1985–86 Hartford Whalers
Division4th Adams
Conference7th Wales
1985–86 record40–36–4
Home record21–17–2
Road record19–19–2
Goals for332
Goals against302
Team information
General managerEmile Francis
CoachJack Evans
CaptainRon Francis
ArenaHartford Civic Center
Average attendance12,769 (84.4%) [1]
Minor league affiliate(s)Binghamton Whalers (AHL)
Salt Lake Golden Eagles (IHL)
Team leaders
GoalsSylvain Turgeon (45)
AssistsRon Francis (53)
PointsSylvain Turgeon (79)
Penalty minutesTorrie Robertson (358)
Plus/minusJoel Quenneville (+23)
WinsMike Liut (27)
Goals against averageMike Liut (3.61)

The 1985–86 Hartford Whalers season saw the Whalers finish in fourth place in the Adams Division with a record of 40 wins, 36 losses, and 4 ties for 84 points. They beat the Quebec Nordiques in the Adams Division Semifinals in three games, for their first and only playoff series victory in franchise history. They lost the Adams Division Finals in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens. Because the Whalers made it to the Adams Division Finals, the 1985–86 season is considered by many to be the most successful in Whalers history.

Offseason

At the 1985 NHL Entry Draft held at Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto, the Hartford Whalers selected defenseman Dana Murzyn from the Calgary Wranglers of the WHL with their first round, fifth overall draft pick. In 72 games with the Wranglers, Murzyn scored 32 goals, 92 points and accumulated 233 penalty minutes during the 1984–85 season. In eight playoff games, Murzyn had a goal and 12 points. Some other notable picks by the Whalers included goaltender Kay Whitmore from the Peterborough Petes in the second round, and right winger Shane Churla from the Medicine Hat Tigers in the sixth round.

On September 19, the Whalers signed free agent center John Newberry. In 16 games with the Montreal Canadiens during the 1984–85 season, Newberry had four assists. With the Sherbrooke Canadiens of the AHL, Newberry scored 23 goals and 63 points in 58 games.

Hartford acquired defenseman Tim Bothwell in a trade with the St. Louis Blues on October 4, as the Whalers sent cash to the Blues to complete the trade. Bothwell scored four goals and 26 points in 79 with the Blues during the 1984–85 season. He also had a +27 rating, and over the past two seasons, Bothwell was a +49.

Three days later, on October 7, Hartford traded defenseman Chris Kotsopoulos to the Toronto Maple Leafs in exchange for left winger Stew Gavin. Gavin scored 12 goals and 25 points in 73 games with Toronto in 1984–85. In 268 career games to date, Gavin scored 34 goals and 82 points since beginning his career in the 1980–81 season.

Draft picks

Below are the Hartford Whalers' selections at the 1985 NHL Entry Draft, which were held on June 15, 1985. It was held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto.

Round # Player Pos. Nationality College/junior/club team (League)
1 5 Dana Murzyn D  Canada Calgary Wranglers (WHL)
2 26 Kay Whitmore G  Canada Peterborough Petes (OHL)
4 68 Gary Callaghan C  Canada Belleville Bulls (OHL)
6 110 Shane Churla RW  Canada Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)
7 131 Chris Brant LW  Canada Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)
8 152 Brian Puhalski LW  Canada Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL)
9 173 Greg Dornbach C  United States Miami University (CCHA)
10 194 Paul Tory RW  Canada University of Illinois at Chicago (CCHA)
11 215 Jerry Pawloski D  United States Harvard University (ECAC)
12 236 Bruce Hill LW  Canada University of Denver (WCHA)

[2]

Roster

1985–86 Hartford Whalers
Roster
No.NatPlayerPosS/GAgeAcquiredBirthplace
20CanadaJohn AndersonLWL/–281986Toronto, Ontario
44CanadaDave BabychDL/–241985Edmonton, Alberta
17CanadaWayne BabychRWR/–271986Edmonton, Alberta
24CanadaTim BothwellDL/–301985Vancouver, British Columbia
34United StatesJack BrownschidleDL/–301983Buffalo, New York
21CanadaSylvain CôtéDR/–201984Quebec City, Quebec
25CanadaBob CrawfordRWR/–261983Belleville, Ontario
11CanadaKevin DineenRWR/–221984Quebec City, Quebec
12CanadaDean EvasonCR/–211984Flin Flon, Manitoba
29United StatesPaul FentonLWL/–261984Springfield, Massachusetts
26CanadaRay FerraroCL/–211982Trail, British Columbia
10CanadaRon Francis (C)CL/–221981Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
14CanadaBill GardnerCL/–251985Toronto, Ontario
7CanadaStew GavinRWR/–251985Ottawa, Ontario
20CanadaMike HoffmanLWL/–221981Cambridge, Ontario
27CanadaDoug JarvisCL/–301985Peterborough, Ontario
18United StatesScot KleinendorstDL/–261984Grand Rapids, Minnesota
28CanadaPaul LawlessLWL/–211982Scarborough, Ontario
1CanadaMike LiutG–/L301985Weston, Ontario
23CanadaPaul MacDermidRWR/–221981Chesley, Ontario
14CanadaGreg MaloneCL/–291985Fredericton, New Brunswick
25CanadaMike McEwenDL/–291985Hornepayne, Ontario
4CanadaDana MurzynDL/–191985Calgary, Alberta
17CanadaRay NeufeldRWR/–261979Saint Boniface, Manitoba
33CanadaJohn NewberryCL/–231985Port Alberni, British Columbia
6CanadaMark PatersonDL/–211982Ottawa, Ontario
22SwedenJörgen PetterssonLWL/–291985Gothenburg, Sweden
3CanadaJoel QuennevilleDL/–271983Windsor, Ontario
32CanadaTorrie RobertsonLWL/–241983Victoria, British Columbia
5SwedenUlf SamuelssonDL/–211982Fagerstad, Sweden
38CanadaBrad ShawDR/–211985Cambridge, Ontario
8FinlandRisto SiltanenDR/–271982Tampere, Finland
15CanadaDave TippettLWL/–241983Moosomin, Saskatchewan
16CanadaSylvain TurgeonLWL/–211983Noranda, Quebec
31CanadaSteve WeeksG–/L271984Scarborough, Ontario
20CanadaMike ZukeCR/–311983Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario
Head Coach
Jack Evans
Assistant Coach
Claude Larose
Head Trainer
Tom Woodcock
Assistant Trainer
Equipment Manager
Skip Cunningham

Regular season

October

Hartford began the 1985–86 season on the road against the Buffalo Sabres on October 10. The Whalers, led by two goals by Kevin Dineen, overcame a 3–0 deficit to defeat the Sabres 5–4. Two nights later, on October 12, the Whalers hosted the New York Rangers for their home opener, and were led by two goals by Ron Francis and Ray Ferraro, as well as 33 saves by Mike Liut, as Hartford defeated New York 8–2 in front of 15,142 fans at the Civic Center.

The Whalers dropped their next game to the Quebec Nordiques, however, they would win their following two games, including a wild 11–6 victory over the Montreal Canadiens, to open the season 4–1–0. Hartford then began a four-game road trip, in which they dropped their first three games before salvaging a victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, bringing their record to 5–4–0.

In their final game of the month, Hartford defeated the Quebec Nordiques on home ice, finishing October with a 6–4–0 record, as they earned 12 points. The Whalers sat in third place in the Adams Division, five points behind the first place Quebec Nordiques.

