1985–86 Hartford Whalers season

National Hockey League team season March 2026 August 2020 NHL 1985–86 1985 Hartford Whalers Adams 4th Wales 7th 40–36–4 21–17–2 19–19–2 332 302 Emile Francis Jack Evans Ron Francis Hartford Civic Center 12,769 (84.4%)https://www.hockeydb.com/nhl-attendance/att_graph.php?tmi=6045 Hartford Whalers Yearly Attendance Graph hockeydb.com Binghamton Whalers (AHL) Salt Lake Golden Eagles (IHL) Sylvain Turgeon (45) Ron Francis (53) Sylvain Turgeon (79) Joel Quenneville (+23) Torrie Robertson (358) Mike Liut (27) Mike 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 List of Hartford Whalers 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)15 Dana Murzyn D Canada Calgary Wranglers (WHL)226 Kay Whitmore G Canada Peterborough Petes (OHL)468 Gary Callaghan C Canada Belleville Bulls (OHL)6110 Shane Churla RW Canada Medicine Hat Tigers (WHL)7131 Chris Brant LW Canada Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHL)8152 Brian Puhalski LW Canada Notre Dame Hounds (SJHL)9173 Greg Dornbach C United States Miami University (CCHA)10194 Paul Tory RW Canada University of Illinois at Chicago (CCHA)11215 Jerry Pawloski D United States Harvard University (ECAC)12236 Bruce Hill LW Canada University of Denver (WCHA)http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl1985e.html 1985 NHL Entry Draft hockeydb.com Roster + 1985–86 Hartford Whalers RosterNo. Nat Player Pos S/G Age Acquired Birthplace 20 CAN John Anderson LW L/– 28 1986 Toronto 44 CAN Dave Babych D L/– 24 1985 Edmonton, Alberta 17 CAN Wayne Babych RW R/– 27 1986 Edmonton, Alberta 24 CAN Tim Bothwell D L/– 30 1985 Vancouver 34 USA Jack Brownschidle D L/– 30 1983 Buffalo, New York 21 CAN Sylvain Côté D R/– 20 1984 Quebec City, Quebec 25 CAN Bob Crawford RW R/– 26 1983 Belleville, Ontario 11 CAN Kevin Dineen RW R/– 22 1984 Quebec City, Quebec 12 CAN Dean Evason C R/– 21 1984 Flin Flon, Manitoba 29 USA Paul Fenton LW L/– 26 1984 Springfield, Massachusetts 26 CAN Ray Ferraro C L/– 21 1982 Trail, British Columbia 10 CAN Ron Francis (C) C L/– 22 1981 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario 14 CAN Bill Gardner C L/– 25 1985 Toronto 7 CAN Stew Gavin RW R/– 25 1985 Ottawa, Ontario 20 CAN Mike Hoffman LW L/– 22 1981 Cambridge, Ontario 27 CAN Doug Jarvis C L/– 30 1985 Peterborough, Ontario 18 USA Scot Kleinendorst D L/– 26 1984 Grand Rapids, Minnesota 28 CAN Paul Lawless LW L/– 21 1982 Scarborough, Ontario 1 CAN Mike Liut G –/L 30 1985 Weston, Ontario 23 CAN Paul MacDermid RW R/– 22 1981 Chesley, Ontario 14 CAN Greg Malone C L/– 29 1985 Fredericton, New Brunswick 25 CAN Mike McEwen D L/– 29 1985 Hornepayne, Ontario 4 CAN Dana Murzyn D L/– 19 1985 Calgary, Alberta 17 CAN Ray Neufeld RW R/– 26 1979 Saint Boniface, Manitoba 33 CAN John Newberry C L/– 23 1985 Port Alberni, British Columbia 6 CAN Mark Paterson D L/– 21 1982 Ottawa, Ontario 22 SWE Jörgen Pettersson LW L/– 29 1985 Gothenburg, Sweden 3 CAN Joel Quenneville D L/– 27 1983 Windsor, Ontario 32 CAN Torrie Robertson LW L/– 24 1983 Victoria, British Columbia 5 SWE Ulf Samuelsson D L/– 21 1982 Fagerstad, Sweden 38 CAN Brad Shaw D R/– 21 1985 Cambridge, Ontario 8 FIN Risto Siltanen D R/– 27 1982 Tampere, Finland 15 CAN Dave Tippett LW L/– 24 1983 Moosomin, Saskatchewan 16 CAN Sylvain Turgeon LW L/– 21 1983 Noranda, Quebec 31 CAN Steve Weeks G –/L 27 1984 Scarborough, Ontario 20 CAN Mike Zuke C R/– 31 1983 Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario Head coach Jack Evans Assistant Coach Claude Larose Head Trainer Tom Woodcock Assistant TrainerEquipment 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 HAR Record vs opponents HFD Schedule and results Regular season background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 5px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 5px solid; 1985–86 regular season: 40–36–4 (home: 21–17–2; road: 19–19–2)1985-86 Hartford Whalers Schedule https://www.hockey-reference.com/teams/HAR/1986_games.html Hockey-Reference.com March 18, 2025 y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; October: 6–4–0 (home: 3–0–0; road: 3–4–0) Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap |- | 1 || October 10, 1985 || @ Buffalo Sabres || 5–4 || || Liut || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium || 12,278 || 1–0–0 || 2 ||Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – October 10th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-buf/1985/10/10/1985020002 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 2 || October 12, 1985 || New York Rangers || 8–2 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 15,142 || 2–0–0 || 4 ||New York Rangers – Hartford Whalers – October 