1977–78 Quebec Nordiques season
Encyclopedia
The 1977–78 Quebec Nordiques
season was the Nordiques sixth season in the WHA, as they were coming off of a 47-31-3 record in the 1976-77 season, finishing in first place in the Eastern Division. Quebec defeated the New England Whalers, Indianapolis Racers
and Winnipeg Jets to win their first ever Avco Cup.
, Phoenix Roadrunners
, and San Diego Mariners
would all fold, bringing the league down to eight teams. The WHA abandoned the divisional format and grouped the remaining teams together. There had been a tentative agreement that would see the Nordiques, Cincinnati Stingers
, Edmonton Oilers
, Houston Aeros
, New England Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets join the National Hockey League
, however, it could not be finalized. In a unique move, the Soviet All-Stars and Czechoslovakian All-Stars would play games that would count in the final standings, as they played each WHA team once.
his job, as he was relieved of his duties and replaced with Maurice Filion
. Under Filion, the Nordiques improved, earning a record of 13-7-1 to finish the season with a 40-37-3 record, earning 83 points, and fourth place in the league.
Offensively, Quebec was led by Marc Tardif
, who won the Bill Hunter Trophy
awarded to the player who leads the league in scoring. Tardif led the league in goals with 65, tied for the league lead with 89 assists, for 154 points. Real Cloutier
had another great season, scoring 56 goals and 129 points in 73 games. Serge Bernier
finished third in team scoring with 78 points, despite missing 24 games, while Paulin Bordeleau
scored 42 goals and 65 points. On defense, Garry Lariviere
had a breakout season, earning 56 points, while Jean Bernier
had 10 goals and 42 points. J.C. Tremblay
continued to put up points, earning 42 in 56 games and Paul Baxter
had 35 points, along with a team high 240 penalty minutes.
In goal, Richard Brodeur
missed some time due to injuries, however, he still led the team with 18 wins and a 3.70 GAA in 36 games. Backup Jim Corsi had 10 wins and a 4.52 GAA, while Ken Broderick
earned 9 wins with a 4.37 GAA.
in a best of seven series. The Aeros finished the season with a 42-34-4 record, earning 86 points, and a third place finish. The series opened in Houston, and the Aeros won the series opener in overtime by a 4-3 score, however, the defending champion Nordiques evened the series with a 5-4 overtime victory in the second game. The series moved to Quebec for the next two games, and the Nordiques took control of the series, winning the third game 5-1, followed by a 3-0 shutout victory in the fourth game to take a 3-1 series lead. The fifth game was played in Houston, and the Aeros staved off elimination with a 5-2, bringing the series back to Quebec for the sixth game. The Nordiques would dominate in the sixth game, crushing the Aeros 11-2, and advance to the WHA semi-finals.
In the WHA semi-finals, the Nordiques would face off against the New England Whalers. New England finished in second during the regular season, with a record of 44-31-5, earning 93 points. The Whalers defeated the Edmonton Oilers
in five games in the opening round of the playoffs. The series opened with two games in New England, and the Whalers took an early series lead with a 5-1 victory in the series opener. Quebec fought back and tied the series up with a 3-2 win in the second game. The series moved to Quebec for the next two games, however, it was the Whalers who took control of the series, defeating the Nordiques 5-4 in the third game, followed by a 7-3 win in the fourth game to take a 3-1 series lead. In the fifth game back in New England, the Whalers took their opportunity and finished off the Nordiques, defeating Quebec 6-3 to win the series.
Quebec Nordiques
The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...
season was the Nordiques sixth season in the WHA, as they were coming off of a 47-31-3 record in the 1976-77 season, finishing in first place in the Eastern Division. Quebec defeated the New England Whalers, Indianapolis Racers
Indianapolis Racers
The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena...
and Winnipeg Jets to win their first ever Avco Cup.
Off-season
During the off-season, the league would lose another three teams, as the Calgary CowboysCalgary Cowboys
The Calgary Cowboys were an ice hockey team that played two seasons in the World Hockey Association from 1975–1977. The Cowboys played at the Stampede Corral in Calgary. The franchise was founded in 1972 as the Miami Screaming Eagles, though it never played a game in Miami...
, Phoenix Roadrunners
Phoenix Roadrunners (WHA)
The Phoenix Roadrunners were a team in the now defunct World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1977. They played at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Phoenix, Arizona...
, and San Diego Mariners
San Diego Mariners
The San Diego Mariners were an ice hockey team based in San Diego that played in the World Hockey Association. They played from 1974 to 1977. Their home ice was San Diego Sports Arena...
would all fold, bringing the league down to eight teams. The WHA abandoned the divisional format and grouped the remaining teams together. There had been a tentative agreement that would see the Nordiques, Cincinnati Stingers
Cincinnati Stingers
The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in...
, Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
, Houston Aeros
Houston Aeros
The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :...
, New England Whalers, and Winnipeg Jets join the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
, however, it could not be finalized. In a unique move, the Soviet All-Stars and Czechoslovakian All-Stars would play games that would count in the final standings, as they played each WHA team once.
Regular season
After losing their opening two games, the Nordiques would get hot, and earn a 16-10-1 record through their opening 27 games to sit in second place in the league. Quebec would then fall into a slump, in which they would post a record of 11-20-1 record in their next 32 games to fall three games under .500, and into fifth place. The slump would cost head coach Marc BoileauMarc Boileau
Marc Claude Boileau is a former Canadian ice hockey coach and player. Boileau played one season in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings. He was head coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1973 to 1976...
his job, as he was relieved of his duties and replaced with Maurice Filion
Maurice Filion
Maurice Filion is a former Canadian ice hockey coach. He was head coach of the Quebec Nordiques in 1981 as well as two other occasions when the franchise was in the World Hockey Association.-Coaching record:...
. Under Filion, the Nordiques improved, earning a record of 13-7-1 to finish the season with a 40-37-3 record, earning 83 points, and fourth place in the league.
Offensively, Quebec was led by Marc Tardif
Marc Tardif
Marc Tardif is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who is the leading goal scorer in the history of the World Hockey Association, principally for the Quebec Nordiques.-Playing career:...
, who won the Bill Hunter Trophy
Bill Hunter Trophy
The Bill Hunter Trophy was presented to the World Hockey Association's scoring leader in the regular season.It was named in honour of Bill Hunter, who founded the Alberta Oilers hockey club ....
awarded to the player who leads the league in scoring. Tardif led the league in goals with 65, tied for the league lead with 89 assists, for 154 points. Real Cloutier
Real Cloutier
Réal "Buddy" Cloutier is a retired Canadian ice hockey winger. Cloutier spent his most prolific years in the World Hockey Association with the Quebec Nordiques...
had another great season, scoring 56 goals and 129 points in 73 games. Serge Bernier
Serge Bernier
Serge Joseph Bernier is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played seven seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and Quebec Nordiques. He also played six seasons in the World Hockey Association for Quebec...
finished third in team scoring with 78 points, despite missing 24 games, while Paulin Bordeleau
Paulin Bordeleau
Paulin Joseph Bordeleau is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward. He played for France at the 1988 Winter Olympics....
scored 42 goals and 65 points. On defense, Garry Lariviere
Garry Lariviere
Garry Lariviere is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman.Lariviere started his National Hockey League career with the Quebec Nordiques in 1979. He also played for the Edmonton Oilers. He left the NHL after the 1983 season. He played 3 more years in the AHL for the St...
had a breakout season, earning 56 points, while Jean Bernier
Jean Bernier
Jean Bernier is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 260 games in the World Hockey Association. He played for the Quebec Nordiques. He was born in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec.- References :...
had 10 goals and 42 points. J.C. Tremblay
J.C. Tremblay
Jean-Claude Tremblay was an ice hockey defenceman for the NHL Montreal Canadiens and the WHA Quebec Nordiques, notable for playmaking and defensive skills....
continued to put up points, earning 42 in 56 games and Paul Baxter
Paul Baxter
Paul Gordon Baxter was an National Hockey League defenceman from 1979 to 1987 and an NHL assistant coach for eleven seasons. He was coaching the Wenatchee Wild in the NAHL before his firing in late November 2010...
had 35 points, along with a team high 240 penalty minutes.
In goal, Richard Brodeur
Richard Brodeur
Richard "King Richard, Kermit" Brodeur known to many as "King Richard", is a retired Canadian ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:...
missed some time due to injuries, however, he still led the team with 18 wins and a 3.70 GAA in 36 games. Backup Jim Corsi had 10 wins and a 4.52 GAA, while Ken Broderick
Ken Broderick
Kenneth Lorne Broderick is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 27 games in the National Hockey League and 73 games in the World Hockey Association. He played with the Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, and Quebec Nordiques. His brother Len also played in the...
earned 9 wins with a 4.37 GAA.