November

Hartford got off to a tough start in November, losing their first three games, including blowout losses of 8–1 to the Los Angeles Kings and 8–3 to the Montreal Canadiens. The Whalers ended their losing streak with a 4–3 win over the Quebec Nordiques as they stormed back from a 3–0 third period deficit to take the victory.

The Whalers won their next game against the Minnesota North Stars, however, this followed by another three game losing skid, dropping the Whalers to a record of 8–10–0 and falling into last place in the Adams Division. On November 21, the Whalers acquired defenseman Dave Babych from the Winnipeg Jets in exchange for right winger Ray Neufeld. Babych had four goals and 16 points in 19 games with the Jets at the time of the trade. A high-scoring defenseman, Babych had recorded at least 60 points in three of his four previous seasons, including 74 points in 79 games with Winnipeg in 1982–83.

The trade sparked the Whalers to a huge 8–1 win over the Winnipeg Jets on November 23, as Ron Francis led the way with a hat trick. In their next game, the Whalers shutout the Los Angeles Kings 9–0, as Mike Liut earned the shutout with 30 saves.

The Whalers won their third game in row on November 29, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5–4, however, the Edmonton Oilers snapped the Whalers winning streak the next night, as they defeated Hartford 8–5.

Hartford struggled to a 5–7–0 record in November, dropping their overall record to 11–11–0 through their first 22 games. The Whalers were in last place in the Adams Division, three points behind the Montreal Canadiens for the final playoff spot.

December

The Whalers opened December the same way they closed November, as Hartford lost by a score of 8–5, this time to the Calgary Flames, on December 4. Two days later, Hartford acquired center Doug Jarvis from the Washington Capitals for left winger Jörgen Pettersson. Jarvis, who began his NHL career with the Montreal Canadiens in the 1975–76 season, had never missed a game in his career, as he had played in 825 games in a row at the time of the trade. Jarvis was a four time Stanley Cup champion with the Canadiens, winning the Cup in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1979. He was traded to the Washington Capitals prior to the 1982–83 season, and won the Selke Trophy in 1984. Jarvis had a goal and three points in 25 games with Washington to begin the 1985–86 season.

In their next six games after the trade, the Whalers posted a record of 4–1–1 to climb over the .500 mark with an overall record of 15–13–1, pulling the Whalers within one point of the Buffalo Sabres for the fourth and final playoff position in the Adams Division.

Hartford dropped two of their final three games before Christmas, however, the Whalers rebounded by winning their first three games after the Christmas break, before dropping their final game of December.

The Whalers posted a record of 8–5–1 record during December, bringing their overall record to 19–16–1 through 36 games. The Whalers were tied with the Buffalo Sabres for the fourth and final playoff spot in the Adams Division. They were also only three points behind the first place Montreal Canadiens, as three points separated first and last place in the division.

January

Hartford dropped their first two games on January, losing to the Quebec Nordiques and Edmonton Oilers, bringing their overall losing streak to three games. The Whalers ended their losing skid with a 9–1 win over the Calgary Flames, as Dean Evason and Kevin Dineen each scored hat tricks in the victory. Hartford won their next game against the Vancouver Canucks, before dropping two in a row.

On January 17, the Whalers acquired Wayne Babych, the older brother of Whalers defenseman Dave Babych, from the Quebec Nordiques, in exchange for Greg Malone. Babych, who was acquired by Quebec from the Pittsburgh Penguins earlier in the season, had six goals and 11 points in 15 games with the Nordiques. His best season came in 1980–81, while as a member of the St. Louis Blues, Babych scored 54 goals and 96 points in 78 games. During that season, he led the NHL with 40 even strength goals.

The trade marked the beginning of a five-game winning streak, as that evening, the Whalers defeated the Quebec Nordiques 11–6. On January 21, the Whalers shutout the New York Rangers 5–0, as Steve Weeks stopped all 19 shots he faced.

The Whalers winning streak came to an end on January 27, as the Boston Bruins defeated Hartford 6–3. Two nights later, in the Whalers final game of the month, the club lost to the Boston Bruins 5–4 in overtime.

Hartford earned a record of 7–6–0 during January, which was their second consecutive winning month of the season. Their overall record at the end of January was 26–22–1, as the club had 53 points and sat in the fourth and final playoff spot in the Adams Division, two points ahead of the fifth place Buffalo Sabres.

February

The Whalers continued their winless skid into February, as Hartford began February with a 0–7–1 record in their first eight games, bringing their overall winless skid to 10 games (0–9–1). During this slump, the club acquired center Bill Gardner from the Chicago Black Hawks in exchange for a third round draft pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. Gardner scored three goals and 13 points in 46 games with Chicago during the 1985–86 season.

The winless skid dropped the Whalers overall record to 26–29–2 following their 4–1 loss to the Minnesota North Stars on February 15. This dropped the club into last place in the Adams Division, six points behind the fourth place Buffalo Sabres.

On February 18, the Whalers earned their first win of February, a 5–4 victory over the Vancouver Canucks. The next night, the Whalers defeated the Buffalo Sabres 6–4, bringing their winning streak to two games. This came to an abrupt end, as Hartford lost their remaining three games of February.

The Whalers posted a record of 2–10–1 during February, dropping their overall record to 28–32–2. The club had earned 59 points and sat in last place, six points behind the Buffalo Sabres for the final playoff position in the Adams Division.

March/April

Hartford opened March with another loss, as the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated Hartford 8–2 on March 1, extending their losing streak to four games. Hartford broke out of their slump, by winning their next three games, including two over the Buffalo Sabres, to improve their record to 31–33–2, cutting the Sabres lead to four points.

On March 8, the Whalers acquired right winger John Anderson from the Quebec Nordiques for defenseman Risto Siltanen. Anderson had 21 goals and 49 points in 65 games with the Nordiques in 1985–86, his first season with the club. He previously appeared in 534 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs from 1977 to 1985, scoring 189 goals and 393 points with the Maple Leafs. That evening, the Whalers, despite an assist from Anderson, lost to the Nordiques 6–3, ending their winning streak at three games.

Following a 5–2 win over the Montreal Canadiens on March 10, the Whalers acquired defenseman Mike McEwen from the New York Rangers for right winger Bob Crawford. McEwen was acquired by New York from the Detroit Red Wings earlier in the season, and between the two clubs, he two goals and 17 points in 45 games. McEwen was a member of the New York Islanders from 1980 to 1984, winning three Stanley Cup championships in 1981, 1982, and 1983.

On March 13, the New York Islanders defeated Hartford 5–2, dropping the Whalers record to 32–35–2, as Hartford was now six points behind the Buffalo Sabres for the final playoff position. On March 15, the Whalers crushed the Chicago Black Hawks 11–4, which began an eight-game unbeaten streak in which the Whalers earned a record of 6–0–2. On April 1, the Whalers met the Buffalo Sabres, with both teams tied for fourth place in the Adams Division. After Ray Ferraro gave the Whalers a 1–0 lead, the Sabres scored three in a row, taking a 3–1 lead in the second period. Hartford, clinging onto their playoff hopes, scored four goals in a row, including two goals by Kevin Dineen, to defeat the Sabres 5–3 and take over fourth place.