12th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-hfd/1985/10/12/1985020012 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 3 || October 15, 1985 || @ Quebec Nordiques || 1–4 || || Liut || Quebec Coliseum || 12,666 || 2–1–0 || 4 ||Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – October 15th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-que/1985/10/15/1985020029 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 4 || October 17, 1985 || @ New Jersey Devils || 4–3 || OT || Weeks || Brendan Byrne Arena || 7,962 || 3–1–0 || 6 ||Hartford Whalers – New Jersey Devils – October 17th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-njd/1985/10/17/1985020039 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 5 || October 19, 1985 || Montreal Canadiens || 11–6 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 13,048 || 4–1–0 || 8 ||Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – October 19th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-hfd/1985/10/19/1985020046 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 6 || October 23, 1985 || @ Chicago Black Hawks || 2–9 || || Liut || Chicago Stadium || 14,971 || 4–2–0 || 8 ||Hartford Whalers – Chicago Black Hawks – October 23rd, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-chi/1985/10/23/1985020062 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 7 || October 24, 1985 || @ Philadelphia Flyers || 0–3 || || Weeks || The Spectrum || 17,053 || 4–3–0 || 8 ||Hartford Whalers – Philadelphia Flyers – October 24th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-phi/1985/10/24/1985020070 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 8 || October 26, 1985 || @ Montreal Canadiens || 3–5 || || Liut || Montreal Forum || 16,735 || 4–4–0 || 8 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – October 26th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1985/10/26/1985020078 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 9 || October 29, 1985 || @ Pittsburgh Penguins || 4–3 || || Liut || Pittsburgh Civic Arena || 6,793 || 5–4–0 || 10 ||Hartford Whalers – Pittsburgh Penguins – October 29th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-pit/1985/10/29/1985020091 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 10 || October 30, 1985 || Quebec Nordiques || 6–4 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 11,014 || 6–4–0 || 12 ||Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – October 30th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/que-vs-hfd/1985/10/30/1985020095 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; November: 5–7–0 (home: 2–4–0; road: 3–3–0) Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap |- | 11 || November 2, 1985 || Los Angeles Kings || 1–8 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 12,024 || 6–5–0 || 12 ||Los Angeles Kings – Hartford Whalers – November 2nd, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/lak-vs-hfd/1985/11/02/1985020107 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 12 || November 5, 1985 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–8 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 10,820 || 6–6–0 || 12 ||Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – November 5th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-hfd/1985/11/05/1985020120 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 13 || November 7, 1985 || @ Boston Bruins || 1–2 || || Weeks || Boston Garden || 12,787 || 6–7–0 || 12 ||Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – November 7th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-bos/1985/11/07/1985020132 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 14 || November 9, 1985 || @ Quebec Nordiques || 4–3 || || Liut || Quebec Coliseum || 14,552 || 7–7–0 || 14 ||Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – November 9th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-que/1985/11/09/1985020140 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 15 || November 13, 1985 || Minnesota North Stars || 5–2 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 9,732 || 8–7–0 || 16 ||Minnesota North Stars – Hartford Whalers – November 13th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mns-vs-hfd/1985/11/13/1985020156 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 16 || November 16, 1985 || Philadelphia Flyers || 2–5 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 15,142 || 8–8–0 || 16 ||Philadelphia Flyers – Hartford Whalers – November 16th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/phi-vs-hfd/1985/11/16/1985020168 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 17 || November 19, 1985 || Buffalo Sabres || 0–2 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 