Game log
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record | Pts |
| 1 | October 13 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–5 | Winnipeg Jets | 0–1–0 | 0 |
| 2 | October 14 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–4 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
0–2–0 | 0 |
| 3 | October 15 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
2–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–2–0 | 2 |
| 4 | October 18 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
1–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–2–0 | 4 |
| 5 | October 21 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–4 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
2–2–1 | 5 |
| 6 | October 22 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
5–8 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–2–1 | 7 |
| 7 | October 26 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–7 | New England Whalers | 3–3–1 | 7 |
| 8 | October 30 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
4–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–3–1 | 9 |
| 9 | November 1 | New England Whalers | 6–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–4–1 | 9 |
| 10 | November 4 | Quebec Nordiques | 7–6 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
5–4–1 | 11 |
| 11 | November 5 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–5 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
5–5–1 | 11 |
| 12 | November 8 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
3–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–5–1 | 13 |
| 13 | November 11 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–2 | Winnipeg Jets | 7–5–1 | 15 |
| 14 | November 12 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
6–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 7–6–1 | 15 |
| 15 | November 15 | Winnipeg Jets | 6–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 8–6–1 | 17 |
| 16 | November 18 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–6 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
8–7–1 | 17 |
| 17 | November 20 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
2–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 9–7–1 | 19 |
| 18 | November 22 | New England Whalers | 4–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 10–7–1 | 21 |
| 19 | November 23 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–4 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
10–8–1 | 21 |
| 20 | November 25 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–2 | New England Whalers | 11–8–1 | 23 |
| 21 | November 26 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
2–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 12–8–1 | 25 |
| 22 | November 29 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
3–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 12–9–1 | 25 |
| 23 | December 1 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–5 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
12–10–1 | 25 |
| 24 | December 3 | Winnipeg Jets | 5–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 13–10–1 | 27 |
| 25 | December 6 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
3–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 14–10–1 | 29 |
| 26 | December 10 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
3–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 15–10–1 | 31 |
| 27 | December 11 | Czechoslovakian All-Stars | 4–8 | Quebec Nordiques | 16–10–1 | 33 |
| 28 | December 26 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–9 | Winnipeg Jets | 16–11–1 | 33 |
| 29 | December 27 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–9 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
16–12–1 | 33 |
| 30 | January 1 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–2 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
17–12–1 | 35 |
| 31 | January 3 | Soviet All-Stars | 3–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 17–12–2 | 36 |
| 32 | January 4 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–3 | New England Whalers | 18–12–2 | 38 |
| 33 | January 6 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–5 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
18–13–2 | 38 |
| 34 | January 10 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
4–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 19–13–2 | 40 |
| 35 | January 11 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–2 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
19–14–2 | 40 |
| 36 | January 14 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
4–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 20–14–2 | 42 |
| 37 | January 15 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
6–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 20–15–2 | 42 |
| 38 | January 18 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–5 | Winnipeg Jets | 20–16–2 | 42 |
| 39 | January 20 | Quebec Nordiques | 8–2 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
21–16–2 | 44 |
| 40 | January 21 | New England Whalers | 2–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 22–16–2 | 46 |
| 41 | January 22 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–6 | New England Whalers | 22–17–2 | 46 |
| 42 | January 24 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
6–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 22–18–2 | 46 |
| 43 | January 27 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–9 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
22–19–2 | 46 |
| 44 | January 29 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–3 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
23–19–2 | 48 |
| 45 | January 31 | Winnipeg Jets | 7–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 23–20–2 | 48 |
| 46 | February 2 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–2 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
24-20–2 | 50 |
| 47 | February 3 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–5 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
24–21–2 | 50 |
| 48 | February 4 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
4–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 24–22–2 | 50 |
| 49 | February 7 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
3–8 | Quebec Nordiques | 25–22–2 | 52 |
| 50 | February 9 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–2 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