The Whalers ended the season with two wins in their final three games to clinch the fourth and final playoff position in the Adams Division. The club earned a record of 12–4–2 in their final 18 games, bringing their overall record to 40–36–4. The 40 victories and 84 points were franchise records, breaking the previous record of 30 wins set in 1984–85, and 73 points set in their inaugural season in 1979–80. This ended the Whalers five year playoff drought, as the club clinched their first playoff berth since 1980.

Season standings

Adams Division
GP W L T GF GA Pts
Quebec Nordiques804331633028992
Montreal Canadiens804033733028087
Boston Bruins8037311231128886
Hartford Whalers804036433230284
Buffalo Sabres803737629629180

[3]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.

Record vs opponents

Adams Division record vs. opponents

Vs. Wales Conference

Vs. Campbell Conference

Schedule and results

Regular season

1985–86 game log
October: 6–4–0 (home: 3–0–0; road: 3–4–0)
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceRecordPointsRecap
1October 107:35 p.m. EDT@ Buffalo5–4LiutBuffalo Memorial Auditorium12,2781–0–02[5] W1
2October 127:35 p.m. EDTNY Rangers8–2LiutHartford Civic Center15,1422–0–04[6] W2
3October 157:35 p.m. EDT@ Quebec1–4LiutQuebec Coliseum12,6662–1–04[7] L1
4October 177:45 p.m. EDT@ New Jersey4–3OTWeeksBrendan Byrne Arena7,9623–1–06[8] W1
5October 197:35 p.m. EDTMontreal11–6LiutHartford Civic Center13,0484–1–08[9] W2
6October 238:35 p.m. EDT@ Chicago2–9LiutChicago Stadium14,9714–2–08[10] L1
7October 247:35 p.m. EDT@ Philadelphia0–3WeeksThe Spectrum17,0534–3–08[11] L2
8October 268:05 p.m. EDT@ Montreal3–5LiutMontreal Forum16,7354–4–08[12] L3
9October 297:35 p.m. EST@ Pittsburgh4–3LiutPittsburgh Civic Arena6,7935–4–010[13] W1
10October 307:35 p.m. ESTQuebec6–4WeeksHartford Civic Center11,0146–4–012[14] W2
November: 5–7–0 (home: 2–4–0; road: 3–3–0)
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceRecordPointsRecap
11November 27:35 p.m. ESTLos Angeles1–8WeeksHartford Civic Center12,0246–5–012[15] L1
12November 57:35 p.m. ESTMontreal3–8LiutHartford Civic Center10,8206–6–012[16] L2
13November 77:35 p.m. EST@ Boston1–2WeeksBoston Garden12,7876–7–012[17] L3
14November 97:35 p.m. EST@ Quebec4–3LiutQuebec Coliseum14,5527–7–014[18] W1
15November 137:35 p.m. ESTMinnesota5–2LiutHartford Civic Center9,7328–7–016[19] W2
16November 167:35 p.m. ESTPhiladelphia2–5WeeksHartford Civic Center15,1428–8–016[20] L1
17November 197:35 p.m. ESTBuffalo0–2LiutHartford Civic Center10,0278–9–016[21] L1
18November 217:35 p.m. EST@ Philadelphia0–3LiutThe Spectrum17,2118–10–016[22] L2
19November 237:35 p.m. ESTWinnipeg8–1LiutHartford Civic Center11,9579–10–018[23] W1
20November 2710:35 p.m. EST@ Los Angeles9–0LiutThe Forum8,88810–10–020[24] W2
21November 2910:35 p.m. EST@ Vancouver5–4LiutPacific Coliseum9,27611–10–022[25] W3
22November 308:05 p.m. EST@ Edmonton5–8WeeksNorthlands Coliseum17,30411–11–022[26] L1
December: 8–5–1 (home: 5–2–0; road: 3–3–1)
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceRecordPointsRecap
23December 49:35 p.m. EST@ Calgary5–8LiutOlympic Saddledome16,67211–12–022[27] L2
24December 77:35 p.m. ESTBoston7–2LiutHartford Civic Center15,12612–12–024[28] W1
25December 117:35 p.m. ESTMontreal1–3LiutHartford Civic Center11,26212–13–024[29] L1
26December 137:35 p.m. EST@ Buffalo6–4LiutBuffalo Memorial Auditorium11,51913–13–026[30] W1
27December 147:35 p.m. ESTPittsburgh5–4LiutHartford Civic Center10,93814–13–028[31] W2
28December 167:35 p.m. EST@ Montreal4–4OTLiutMontreal Forum16,29614–13–129[32] T1
29December 187:35 p.m. ESTCalgary4–3WeeksHartford Civic Center9,92915–13–131[33] W1
30December 197:35 p.m. EST@ Boston1–2LiutBoston Garden10,24415–14–131[34] L1
31December 217:35 p.m. ESTNew Jersey7–6LiutHartford Civic Center11,22916–14–133[35] W1
32December 237:35 p.m. ESTNY Islanders3–6LiutHartford Civic Center14,26316–15–133[36] L1
33December 268:05 p.m. EST@ NY Islanders4–3WeeksNassau Coliseum16,15217–15–135[37] W1
34December 288:05 p.m. EST@ Toronto6–3WeeksMaple Leaf Gardens16,28518–15–137[38] W1
35December 297:05 p.m. ESTDetroit5–2LiutHartford Civic Center12,76219–15–139[39] W3
36December 317:35 p.m. EST@ Quebec1–5WeeksQuebec Coliseum13,64419–16–139[40] L1
January: 7–6–0 (home: 3–3–0; road: 4–3–0)
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceRecordPointsRecap
37January 27:35 p.m. ESTQuebec2–3LiutHartford Civic Center11,66419–17–139[41] L2
38January 48:05 p.m. EST@ Edmonton3–4LiutNorthlands Coliseum17,28219–18–139[42] L3
39January 79:35 p.m. EST@ Calgary9–1WeeksOlympic Saddledome16,76220–18–141[43] W1
40January 1010:35 p.m. EST@ Vancouver4–3LiutPacific Coliseum9,53921–18–143[44] W2
41January 128:35 p.m. EST@ Chicago2–4WeeksChicago Stadium17,30121–19–143[45] L1
42January 157:35 p.m. ESTEdmonton1–4LiutHartford Civic Center15,12621–20–143[46] L2
43January 177:35 p.m. ESTQuebec11–6WeeksHartford Civic Center12,48622–20–145[47] W1
44January 187:35 p.m. EST@ Quebec11–6LiutQuebec Coliseum15,01223–20–147[48] W2
45January 207:35 p.m. EST@ NY Rangers5–0WeeksMadison Square Garden17,41924–20–149[49] W3
46January 237:35 p.m. ESTToronto4–1LiutHartford Civic Center12,03525–20–151[50] W4
47January 257:35 p.m. ESTWinnipeg7–2WeeksHartford Civic Center12,47126–20–153[51] W5
48January 277:35 p.m. EST@ Boston3–6LiutBoston Garden10,49626–21–153[52] L1
49January 297:35 p.m. ESTBoston4–5OTWeeksHartford Civic Center14,75626–22–153[53] L2
February: 2–10–1 (home: 1–6–0; road: 1–4–1)
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceRecordPointsRecap
50February 17:35 p.m. ESTNY Rangers1–3LiutHartford Civic Center15,12626–23–153[54] L3
51February 28:05 p.m. ESTWashington4–5LiutHartford Civic Center12,47326–24–153[55] L4
38th All-Star Game in Hartford, Connecticut
52February 67:35 p.m. EST@ Detroit3–4OTLiutJoe Louis Arena16,75826–25–153[56] L5
53February 87:35 p.m. ESTBuffalo2–4LiutHartford Civic Center14,08826–26–153[57] L6
54February 95:05 p.m. ESTNew Jersey3–6WeeksHartford Civic Center10,60926–27–153[58] L7
55February 118:35 p.m. EST@ St. Louis4–4OTLiutSt. Louis Arena10,87726–27–254[59] T1
56February 149:05 p.m. EST@ Winnipeg4–5WeeksWinnipeg Arena14,62026–28–254[60] L1
57February 158:35 p.m. EST@ Minnesota1–4WeeksMet Center12,72626–29–254[61] L2
58February 187:35 p.m. ESTVancouver5–4WeeksHartford Civic Center10,81227–29–256[62] W1
59February 197:35 p.m. EST@ Buffalo6–4LiutBuffalo Memorial Auditorium15,62428–29–258[63] W2
60February 228:05 p.m. EST@ Montreal3–6LiutMontreal Forum17,67128–30–258[64] L1
61February 232:05 p.m. ESTSt. Louis2–8LiutHartford Civic Center12,11728–31–258[65] L2
62February 267:35 p.m. ESTMinnesota2–5LiutHartford Civic Center11,04228–32–258[66] L3
March: 9–3–2 (home: 5–2–2; road: 4–1–0)
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceRecordPointsRecap
63March 17:35 p.m. EST@ Pittsburgh1–5WeeksPittsburgh Civic Arena16,03328–33–258[67] L4
64March 22:05 p.m. ESTBoston4–1LiutHartford Civic Center13,80629–33–260[68] W1
65March 57:35 p.m. ESTBuffalo5–1LiutHartford Civic Center13,01930–33–262[69] W2
66March 77:35 p.m. EST@ Buffalo6–2LiutBuffalo Memorial Auditorium15,76431–33–264[70] W3
67March 87:35 p.m. ESTQuebec3–6LiutHartford Civic Center13,61631–34–264[71] L1
68March 107:35 p.m. EST@ Montreal5–2LiutMontreal Forum16,61632–34–266[72] W1
69March 137:35 p.m. ESTNY Islanders2–3LiutHartford Civic Center13,14032–35–266[73] L1
70March 157:35 p.m. ESTChicago11–4LiutHartford Civic Center12,23333–35–268[74] W1
71March 187:35 p.m. EST@ Detroit6–4LiutJoe Louis Arena15,64034–35–270[75] W2
72March 198:35 p.m. EST@ St. Louis5–2LiutSt. Louis Arena8,37735–35–272[76] W3
73March 227:35 p.m. ESTLos Angeles6–3LiutHartford Civic Center12,19836–35–274[77] W4
74March 232:05 p.m. ESTBoston5–5OTLiutHartford Civic Center15,12636–35–375[78] T1
75March 267:35 p.m. ESTMontreal3–0LiutHartford Civic Center13,87737–35–377[79] W1
76March 297:35 p.m. ESTWashington6–6OTLiutHartford Civic Center14,26637–35–478[80] T1
April: 3–1–0 (home: 2–0–0; road: 1–1–0)
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceRecordPointsRecap
77April 17:35 p.m. ESTBuffalo5–3LiutHartford Civic Center15,12638–35–480[81] W1
78April 37:35 p.m. EST@ Washington2–4LiutCapital Centre14,15538–36–480[82] L1
79April 57:35 p.m. ESTToronto7–1LiutHartford Civic Center15,12639–36–482[83] W1
80April 67:35 p.m. EST@ Boston4–3WeeksBoston Garden12,78740–36–484[84] W2
1985–86 schedule

