CanadaSorel Black Hawks (QMJHL)
10200Kari Takko FinlandAssat Pori (Finland)

References
  1. Dinger, Ralph, ed. (2011). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2012. Dan Diamond & Associates. p. 152. ISBN 9781894801225.
  2. "All-Time NHL Results". NHL.com. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  3. The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory, D'Arcy Jenish, p.243, Published in Canada by Doubleday, 2009, ISBN 978-0-385-66325-0
  4. The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory, D'Arcy Jenish, p.244, Published in Canada by Doubleday, 2009, ISBN 978-0-385-66325-0
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