25–23–2 | 52 |
| 51 | February 11 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–8 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
25–24–2 | 52 |
| 52 | February 12 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–8 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
25–25–2 | 52 |
| 53 | February 14 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–5 | New England Whalers | 25–26–2 | 52 |
| 54 | February 15 | Quebec Nordiques | 6–9 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
25–27–2 | 52 |
| 55 | February 17 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–6 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
25–28–2 | 52 |
| 56 | February 19 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–5 | Winnipeg Jets | 25–29–2 | 52 |
| 57 | February 21 | New England Whalers | 5–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 26–29–2 | 54 |
| 58 | February 23 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–7 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
26–30–2 | 54 |
| 59 | February 25 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
5–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 27–30–2 | 56 |
| 60 | February 28 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
2–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 28–30–2 | 58 |
| 61 | March 1 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–3 | New England Whalers | 29–30–2 | 60 |
| 62 | March 4 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
3–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 29–30–3 | 61 |
| 63 | March 5 | New England Whalers | 1–2 | Quebec Nordiques | 30–30–3 | 63 |
| 64 | March 7 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
5-4 | Quebec Nordiques | 30–31–3 | 63 |
| 65 | March 8 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–4 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
31–31–3 | 65 |
| 66 | March 9 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–9 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
31–32–3 | 65 |
| 67 | March 11 | Winnipeg Jets | 7–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 31–33–3 | 65 |
| 68 | March 14 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
3–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 32–33–3 | 67 |
| 69 | March 16 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
2–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 33–33–3 | 69 |
| 70 | March 18 | New England Whalers | 3–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 34–33–3 | 71 |
| 71 | March 19 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–5 | Winnipeg Jets | 34–34–3 | 71 |
| 72 | March 21 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
5–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 34–35–3 | 71 |
| 73 | March 24 | Quebec Nordiques | 4–3 | Birmingham Bulls Birmingham Bulls The Birmingham Bulls were a professional ice hockey team based in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. They played in the World Hockey Association from 1976 to 1979 and the Central Hockey League from 1979 to 1981. The Bulls played their home games at the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Center.Prior to being... |
35–35–3 | 73 |
| 74 | March 25 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–4 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
35–36–3 | 73 |
| 75 | March 28 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
4–6 | Quebec Nordiques | 36–36–3 | 75 |
| 76 | April 1 | Winnipeg Jets | 2–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 37–36–3 | 77 |
| 77 | April 2 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
1–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 38–36–3 | 79 |
| 78 | April 4 | Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League .... |
1–9 | Quebec Nordiques | 39–36–3 | 81 |
| 79 | April 8 | Indianapolis Racers Indianapolis Racers The Indianapolis Racers were a franchise in the former World Hockey Association from 1974 to 1978. They competed in five seasons, folding 25 games into the 1978–79 season. They played at Market Square Arena... |
3–7 | Quebec Nordiques | 40–36–3 | 83 |
| 80 | April 9 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–6 | Cincinnati Stingers Cincinnati Stingers The Cincinnati Stingers was an ice hockey team based in Cincinnati, Ohio, that played in the World Hockey Association from 1975 to 1979. Its home arena was Riverfront Coliseum and it was the only major-league hockey team ever to play in Cincinnati.-History:The Stingers franchise was awarded in... |
40–37–3 | 83 |
Playoffs
In the opening round of the playoffs, Quebec would face the Houston AerosHouston Aeros
The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :...
in a best of seven series. The Aeros finished the season with a 42-34-4 record, earning 86 points, and a third place finish. The series opened in Houston, and the Aeros won the series opener in overtime by a 4-3 score, however, the defending champion Nordiques evened the series with a 5-4 overtime victory in the second game. The series moved to Quebec for the next two games, and the Nordiques took control of the series, winning the third game 5-1, followed by a 3-0 shutout victory in the fourth game to take a 3-1 series lead. The fifth game was played in Houston, and the Aeros staved off elimination with a 5-2, bringing the series back to Quebec for the sixth game. The Nordiques would dominate in the sixth game, crushing the Aeros 11-2, and advance to the WHA semi-finals.
In the WHA semi-finals, the Nordiques would face off against the New England Whalers. New England finished in second during the regular season, with a record of 44-31-5, earning 93 points. The Whalers defeated the Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....
in five games in the opening round of the playoffs. The series opened with two games in New England, and the Whalers took an early series lead with a 5-1 victory in the series opener. Quebec fought back and tied the series up with a 3-2 win in the second game. The series moved to Quebec for the next two games, however, it was the Whalers who took control of the series, defeating the Nordiques 5-4 in the third game, followed by a 7-3 win in the fourth game to take a 3-1 series lead. In the fifth game back in New England, the Whalers took their opportunity and finished off the Nordiques, defeating Quebec 6-3 to win the series.