10,027 || 8–9–0 || 16 ||Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – November 19th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-hfd/1985/11/19/1985020183 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 18 || November 21, 1985 || @ Philadelphia Flyers || 0–3 || || Liut || The Spectrum || 17,211 || 8–10–0 || 16 ||Hartford Whalers – Philadelphia Flyers – November 21st, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-phi/1985/11/21/1985020196 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 19 || November 23, 1985 || Winnipeg Jets || 8–1 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 11,957 || 9–10–0 || 18 ||Winnipeg Jets – Hartford Whalers – November 23rd, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/win-vs-hfd/1985/11/23/1985020203 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 20 || November 27, 1985 || @ Los Angeles Kings || 9–0 || || Liut || The Forum || 8,888 || 10–10–0 || 20 ||Hartford Whalers – Los Angeles Kings – November 27th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-lak/1985/11/27/1985020219 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 21 || November 29, 1985 || @ Vancouver Canucks || 5–4 || || Liut || Pacific Coliseum || 9,276 || 11–10–0 || 22 ||Hartford Whalers – Vancouver Canucks – November 29th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-van/1985/11/29/1985020228 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 22 || November 30, 1985 || @ Edmonton Oilers || 5–8 || || Weeks || Northlands Coliseum || 17,304 || 11–11–0 || 22 ||Hartford Whalers – Edmonton Oilers – November 30th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-edm/1985/11/30/1985020235 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; December: 8–5–1 (home: 5–2–0; road: 3–3–1) Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap |- | 23 || December 4, 1985 || @ Calgary Flames || 5–8 || || Liut || Olympic Saddledome || 16,672 || 11–12–0 || 22 ||Hartford Whalers – Calgary Flames – December 4th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-cgy/1985/12/04/1985020252 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 24 || December 7, 1985 || Boston Bruins || 7–2 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 15,126 || 12–12–0 || 24 ||Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – December 7th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-hfd/1985/12/07/1985020266 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 25 || December 11, 1985 || Montreal Canadiens || 1–3 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 11,262 || 12–13–0 || 24 ||Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – December 11th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-hfd/1985/12/11/1985020286 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 26 || December 13, 1985 || @ Buffalo Sabres || 6–4 || || Liut || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium || 11,519 || 13–13–0 || 26 ||Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – December 13th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-buf/1985/12/13/1985020296 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 27 || December 14, 1985 || Pittsburgh Penguins || 5–4 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 10,938 || 14–13–0 || 28 ||Pittsburgh Penguins – Hartford Whalers – December 14th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/pit-vs-hfd/1985/12/14/1985020299 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 28 || December 16, 1985 || @ Montreal Canadiens || 4–4 || OT || Liut || Montreal Forum || 16,296 || 14–13–1 || 29 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – December 16th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1985/12/16/1985020313 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 29 || December 18, 1985 || Calgary Flames || 4–3 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 9,929 || 15–13–1 || 31 ||Calgary Flames – Hartford Whalers – December 18th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/cgy-vs-hfd/1985/12/18/1985020320 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 30 || December 19, 1985 || @ Boston Bruins || 1–2 || || Liut || Boston Garden || 10,244 || 15–14–1 || 31 ||Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – December 19th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-bos/1985/12/19/1985020326 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 31 || December 21, 1985 || New Jersey Devils || 7–6 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 11,229 || 16–14–1 || 33 ||New Jersey Devils – Hartford Whalers – December 21st, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/njd-vs-hfd/1985/12/21/1985020336 