  Win (2 Points)   Loss (0 points)   Tie (1 point)

Playoffs

1986 Stanley Cup playoffs
Adams Division Semifinals vs. (A1) Quebec Nordiques: Hartford won 3–0
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceSeriesRecap
1April 97:35 p.m. EST@ Quebec3–2OTLiutQuebec Coliseum14,5041–0[85] W1
2April 107:35 p.m. EST@ Quebec4–1LiutQuebec Coliseum14,5622–0[86] W2
3April 127:35 p.m. ESTQuebec9–4LiutHartford Civic Center15,1263–0[87] W3
Adams Division Finals vs. (A2) Montreal Canadiens: Montreal won 4–3
GameDateTime (ET)OpponentScoreOTDecisionLocationAttendanceSeriesRecap
1April 177:35 p.m. EST@ Montreal4–1LiutMontreal Forum17,1451–0[88] W1
2April 198:05 p.m. EST@ Montreal1–3LiutMontreal Forum17,6571–1[89] L1
3April 217:35 p.m. ESTMontreal1–4WeeksHartford Civic Center15,1261–2[90] L2
4April 237:35 p.m. ESTMontreal2–1OTWeeksHartford Civic Center15,1262–2[91] W1
5April 257:35 p.m. EST@ Montreal3–5WeeksMontreal Forum17,6602–3[92] L1
6April 277:35 p.m. EDTMontreal1–0LiutHartford Civic Center15,1263–3[93] W1
7April 297:35 p.m. EDT@ Montreal1–2OTLiutMontreal Forum17,5463–4[94] L1
1985–86 schedule

  Win   Loss

Detailed records

Month Games Won Lost Tie Points Win % GS GA
October10640120.6004443
November12570100.4174346
December14851170.6075955
January13760140.5386041
February13210150.1924062
March14932200.7146844
April431060.7501811
Total8040364840.525332302
Games Won Lost Tie Points Win % GS GA
Home 4021172440.550181153
Away 4019192400.500151149
Total8040364840.525332302