Quebec Nordiques 4, Houston Aeros 2
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record |
| 1 | April 16 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–4 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
0-1 |
| 2 | April 18 | Quebec Nordiques | 5–4 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
1-1 |
| 3 | April 20 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
1–5 | Quebec Nordiques | 2-1 |
| 4 | April 21 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
0–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 3-1 |
| 5 | April 23 | Quebec Nordiques | 2–5 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
3-2 |
| 6 | April 25 | Houston Aeros Houston Aeros The Houston Aeros are a professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League. The team plays in Houston, Texas, at the Toyota Center. They are the AHL affiliate of the NHL's Minnesota Wild.- History :... |
2–11 | Quebec Nordiques | 4-2 |
New England Whalers 4, Quebec Nordiques 1
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record |
| 1 | April 28 | Quebec Nordiques | 1–5 | New England Whalers | 0-1 |
| 2 | April 30 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–2 | New England Whalers | 1-1 |
| 3 | May 3 | New England Whalers | 5–4 | Quebec Nordiques | 1-2 |
| 4 | May 5 | New England Whalers | 7–3 | Quebec Nordiques | 1-3 |
| 5 | May 7 | Quebec Nordiques | 3–6 | New England Whalers | 1-4 |
Scoring leaders
| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marc Tardif Marc Tardif Marc Tardif is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who is the leading goal scorer in the history of the World Hockey Association, principally for the Quebec Nordiques.-Playing career:... |
78 | 65 | 89 | 154 | 50 |
| Real Cloutier Real Cloutier Réal "Buddy" Cloutier is a retired Canadian ice hockey winger. Cloutier spent his most prolific years in the World Hockey Association with the Quebec Nordiques... |
73 | 56 | 73 | 129 | 19 |
| Serge Bernier Serge Bernier Serge Joseph Bernier is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played seven seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and Quebec Nordiques. He also played six seasons in the World Hockey Association for Quebec... |
58 | 26 | 52 | 78 | 48 |
| Paulin Bordeleau Paulin Bordeleau Paulin Joseph Bordeleau is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward. He played for France at the 1988 Winter Olympics.... |
77 | 42 | 23 | 65 | 29 |
| Matti Hagman Matti Hagman Matti Risto Tapio "Hakki" Hagman is a former Finnish ice hockey professional. Hagman was the first Finnish-born and Finnish trained player to play an NHL game and the first to play in a Stanley Cup final... |
53 | 25 | 31 | 56 | 16 |
| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real Cloutier Real Cloutier Réal "Buddy" Cloutier is a retired Canadian ice hockey winger. Cloutier spent his most prolific years in the World Hockey Association with the Quebec Nordiques... |
10 | 9 | 7 | 16 | 15 |
| Marc Tardif Marc Tardif Marc Tardif is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey left winger who is the leading goal scorer in the history of the World Hockey Association, principally for the Quebec Nordiques.-Playing career:... |
11 | 6 | 9 | 15 | 11 |
| Serge Bernier Serge Bernier Serge Joseph Bernier is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played seven seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Los Angeles Kings and Quebec Nordiques. He also played six seasons in the World Hockey Association for Quebec... |
11 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 17 |
| Paul Baxter Paul Baxter Paul Gordon Baxter was an National Hockey League defenceman from 1979 to 1987 and an NHL assistant coach for eleven seasons. He was coaching the Wenatchee Wild in the NAHL before his firing in late November 2010... |
11 | 4 | 7 | 11 | 42 |
| Paulin Bordeleau Paulin Bordeleau Paulin Joseph Bordeleau is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward. He played for France at the 1988 Winter Olympics.... |
11 | 4 | 6 | 10 | 2 |
Goaltending
| Player | GP | Min | W | L | T | GA | SO | GAA | Save % |
| Richard Brodeur Richard Brodeur Richard "King Richard, Kermit" Brodeur known to many as "King Richard", is a retired Canadian ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:... |
36 | 1962 | 18 | 15 | 2 | 121 | 0 | 3.70 | .892 |
| Don McLeod Don McLeod Donald Martin "Smokey" McLeod is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender who played briefly in the National Hockey League and 6 full seasons in the World Hockey Association.... |
7 | 403 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 28 | 0 | 4.17 | .870 |
| Ken Broderick Ken Broderick Kenneth Lorne Broderick is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 27 games in the National Hockey League and 73 games in the World Hockey Association. He played with the Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, and Quebec Nordiques. His brother Len also played in the... |
24 | 1140 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 83 | 0 | 4.37 | .859 |
| Jim Corsi | 23 | 1089 | 10 | 7 | 0 | 82 | 0 | 4.52 | .873 |
| Markus Mattsson Markus Mattsson Markus Mattsson is a former professional ice hockey goaltender. He was one of the first goaltenders in the NHL from Finland. He is also the goalie who ended Wayne Gretzky's 51-game point streak in 1983–84.... |
6 | 266 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 6.77 | .819 |
| Player | GP | Min | W | L | GA | SO | GAA |
| Ken Broderick Ken Broderick Kenneth Lorne Broderick is a retired professional ice hockey player who played 27 games in the National Hockey League and 73 games in the World Hockey Association. He played with the Minnesota North Stars, Boston Bruins, Edmonton Oilers, and Quebec Nordiques. His brother Len also played in the... |
2 | 48 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 2.50 |
| Richard Brodeur Richard Brodeur Richard "King Richard, Kermit" Brodeur known to many as "King Richard", is a retired Canadian ice hockey goaltender.-Playing career:... |
11 | 622 | 5 | 5 | 38 | 1 | 3.67 |