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 32 || December 23, 1985 || New York Islanders || 3–6 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 14,263 || 16–15–1 || 33 ||New York Islanders – Hartford Whalers – December 23rd, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyi-vs-hfd/1985/12/23/1985020348 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 33 || December 26, 1985 || @ New York Islanders || 4–3 || || Weeks || Nassau Coliseum || 16,152 || 17–15–1 || 35 ||Hartford Whalers – New York Islanders – December 26th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-nyi/1985/12/26/1985020352 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 34 || December 28, 1985 || @ Toronto Maple Leafs || 6–3 || || Weeks || Maple Leaf Gardens || 16,285 || 18–15–1 || 37 ||Hartford Whalers – Toronto Maple Leafs – December 28th, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-tor/1985/12/28/1985020361 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 35 || December 29, 1985 || Detroit Red Wings || 5–2 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 12,762 || 19–15–1 || 39 ||Detroit Red Wings – Hartford Whalers – December 29rd, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/det-vs-hfd/1985/12/29/1985020370 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 36 || December 31, 1985 || @ Quebec Nordiques || 1–5 || || Weeks || Quebec Coliseum || 13,644 || 19–16–1 || 39 ||Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – December 31st, 1985 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-que/1985/12/31/1985020376 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; January: 7–6–0 (home: 3–3–0; road: 4–3–0) Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap |- | 37 || January 2, 1986 || Quebec Nordiques || 2–3 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 11,664 || 19–17–1 || 39 ||Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – January 2nd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/que-vs-hfd/1986/01/02/1985020385 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 38 || January 4, 1986 || @ Edmonton Oilers || 3–4 || || Liut || Northlands Coliseum || 17,282 || 19–18–1 || 39 ||Hartford Whalers – Edmonton Oilers – January 4th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-edm/1986/01/04/1985020393 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 39 || January 7, 1986 || @ Calgary Flames || 9–1 || || Weeks || Olympic Saddledome || 16,762 || 20–18–1 || 41 ||Hartford Whalers – Calgary Flames – January 7th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-cgy/1986/01/07/1985020409 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 40 || January 10, 1986 || @ Vancouver Canucks || 4–3 || || Liut || Pacific Coliseum || 9,539 || 21–18–1 || 43 ||Hartford Whalers – Vancouver Canucks – January 10th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-van/1986/01/10/1985020422 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 41 || January 12, 1986 || @ Chicago Black Hawks || 2–4 || || Weeks || Chicago Stadium || 17,301 || 21–19–1 || 43 ||Hartford Whalers – Chicago Black Hawks – January 12th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-chi/1986/01/12/1985020435 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 42 || January 15, 1986 || Edmonton Oilers || 1–4 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 15,126 || 21–20–1 || 43 ||Edmonton Oilers – Hartford Whalers – January 15th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/edm-vs-hfd/1986/01/15/1985020446 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 43 || January 17, 1986 || Quebec Nordiques || 11–6 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 12,486 || 22–20–1 || 45 ||Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – January 17th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/que-vs-hfd/1986/01/17/1985020455 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 44 || January 18, 1986 || @ Quebec Nordiques || 11–6 || || Liut || Quebec Coliseum || 15,012 || 23–20–1 || 47 ||Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – January 18th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-que/1986/01/18/1985020461 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 45 || January 20, 1986 || @ New York Rangers || 5–0 || || Weeks || Madison Square Garden || 17,419 || 24–20–1 || 49 ||Hartford Whalers – New York Rangers – January 20th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-nyr/1986/01/20/1985020474 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 46 || January 23, 1986 || Toronto Maple Leafs || 4–1 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 12,035 || 25–20–1 || 51 ||Toronto Maple Leafs – Hartford Whalers – January 