Game officials

Pre season

Regular season

Game Date Opponent Referee Linesmen
1 10–10–1985 @ BUF Ron Fournier Bod Hodges
Leon Stickle
2 10–12–1985 NYR Kerry Fraser Gord Broseker
Dan McCourt
3 10–15–1985 @ QUE Dan Marouelli Wayne Bonney
Gerard Gauthier
4 10–17–1985 @ NJD Ron Wicks Randy Mitton
Mark Pare
5 10–19–1985 MTL Ron Fournier Ron Asseltine
Pat Dapuzzo
6 10–23–1985 @ CHI Ron Wicks Ron Finn
Mark Pare
7 10–24–1985 @ PHI Denis Morel Gord Broseker
Dan McCourt
8 10–26–1985 @ MTL Andy van Hellemond Gerard Gauthier
Ray Scapinello
9 10–29–1985 @ PIT Bryan Lewis Bob Hodges
Leon Stickle
10 10–30–1985 QUE Terry Gregson Kevin Collins
Pat Dapuzzo
11 11–2–1985 LAK Ron Hoggarth Kevin Collins
Dan McCourt
12 11–5–1985 MTL Don Koharski Kevin Collins
Mark Vines
13 11–7–1985 @ BOS Don Koharski Gord Broseker
Mark Vines
14 11–9–1985 @ QUE Denis Morel Gerard Gauthier
Mark Pare
15 11–13–1985 MIN Ron Wicks Kevin Collins
Dan McCourt
16 11–16–1985 PHI Andy van Hellemond Gerard Gauthier
Mark Pare
17 11–19–1985 BUF Bryan Lewis Gord Broseker
Dan McCourt
18 11–21–1985 @ PHI Bryan Lewis Ron Asselstine
Pat Dapuzzo
19 11–23–1985 WIN Dave Newell Gord Broseker
Pat Dapuzzo
20 11–27–1985 @ LAK Ron Wicks Jim Christison
Gerard Gauthier
21 11–29–1985 @ VAN Bob Myers Jim Christison
Wayne Forsey
22 11–30–1985 @ EDM Terry Gregson Ron Asselstine
Mark Vines
23 12–4–1985 @ CGY Denis Morel Ron Asselstine
Wayne Forsey
24 12–7–1985 BOS Bob Myers Kevin Collins
Mark Pare
25 12–11–1985 MTL Ron Hoggarth Wayne Bonney
Mark Vines
26 12–13–1985 @ BUF Ron Hoggarth Ron Asselstine
Ray Scapinello
27 12–14–1985 PIT Dan Marouelli Wayne Bonney
Kevin Collins
28 12–16–1985 @ MTL Denis Morel Wayne Bonney
Gerard Gauthier
29 12–18–1985 CGY Kerry Fraser John D'Amico
Wayne Forsey
30 12–19–1985 @ BOS Denis Morel Wayne Bonney
Pat Dapuzzo
31 12–21–1985 NJD Bob Myers Wayne Forsey
Gerard Gauthier
32 12–23–1985 NYI Mike Noeth Kevin Collins
Gerard Gauthier
33 12–26–1985 @ NYI Mike Noeth Wayne Bonney
Kevin Collins
34 12–28–1985 @ TOR Ron Wicks Ron Asselstine
Leon Stickle
35 12–29–1985 DET Denis Morel Kevin Collins
Pat Dapuzzo
36 12–31–1985 @ QUE Denis Morel Ron Asselstine
Mark Vines
37 1–2–1986 QUE Bill McCreary Wayne Bonney
Gerard Gauthier
38 1–4–1986 @ EDM Ron Hoggarth Jim Christison
Randy Mitton
39 1–7–1986 @ CGY Ron Wicks Swede Knox
Randy Mitton
40 1–10–1986 @ VAN Ron Wicks Swede Knox
Randy Mitton
41 1–12–1986 @ CHI Andy van Hellemond Ryan Bozak
Jim Christison
42 1–15–1986 EDM Dave Newell Kevin Collins
Jerry Pateman
43 1–17–1986 QUE Don Koharski Jim Christison
Jerry Pateman
44 1–18–1986 @ QUE Dave Newell Randy Mitton
Ray Scapinello
45 1–20–1986 @ NYR Don Koharski Wayne Bonney
Randy Mitton
46 1–23–1986 TOR Bryan Lewis Randy Mitton
Mark Pare
47 1–25–1986 WIN Ron Wicks Gord Broseker
Dan Schachte
48 1–27–1986 @ BOS Kerry Fraser Ray Scapinello
Dan Schachte
49 1–29–1986 BOS Don Koharski Gerard Gauthier
Mark Vines
50 2–1–1986 NYR Ron Fournier Pat Dapuzzo
Gerard Gauthier
51 2–2–1986 WSH Dan Marouelli Kevin Collins
Dan McCourt
52 2–6–1986 @ DET Terry Gregson Ron Asselstine
Jerry Pateman
53 2–8–1986 BUF Bill McCreary Kevin Collins
Pat Dapuzzo
54 2–9–1986 NJD Andy van Hellemond Wayne Forsey
Bob Hodges
55 2–11–1986 @ STL Mike Noeth Ron Finn
Randy Mitton
56 2–14–1986 @ WIN Bob Myers Bob Hodges
Mark Vines
57 2–15–1986 @ MIN Ron Fournier Bob Hodges
Mark Vines
58 2–18–1986 VAN Terry Gregson Wayne Forsey
Jerry Pateman
59 2–19–1986 @ BUF Ron Wicks Wayne Bonney
Leon Stickle
60 2–22–1986 @ MTL Bill McCreary Gerard Gauthier
Jerry Pateman
61 2–23–1986 STL Andy van Hellemond Ron Asselstine
Wayne Bonney
62 2–26–1986 MIN Dave Newell Dan McCourt
Mark Pare
63 3–1–1986 @ PIT Don Koharski Wayne Bonney
Mark Vines
64 3–2–1986 BOS Ron Hoggarth Ron Asselstine
Pat Dapuzzo
65 3–5–1986 BUF Kerry Fraser Kevin Collins
Ron Finn
66 3–7–1986 @ BUF Don Koharski Ron Asselstine
Bob Hodges
67 3–8–1986 QUE Bryan Lewis Gord Broseker
Pat Dapuzzo
68 3–10–1986 @ MTL Terry Gregson Kevin Collins
Gerard Gauthier
69 3–13–1986 NYI Ron Hoggarth Ron Asselstine
Mark Pare
70 3–15–1986 CHI Bob Myers Mark Pare
Rob Shick
71 3–18–1986 @ DET Ron Fournier Ryan Bozak
Jerry Pateman
72 3–19–1986 @ STL Andy van Hellemond Ron Finn
Dan Schachte
73 3–22–1986 LAK Ron Fournier Jerry Pateman
Mark Vines
74 3–23–1986 BOS Dave Newell Ryan Bozak
Leon Stickle
75 3–26–1986 MTL Kerry Fraser Wayne Bonney
Dan McCourt
76 3–29–1986 WSH Terry Gregson Pat Dapuzzo
Gerard Gauthier
77 4–1–1986 BUF Ron Wicks Ron Finn
Mark Vines
78 4–3–1986 @ WSH Terry Gregson Gord Broseker
Jerry Patemen
79 4–5–1986 TOR Kerry Fraser Mark Pare
Leon Stickle
80 4–6–1986 @ BOS Andy van Hellemond Ron Asselstine
Leon Stckle

Playoffs

Game Round Date Opponent Referee Linesmen
1 Adams Division Semifinals 4–9–1986 @ QUE Terry Gregson Gord Broseker
Swede Knox
2 Adams Division Semifinals 4–10–1986 @ QUE Andy van Hellemond Gord Broseker
Swede Knox
3 Adams Division Semifinals 4–12–1986 QUE Ron Hoggarth Jim Christison
Ron Finn
1 Adams Division Finals 4–17–1986 @ MTL Kerry Fraser Gord Broseker
Swede Knox
2 Adams Division Finals 4–19–1986 @ MTL Ron Hoggarth Gord Broseker
Swede Knox
3 Adams Division Finals 4–21–1986 MTL Don Koharski Randy Mitton
Ray Scapinello
4 Adams Division Finals 4–23–1986 MTL Denis Morel Randy Mitton
Ray Scapinello
5 Adams Division Finals 4–25–1986 @ MTL Bryan Lewis John D'Amico
Bob Hodges
6 Adams Division Finals 4–27–1986 MTL Bob Myers John D'Amico
Bob Hodges
7 Adams Division Finals 4–29–1986 @ MTL Andy van Hellemond Ron Finn
Gerard Gauthier

Playoffs

Whalers 3, Nordiques 0

The Whalers opened the 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs against the Quebec Nordiques in a best-of-five series. Quebec finished the regular season with a 43-31-6 record, earning 92 points, and finishing in first place in the Adams Division. In 1985, the Nordiques reached the Wales Conference finals, where they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers. The 1986 post-season was the Whalers first playoff appearance since 1980.