23rd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/tor-vs-hfd/1986/01/23/1985020487 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 47 || January 25, 1986 || Winnipeg Jets || 7–2 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 12,471 || 26–20–1 || 53 ||Winnipeg Jets – Hartford Whalers – January 25th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/win-vs-hfd/1986/01/25/1985020497 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 48 || January 27, 1986 || @ Boston Bruins || 3–6 || || Liut || Boston Garden || 10,496 || 26–21–1 || 53 ||Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – December 27th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-bos/1986/01/27/1985020505 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 49 || January 29, 1986 || Boston Bruins || 4–5 || OT || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 14,756 || 26–22–1 || 53 ||Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – January 29th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-hfd/1986/01/29/1985020514 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; February: 2–10–1 (home: 1–6–0; road: 1–4–1) Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap |- | 50 || February 1, 1986 || New York Rangers || 1–3 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 15,126 || 26–23–1 || 53 ||New York Rangers – Hartford Whalers – February 1st, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyr-vs-hfd/1986/02/01/1985020529 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 51 || February 2, 1986 || Washington Capitals || 4–5 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 12,473 || 26–24–1 || 53 ||Washington Capitals – Hartford Whalers – February 2nd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-hfd/1986/02/02/1985020538 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- style="text-align:center; background:#bbcaff;" | colspan="11" | 38th All-Star Game in Hartford, Connecticut |- | 52 || February 6, 1986 || @ Detroit Red Wings || 3–4 || OT || Liut || Joe Louis Arena || 16,758 || 26–25–1 || 53 ||Hartford Whalers – Detroit Red Wings – February 6th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-det/1986/02/06/1985020547 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 53 || February 8, 1986 || Buffalo Sabres || 2–4 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 14,088 || 26–26–1 || 53 ||Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – February 8th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-hfd/1986/02/08/1985020555 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 54 || February 9, 1986 || New Jersey Devils || 3–6 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 10,609 || 26–27–1 || 53 ||New Jersey Devils – Hartford Whalers – February 9th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/njd-vs-hfd/1986/02/09/1985020564 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 55 || February 11, 1986 || @ St. Louis Blues || 4–4 || OT || Liut || St. Louis Arena || 10,877 || 26–27–2 || 54 ||Hartford Whalers – St. Louis Blues – February 11th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-stl/1986/02/11/1985020571 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 56 || February 14, 1986 || @ Winnipeg Jets || 4–5 || || Weeks || Winnipeg Arena || 14,620 || 26–28–2 || 54 ||Hartford Whalers – Winnipeg Jets – February 14th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-win/1986/02/14/1985020584 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 57 || February 15, 1986 || @ Minnesota North Stars || 1–4 || || Weeks || Met Center || 12,726 || 26–29–2 || 54 ||Hartford Whalers – Minnesota North Stars – February 15th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mns/1986/02/15/1985020589 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 58 || February 18, 1986 || Vancouver Canucks || 5–4 || || Weeks || Hartford Civic Center || 10,812 || 27–29–2 || 56 ||Vancouver Canucks – Hartford Whalers – February 18th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/van-vs-hfd/1986/02/18/1985020605 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 59 || February 19, 1986 || @ Buffalo Sabres || 6–4 || || Liut || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium || 15,624 || 28–29–2 || 58 ||Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – February 19th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-buf/1986/02/19/1985020609 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 60 || February 22, 1986 || @ Montreal Canadiens || 3–6 || || Liut || Montreal Forum || 17,671 || 28–30–2 || 58 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – February 22nd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1986/02/22/1985020624 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 61 || February 23, 1986 || St. Louis Blues || 2–8 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 12,117 || 28–31–2 || 58 ||St. Louis Blues – Hartford Whalers – February 23rd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/stl-vs-hfd/1986/02/23/1985020630 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 62 || February 26, 1986 || Minnesota North Stars || 2–5 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 11,042 || 28–32–2 || 58 ||Minnesota North Stars – Hartford Whalers – February 26th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mns-vs-hfd/1986/02/26/1985020642 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; March: 9–3–2 (home: 5–2–2; road: 4–1–0) Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap |- | 63 || March 1, 1986 || @ Pittsburgh Penguins || 1–5 || || Weeks || Pittsburgh Civic Arena || 16,033 || 28–33–2 || 58 ||Hartford Whalers – Pittsburgh Penguins – March 1st, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-pit/1986/03/01/1985020656 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 L4 |- | 64 || March 2, 1986 || Boston Bruins || 4–1 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 13,806 || 29–33–2 || 60 ||Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – March 2nd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-hfd/1986/03/02/1985020664 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 65 || March 5, 1986 || Buffalo Sabres || 5–1 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 13,019 || 30–33–2 || 62 ||Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – March 5th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-hfd/1986/03/05/1985020678 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 66 || March 7, 1986 || @ Buffalo Sabres || 6–2 || || Liut || Buffalo Memorial Auditorium || 15,764 || 31–33–2 || 64 ||Hartford Whalers – Buffalo Sabres – March 7th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-buf/1986/03/07/1985020689 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 67 || March 8, 1986 || Quebec Nordiques || 3–6 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 13,616 || 31–34–2 || 64 ||Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – March 8th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/que-vs-hfd/1986/03/08/1985020692 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 68 || March 10, 1986 || @ Montreal Canadiens || 5–2 || || Liut || Montreal Forum || 16,616 || 32–34–2 || 66 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – March 10th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1986/03/10/1985020705 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 69 || March 13, 1986 || New York Islanders || 2–3 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 13,140 || 32–35–2 || 66 ||New York Islanders – Hartford Whalers – March 13th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/nyi-vs-hfd/1986/03/13/1985020719 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 70 || March 15, 1986 || Chicago Black Hawks || 11–4 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 12,233 || 33–35–2 || 68 ||Chicago Black Hawks – Hartford Whalers – March 15th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/chi-vs-hfd/1986/03/15/1985020726 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 71 || March 18, 1986 || @ Detroit Red Wings || 6–4 || || Liut || Joe Louis Arena || 15,640 || 34–35–2 || 70 ||Hartford Whalers – Detroit Red Wings – March 18th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-det/1986/03/18/1985020742 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 72 || March 19, 1986 || @ St. Louis Blues || 5–2 || || Liut || St. Louis Arena || 8,377 || 35–35–2 || 72 ||Hartford Whalers – St. Louis Blues – March 19th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-stl/1986/03/19/1985020746 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 73 || March 22, 1986 || Los Angeles Kings || 6–3 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 12,198 || 36–35–2 || 74 ||Los Angeles Kings – Hartford Whalers – March 22nd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/lak-vs-hfd/1986/03/22/1985020761 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 74 || March 23, 1986 || Boston Bruins || 5–5 || OT || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 15,126 || 36–35–3 || 75 ||Boston Bruins – Hartford Whalers – March 23rd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/bos-vs-hfd/1986/03/23/1985020768 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 75 || March 26, 1986 || Montreal Canadiens || 3–0 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 13,877 || 37–35–3 || 77 ||Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – March 