The series opened on April 9 at Le Colisée in Quebec City. The Nordiques opened the scoring 2:44 into the game on a power play goal by Anton Stastny, however, the Whalers Dean Evason scored with 49 seconds remaining in the period to tie the game 1-1. The clubs played to a goalless second period, as the game remained tied heading into the third. In the third period, the Whalers John Anderson scored on the power play at 9:29, giving Hartford their first lead of the game at 2–1. Just over three minutes later, the Nordiques tied the game on a goal by Brent Ashton, as Quebec tied the game 2–2. The game would go into overtime, as the Whalers Sylvain Turgeon scored 2:36 into the extra period, as the Whalers defeated the Nordiques 3–2 to win their first ever post-season game, and take a 1–0 series lead. Mike Liut made 37 saves for the victory.

The second game of the series was played on April 10 in Quebec. The Whalers took an early 1–0 lead on a goal by Stew Gavin 3:53 into the game. At 8:51 of the first period, Paul MacDermid scored for Hartford, giving the club a 2–0 lead over Quebec after the first period. In the second period, MacDermid scored his second goal of the game, as Hartford took a 3–0 lead after two periods. In the third period, the Nordiques Alain Cote scored 1:39 into the period, cutting the Whalers lead to 3–1. With under five minutes remaining in the period, the Whalers Torrie Robertson scored, as Hartford won the game 4-1 and took a 2–0 series lead. Mike Liut was very solid in goal again for the Whalers, as he made 26 saves for the win.

The series shifted back to the Hartford Civic Center for the third game, as the Whalers pushed the Nordiques on the brink of elimination. The third game of the series was played on April 12. The Whalers opened the scoring 2:29 into the game on a power play goal by Kevin Dineen. Just under three minutes later, the Whalers Dave Tippett scored a shorthanded goal to give Hartford a 2–0 lead. The Nordiques Alain Lemieux cut the Whalers lead to 2–1 with a power play goal midway through the period. At 15:08, the Whalers Ron Francis restored the two goal lead with his first career playoff goal. Just 44 seconds later, the Nordiques Brent Ashton cut the Whalers lead down to one with a shorthanded goal, as Hartford held a 3–2 lead. With 40 seconds remaining in the period, the Whalers Ray Ferraro scored a power play, as Hartford took a 4–2 lead into the first intermission. Early in the second period, Ulf Samuelsson scored for Hartford, extending their lead to 5–2. At 11:06 of the second period, the Nordiques Michel Goulet scored a power play goal, cutting the Whalers lead to 5–3. Just over two minutes later, the Whalers Ray Ferraro scored his second power play goal of the game, as Hartford regained their three-goal lead. Twenty-six seconds after Ferraro's goal, the Whalers John Anderson scored on the power play, giving the Whales a commanding 7–3 lead. In the third period, Anderson scored his second goal of the game 7:00 into the period, as Hartford took a lead of 8–3. The Nordiques Mark Kumpel scored midway through the period, however, the Whalers Kevin Dineen scored his second goal of the game with under two minutes left, as the Whalers crushed the Nordiques 9–4 to sweep the series and complete the upset. This marked the first time in franchise history that the Whalers had won a series since moving to the NHL.

Adams Division Semi-finals

(1) Quebec Nordiques vs. (4) Hartford Whalers
April 9 Hartford Whalers 3 – 2 OT Quebec Nordiques Colisée de Québec Recap  
Evason (1) - (Unassisted) - 19:11 First period 2:44 - pp - A. Stastny (1) - (Goulet, Andersson)
No scoring Second period No scoring
Anderson (1) - (Francis, Dineen) - 9:29 Third period 12:47 - Ashton (1) - (P. Stastny, A. Stastny)
Turgeon (1) - (Evason, Quenneville) - 2:36 First overtime period No scoring
Liut (1-0) (37 saves / 39 shots) Goalie stats Malarchuk (0-1) (34 saves / 37 shots)
April 10 Hartford Whalers 4 – 1 Quebec Nordiques Colisée de Québec Recap  
Gavin (1) - (McEwen, Kleinendorst) - 3:53
MacDermid (1) - (McEwen, Jarvis) - 8:51		 First period No scoring
MacDermid (2) - (Tippett, Jarvis) - 8:22 Second period No scoring
Robertson (1) - (Ferraro, W. Babych) - 16:32 Third period 1:39 - Cote (1) - (Ashton, Gillis)
Liut (2-0) (26 saves / 27 shots) Goalie stats Malarchuk (0-2) (27 saves / 31 shots)
April 12 Quebec Nordiques 4 – 9 Hartford Whalers Hartford Civic Center Recap  
Lemieux (1) - pp - (Goulet, Picard) - 8:40
Ashton (2) - sh - (Price, Gillis) - 15:52		 First period 2:29 - pp - Dineen (1) - (Turgeon, D. Babych)
5:22 - sh - Tippett (1) - (Samuelsson)
15:08 - Francis (1) - (Dineen, McEwen)
19:20 - pp - Ferraro (1) - (Anderson, Francis)
Goulet (1) - pp - (Picard, Lemieux) - 11:06 Second period 2:07 - Samuelsson (1) - (Anderson)
13:08 - pp - Ferraro (2) - (Anderson, Dineen)
13:34 - pp - Anderson (2) - Ferraro, D. Babych)
Kumpel (1) - (Siltanen, Lemieux) - 11:19 Third period 7:00 - Anderson (3) - (Dineen)
18:23 - Dineen (2) - (Anderson, Quenneville)
Gosselin (0-1) (17 saves / 22 shots)
Malarchuk (9 saves / 13 shots)		 Goalie stats Liut (3-0) (29 saves / 33 shots)
Hartford wins series 3 – 0

Canadiens 4, Whalers 3

The Whalers faced the Montreal Canadiens in a best-of-seven series to determine the champion of the Adams Division. Montreal finished the regular season with a 40–33–7 record, earning 87 points and second place in the Adams Division. In the first round of the post-season, the Canadiens swept the Boston Bruins in three games. The Whalers and Canadiens had previously met in the post-season during the 1979–80 season, as Montreal swept Hartford in the first round of the playoffs.

The series opened on April 17 at the Montreal Forum in Montreal. The two clubs skated to a scoreless first period, as Mike Liut shut the door for the Whalers, making 14 saves during the period. In the second period, Hartford opened the scoring with a goal by Stew Gavin at 4:24 to take a 1–0 lead. Just over two minutes later, the Whalers struck again, as Sylvain Turgeon scored to make it 2–0 for the Whalers. Late in the second period, John Anderson scored on the power play, as the Whalers took a 3–0 lead into the third period. Midway through the third period, the Canadiens Chris Nilan ended the shutout bid by Liut, as he scored to cut the Whalers lead to 3–1. The Whalers Stew Gavin scored his second goal of the game as he scored an empty net goal with 58 seconds left in the period, as Hartford won the game 4–1 and took a 1–0 series lead.

The second game of the series was played on April 19 in Montreal. In the first period, the Canadiens scored first, as Stephane Richer scored on the power play at 12:33 of the period. Just under five minutes later, Guy Carbonneau of the Canadiens scored to make it 2–0. The Canadiens dominated the Whalers in the first period, outshooting them 15–2. In the second period, the Canadiens Guy Carbonneau scored his second goal of the game 6:12 into the period, making it 3–0 for Montreal. The Whalers responded with a power play goal by Ray Ferraro just over a minute later, as Hartford cut the Canadiens lead to 3–1. This would be as close as Hartford would get, as the Canadiens shut down the Whalers for the rest of the game, winning the contest 3–1 and tying the series up at 1–1.

The series shifted to the Hartford Civic Center for game three, played on April 21. Montreal opened the scoring early in the first period on a goal by Kjell Dahlin to take a 1–0 lead. Late in the period, the Canadiens Stephane Richer scored on the power play, as Montreal took a 2–0 lead into the first intermission. The Canadiens struck again, as early in the second period, Claude Lemieux scored as Montreal took a 3–0 lead in the game. The Whalers Dave Tippett scored just 32 seconds after Lemieux, cutting the Canadiens lead to 3–1. In the third period, Montreal continued to hold off the Whalers, then Guy Carbonneau scored an empty net goal late in the period, as Montreal won the game 4–1 and took a 2–1 series lead over Hartford.

The fourth game of the series was played on April 23 in Hartford. The Whalers opened the scoring at 13:53 of the first period, as Stew Gavin scored against Patrick Roy of the Canadiens to give Hartford a 1–0 lead. The two clubs played very tight defensively, as after two periods, the score remained 1-0 Hartford, as the shot count was 12-11 for Montreal through two periods. In the third period, the Canadiens Mats Naslund scored a power play goal at 12:22, as Montreal tied the game 1-1, sending the game into overtime. In the extra period, the Whalers Kevin Dineen scored 1:07 into the period, leading Hartford to a 2–1 victory and tying the series at 2–2.

The series shifted back to Montreal for the fifth game, played on April 25. Only 2:05 into the game, the Canadiens Claude Lemieux scored a power play goal, giving the Canadiens a 1–0 lead. At 8:26 of the first period, Montreal's Guy Carbonneau scored a shorthanded goal, followed by a second power play goal by the Canadiens, this time by Mats Naslund, as Montreal took an early 3–0 in the game. With under five minutes remaining in the period, the Whalers Kevin Dineen scored, as Montreal took a 3–1 lead after the first period. In the second period, the Whalers Kevin Dineen scored his second goal of the game at 14:14, cutting the Canadiens lead down to 3–2. Just under two minutes later, Mike Lalor scored for the Canadiens, as Montreal took a 4–2 lead after two periods. Midway through the third period, the Whalers John Anderson scored, as Hartford trailed Montreal by a score of 4–3. The Canadiens managed to hold off the Whalers, as Guy Carbonneau scored a late goal, as Montreal won the game 5-3 and took a 3–2 series lead.

The series returned to Hartford for the sixth game, with the Whalers facing elimination. The game was played on April 27. In the first period, Montreal fired 14 shots at Mike Liut, however, Liut stopped them all as the game remained scoreless after the first period. In the second period, Dean Evason finally broke through for the Whalers, as he scored at the 7:30 mark of the period, giving the Whalers a 1–0 lead. The Whalers took this lead into the third period. In the third period, the Whalers were able to hold off the Canadiens, as Mike Liut made 32 saves for his first career playoff shutout, as the Whalers defeated the Canadiens 1–0 and tied the series up at 3–3.

The seventh and final game of the series was played back in Montreal on April 29. With only 13 seconds left in the first period, the Canadiens Mike McPhee scored a shorthanded goal, giving the Canadiens a 1–0 lead. The game was played very tight defensively, as Montreal held on to their 1–0 lead late into the third period. The Whalers Dave Babych broke the shutout bid by Patrick Roy with under three minutes left in the game, as Hartford tied the game 1-1, sending the contest into overtime. In the extra period, the Canadiens Claude Lemieux scored on Mike Liut 5:55 into the extra period, as Montreal won the game 2–1 and won the series, eliminating the Whalers from the post-season.

Adams Division Finals

(2) Montreal Canadiens vs. (4) Hartford Whalers
April 17 Hartford Whalers 4 – 1 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
Gavin (2) - (Evason, Turgeon) - 4:24
Turgeon (2) - (Gavin, McEwen) - 6:44
Anderson (4) - pp - (Dineen, Ferraro) - 17:21		 First period No scoring
No scoring Second period No scoring
Gavin (3) - en - (Jarvis, Tippett) - 19:02 Third period 10:42 - pp - Nilan (1) - (Naslund, Green)
Liut (4-0) (26 saves / 27 shots) Goalie stats Roy (3-1) (19 saves / 22 shots)
April 19 Hartford Whalers 1 – 3 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
No scoring First period 12:33 - pp - Richer (2) - (Dahlin, Robinson)
17:04 - Carbonneau (1) - (Nilan)
Ferraro (3) - pp - (Dineen, Anderson) - 7:17 Second period 6:12 - Carbonneau (2) - (Green)
No scoring Third period No scoring
Liut (4-1) (27 saves / 30 shots) Goalie stats Roy (4-1) (24 saves / 25 shots)
April 21 Montreal Canadiens 4 – 1 Hartford Whalers Hartford Civic Center Recap  
Dahlin (1) - (Smith, Naslund) - 4:48
Richer - (3) - pp - (Robinson, Dahlin) - 18:43		 First period No scoring
Lemieux (4) - (Skrudland) - 4:09 Second period 4:32 - Tippett (2) - (Ferraro, MacDermid)
Carbonneau (3) - en - (Unassisted) - 18:38 Third period No scoring
Roy (5-1) (20 saves / 21 shots) Goalie stats Weeks (0-1) (13 saves / 15 shots)
Liut (5 saves / 6 shots)
April 23 Montreal Canadiens 1 – 2 OT Hartford Whalers Hartford Civic Center Recap  
No scoring First period 13:53 - Gavin (4) - (Turgeon, Evason)
No scoring Second period No scoring
Naslund (2) - pp - (Gainey, Smith) - 12:22 Third period No scoring
No scoring First overtime period 1:07 - Dineen (3) - (Unassisted)
Roy (5-2) (22 saves / 24 shots) Goalie stats Weeks (1-1) (18 saves / 19 shots)
April 25 Hartford Whalers 3 – 5 Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
Dineen (4) - (Ferraro, Anderson) - 15:46 First period 2:05 - pp - Lemieux (5) - (Chelios, Robinson)
8:26 - sh - Carbonneau (4) - (Gainey, Ludwig)
12:44 - pp - Naslund (3) - (Smith, Gainey)
Dineen (5) - (Anderson, Samuelsson) - 14:14 Second period 16:03 - Lalor (1) - (Robinson, Dahlin)
Anderson (5) - (Ferraro, Dineen) - 9:58 Third period 18:41 - Carbonneau (5) - (Nilan, Green)
Weeks (1-2) (25 saves / 30 shots) Goalie stats Roy (6-2) (20 saves / 23 shots)
April 27 Montreal Canadiens 0 – 1 Hartford Whalers Hartford Civic Center Recap  
No scoring First period No scoring
No scoring Second period 7:30 - Dineen (6) - (Anderson, D. Babych)
No scoring Third period No scoring
Roy (6-3) (16 saves / 17 shots) Goalie stats Liut (5-1) (32 saves / 32 shots)
April 29 Hartford Whalers 1 – 2 OT Montreal Canadiens Montreal Forum Recap  
No scoring First period 18:47 - sh - McPhee (2) - (Unassisted)
No scoring Second period No scoring
D. Babych (1) - (Evason) - 17:12 Third period No scoring
No scoring First overtime period 5:55 - Lemieux (6) - (McPhee, Skrudland)
Liut (5-2) (30 saves / 32 shots) Goalie stats Roy (7-3) (24 saves / 25 shots)
Montreal wins series 4 – 3

Player statistics

Skaters

Goaltenders

Regular season[99]
Player GP GS TOI W L T GA GAA SA SV% SO G A PIM
Mike Liut57563277:35272341973.611,569.8742020
Steve Weeks27241542:2013130993.85721.8631019

[100]

Playoffs[101]
Player GP GS TOI W L GA GAA SA SV% SO G A PIM
Mike Liut88439:2952141.91212.9381000
Steve Weeks32167:331282.8656.8750000

[102]

†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Whalers. Stats reflect time with the Whalers only.
‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Whalers only.
Bold/italics denotes franchise record.

Transactions

The Whalers were involved in the following transactions during the 1985–86 season.

Trades

October 4, 1985 To St. Louis Blues
Cash		 To Hartford Whalers
Tim Bothwell
October 7, 1985 To Toronto Maple Leafs
Chris Kotsopoulos		 To Hartford Whalers
Stew Gavin
November 21, 1985 To Winnipeg Jets
Ray Neufeld		 To Hartford Whalers
Dave Babych
December 6, 1985 To Washington Capitals
Jorgen Pettersson		 To Hartford Whalers
Doug Jarvis
January 17, 1986 To Quebec Nordiques
Greg Malone		 To Hartford Whalers
Wayne Babych
February 3, 1986 To Chicago Black Hawks
3rd round pick in 1987 – Mike Dagenais		 To Hartford Whalers
Bill Gardner
March 8, 1986 To Quebec Nordiques
Risto Siltanen		 To Hartford Whalers
John Anderson
March 11, 1986 To New York Rangers
Bob Crawford		 To Hartford Whalers
Mike McEwen

Free agents

PlayerFormer Team
John NewberryMontreal Canadiens

Media

Television

Television
ChannelPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)
SportsChannel New EnglandRick PeckhamGerry Cheevers and Don Blackburn
WVIT–TV 30

Radio

Radio
Flagship StationPlay-by-playColor commentator(s)
WTIC–AM 1080Chuck KaitonAndre Lacroix

References

  1. ↑ "Hartford Whalers Yearly Attendance Graph". hockeydb.com.
  2. ↑ "1985 NHL Entry Draft". hockeydb.com.
  3. ↑ Dinger, Ralph, ed. (2011). The National Hockey League Official Guide & Record Book 2012. Dan Diamond & Associates. p. 153. ISBN 9781894801225.
  4. ↑ "All-Time NHL Results". NHL.com. Retrieved August 25, 2023.
  5. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – October 10th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  6. ↑ "New York Rangers – Hartford Whalers – October 12th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  7. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nor L1diques – October 15th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  8. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – New Jersey Devils – October 17th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – October 19th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Chicago Black Hawks – October 23rd, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  11. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Philadelphia Flyers – October 24th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  12. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – October 26th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  13. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Pittsburgh Penguins – October 29th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  14. ↑ "Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – October 30th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  15. ↑ "Los Angeles Kings – Hartford Whalers – November 2nd, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  16. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – November 5th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  17. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – November 7th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – November 9th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  19. ↑ "Minnesota North Stars – Hartford Whalers – November 13th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  20. ↑ "Philadelphia Flyers – Hartford Whalers – November 16th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  21. ↑ "Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – November 19th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  22. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Philadelphia Flyers – November 21st, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  23. ↑ "Winnipeg Jets – Hartford Whalers – November 23rd, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  24. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Los Angeles Kings – November 27th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  25. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Vancouver Canucks – November 29th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Edmonton Oilers – November 30th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Calgary Flames – December 4th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  28. ↑ "Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – December 7th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – December 11th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – December 13th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Pittsburgh Penguins – Hartford Whalers – December 14th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – December 16th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  33. ↑ "Calgary Flames – Hartford Whalers – December 18th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  34. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – December 19th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  35. ↑ "New Jersey Devils – Hartford Whalers – December 21st, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  36. ↑ "New York Islanders – Hartford Whalers – December 23rd, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  37. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – New York Islanders – December 26th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  38. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Toronto Maple Leafs – December 28th, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  39. ↑ "Detroit Red Wings – Hartford Whalers – December 29rd, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  40. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – December 31st, 1985". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  41. ↑ "Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – January 2nd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Edmonton Oilers – January 4th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Calgary Flames – January 7th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Vancouver Canucks – January 10th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  45. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Chicago Black Hawks – January 12th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  46. ↑ "Edmonton Oilers – Hartford Whalers – January 15th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  47. ↑ "Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – January 17th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  48. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – January 18th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  49. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – New York Rangers – January 20th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Toronto Maple Leafs – Hartford Whalers – January 23rd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Winnipeg Jets – Hartford Whalers – January 25th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – December 27th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  53. ↑ "Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – January 29th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  54. ↑ "New York Rangers – Hartford Whalers – February 1st, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  55. ↑ "Washington Capitals – Hartford Whalers – February 2nd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Detroit Red Wings – February 6th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  57. ↑ "Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – February 8th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  58. ↑ "New Jersey Devils – Hartford Whalers – February 9th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  59. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – St. Louis Blues – February 11th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  60. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Winnipeg Jets – February 14th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  61. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Minnesota North Stars – February 15th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  62. ↑ "Vancouver Canucks – Hartford Whalers – February 18th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  63. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – February 19th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  64. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – February 22nd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  65. ↑ "St. Louis Blues – Hartford Whalers – February 23rd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  66. ↑ "Minnesota North Stars – Hartford Whalers – February 26th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  67. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Pittsburgh Penguins – March 1st, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  68. ↑ "Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – March 2nd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  69. ↑ "Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – March 5th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  70. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – March 7th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  71. ↑ "Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – March 8th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  72. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – March 10th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  73. ↑ "New York Islanders – Hartford Whalers – March 13th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  74. ↑ "Chicago Black Hawks – Hartford Whalers – March 15th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  75. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Detroit Red Wings – March 18th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  76. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – St. Louis Blues – March 19th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  77. ↑ "Los Angeles Kings – Hartford Whalers – March 22nd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  78. ↑ "Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – March 23rd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  79. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – March 26th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  80. ↑ "Washington Capitals – Hartford Whalers – March 29th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  81. ↑ "Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – April 1st, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  82. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Washington Capitals – April 3rd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  83. ↑ "Toronto Maple Leafs – Hartford Whalers – April 5th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  84. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – April 6th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  85. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – April 9th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  86. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – April 10th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  87. ↑ "Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – April 12th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  88. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 17th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  89. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 19th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  90. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – April 21st, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  91. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – April 23rd, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  92. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 25th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  93. ↑ "Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – April 27th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  94. ↑ "Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 29th, 1986". NHL.com. September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 20, 2023.
  95. ↑ "1985–86 Regular season – Hartford Whalers Stats – Skaters". NHL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  96. ↑ "Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics". hockeydb.com.
  97. ↑ "1985–86 Playoffs – Hartford Whalers Stats – Skaters". NHL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  98. ↑ "Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics". hockeydb.com.
  99. ↑ "1985–86 Regular season – Hartford Whalers Stats – Goalies". NHL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  100. ↑ "Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics". hockeydb.com.
  101. ↑ "1985–86 Playoffs – Hartford Whalers Stats – Goalies". NHL.com. Retrieved January 14, 2024.
  102. ↑ "Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics". hockeydb.com.
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