26th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-hfd/1986/03/26/1985020779 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 76 || March 29, 1986 || Washington Capitals || 6–6 || OT || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 14,266 || 37–35–4 || 78 ||Washington Capitals – Hartford Whalers – March 29th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/wsh-vs-hfd/1986/03/29/1985020793 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- y background:#FFFFFF; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; April: 3–1–0 (home: 2–0–0; road: 1–1–0) Game Date Opponent Score OT Decision Location Attendance Record Points Recap |- | 77 || April 1, 1986 || Buffalo Sabres || 5–3 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 15,126 || 38–35–4 || 80 ||Buffalo Sabres – Hartford Whalers – April 1st, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/buf-vs-hfd/1986/04/01/1985020806 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 78 || April 3, 1986 || @ Washington Capitals || 2–4 || || Liut || Capital Centre || 14,155 || 38–36–4 || 80 ||Hartford Whalers – Washington Capitals – April 3rd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-wsh/1986/04/03/1985020821 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 79 || April 5, 1986 || Toronto Maple Leafs || 7–1 || || Liut || Hartford Civic Center || 15,126 || 39–36–4 || 82 ||Toronto Maple Leafs – Hartford Whalers – April 5th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/tor-vs-hfd/1986/04/05/1985020825 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 80 || April 6, 1986 || @ Boston Bruins || 4–3 || || Weeks || Boston Garden || 12,787 || 40–36–4 || 84 ||Hartford Whalers – Boston Bruins – April 6th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-bos/1986/04/06/1985020833 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- |- | Legend: #cfc Win (2 points) 1px solid black #fcc Loss (0 points) 1px solid black #ffc Tie (1 point) 1px solid black Playoffs background:#fff; border-top:#009A44 5px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 5px solid; 1986 Stanley Cup playoffs y background:#fff; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; Adams Division Semifinals vs. (A1) Quebec Nordiques – Whalers win 3–0 Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Recap |- | 1 || April 9, 1986 || Hartford || 3–2 || Quebec || OT || Liut || 14,504 || 1–0 ||Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – April 9th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-que/1986/04/09/1985030111 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 2 || April 10, 1986 || Hartford || 4–1 || Quebec || || Liut || 14,562 || 2–0 ||Hartford Whalers – Quebec Nordiques – April 10th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-que/1986/04/10/1985030112 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 3 || April 12, 1986 || Quebec || 4–9 || Hartford || || Liut || 15,126 || 3–0 ||Quebec Nordiques – Hartford Whalers – April 12th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/que-vs-hfd/1986/04/12/1985030113 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- y background:#fff; border-top:#009A44 2px solid; border-bottom:#005EB8 2px solid; Adams Division Finals vs. (A2) Montreal Canadiens – Canadiens win 4–3 Game Date Visitor Score Home OT Decision Attendance Series Recap |- | 1 || April 17, 1986 || Hartford || 4–1 || Montreal || || Liut || 17,145 || 1–0 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 17th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1986/04/17/1985030211 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 2 || April 19, 1986 || Hartford || 1–3 || Montreal || || Liut || 17,657 || 1–1 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 19th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1986/04/19/1985030212 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 3 || April 21, 1986 || Montreal || 4–1 || Hartford || || Weeks || 15,126 || 1–2 ||Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – April 21st, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-hfd/1986/04/21/1985030213 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 4 || April 23, 1986 || Montreal || 1–2 || Hartford || OT || Weeks || 15,126 || 2–2 ||Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – April 23rd, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-hfd/1986/04/23/1985030214 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 5 || April 25, 1986 || Hartford || 3–5 || Montreal || || Weeks || 17,660 || 2–3 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 25th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1986/04/25/1985030215 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 6 || April 27, 1986 || Montreal || 0–1 || Hartford || || Liut || 15,126 || 3–3 ||Montreal Canadiens – Hartford Whalers – April 27th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/mtl-vs-hfd/1986/04/27/1985030216 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- | 7 || April 29, 1986 || Hartford || 1–2 || Montreal || OT || Liut || 17,546 || 3–4 ||Hartford Whalers – Montreal Canadiens – April 29th, 1986 https://www.nhl.com/gamecenter/hfd-vs-mtl/1986/04/29/1985030217 NHL.com September 20, 2023 September 20, 2023 |- |- | Legend: #cfc Win 1px solid black #fcc Loss 1px solid black Detailed records Prince of Wales Conference Opponent W L T PTS WP GS GA Adams Division Boston Bruins 3 4 1 7 3 4 1 y 29 26 Buffalo Sabres 6 2 0 12 6 2 0 y 35 24 Hartford Whalers Montreal Canadiens 3 4 1 7 3 4 1 y 33 34 Quebec Nordiques 4 4 0 8 5 1 2 y 33 33 Division Total 16 14 2 34 16 14 2 y 130 117 Patrick Division New Jersey Devils 2 1 0 4 2 1 0 y 14 15 New York Islanders 1 2 0 2 1 2 0 y 9 12 New York Rangers 2 1 0 4 2 1 0 y 14 5 Philadelphia Flyers 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 y 2 11 Pittsburgh Penguins 2 1 0 4 2 1 0 y 10 12 Washington Capitals 0 2 1 1 0 2 1 y 12 15 Division Total 7 10 1 15 7 10 1 y 61 70 Conference Total 23 24 3 49 23 24 3 y 191 187 Clarence Campbell Conference Opponent W L T PTS WP GS GA Norris Division Chicago Black Hawks 1 2 0 2 1 2 0 y 15 17 Detroit Red Wings 2 1 0 4 2 1 0 y 14 10 Minnesota North Stars 1 2 0 2 1 2 0 y 8 11 St. Louis Blues 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 y 11 14 Toronto Maple Leafs 3 0 0 6 3 0 0 y 17 5 Division Total 8 6 1 17 8 6 1 y 65 57 Opponent W L T PTS WP GS GA Smythe Division Calgary Flames 2 1 0 4 2 1 0 y 18 12 Edmonton Oilers 0 3 0 0 0 3 0 y 9 16 Los Angeles Kings 2 1 0 4 2 1 0 y 16 11 Vancouver Canucks 3 0 0 6 3 0 0 y 14 11 Winnipeg Jets 2 1 0 4 2 1 0 y 19 8 Division Total 9 6 0 18 9 6 0 y 76 58 Conference Total 17 12 1 35 17 12 1 y 141 115 NHL Total 40 36 4 84 40 36 4 y 332 302 Month Games Won Lost Tie Points Win % GS GA October 10 6 4 0 12 6 4 0 y 44 43 November 12 5 7 0 10 5 7 0 y 43 46 December 14 8 5 1 17 8 5 1 y 59 55 January 13 7 6 0 14 7 6 0 y 60 41 February 13 2 10 1 5 2 10 1 y 40 62 March 14 9 3 2 20 9 3 2 y 68 44 April 4 3 1 0 6 3 1 0 y 18 11 Total 80 40 36 4 84 40 36 4 y 332 302 Games Won Lost Tie Points Win % GS GA Home 40 21 17 2 44 21 17 2 y 181 153 Away 40 19 19 2 40 19 19 2 y 151 149 Total 80 40 36 4 84 40 36 4 y 332 302 Game Officials Regular Season + 1985–86 Hartford Whalers Regular Season Game Officials October#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman November#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman December#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman Janaury#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman February#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman March#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman April#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman Playoffs + 1985–86 Hartford Whalers Playoff Game Officials Adams Division Semifinals vs. (A1) Quebec Nordiques#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman Adams Division Finals vs. (A2) Montreal Canadiens#DateOpponentRefereeLinesmanLinesman 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. 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. Player statistics Skaters Regular season1985–86 Regular season – Hartford Whalers Stats – Skaters https://www.nhl.com/stats/skaters?reportType=season&seasonFrom=19851986&seasonTo=19851986&gameType=2&playerPlayedFor=franchise.26&filter=gamesPlayed,gte,1&sort=points,goals,assists&page=0&pageSize=50 NHL.com January 14, 2024 Player GP Games played G Goals A Assists Pts Points+/− Plus/minus PIM Penalty minutes Sylvain Turgeon 76 45 34 79 +1 88 Ron Francis 53 24 53 77 +8 24 Ray Ferraro 76 30 47 77 +10 57 Kevin Dineen 57 33 35 68 +16 124 Stewart Gavin 76 26 29 55 +12 51 Dave Babych† 62 10 43 53 +2 36 Dean Evason 55 20 28 48 +12 65 Paul Lawless ice hockey 64 17 21 38 −3 20 Torrie Robertson 76 13 24 37 −11 358 Bob Crawford ice hockey‡ 57 14 20 34 −16 16 Dave Tippett 80 14 20 34 +9 18 Risto Siltanen‡ 52 8 22 30 +2 30 Wayne Babych† 37 11 17 28 +6 59 Dana Murzyn 78 3 23 26 +1 125 John Anderson ice hockey, born 1957† 14 8 17 25 +18 2 Joel Quenneville 80 5 19 24 +21 83 Doug Jarvis† 57 8 16 24 +7 20 Ulf Samuelsson 80 5 19 24 +7 174 Paul MacDermid 74 13 10 23 +1 160 Ray Neufeld‡ 16 5 10 15 −3 40 Greg Malone ice hockey‡ 22 6 7 13 −5 24 Jörgen Pettersson ice hockey‡ 23 5 5 10 −11 2 Tim Bothwell 62 2 8 10 +11 53 Bill Gardner ice hockey† 18 1 8 9 −6 4 Scot Kleinendorst 41 2 7 9 +8 62 Mike McEwen ice hockey† 10 3 2 5 +5 6 Mike Hoffman ice hockey, born 1963 6 1 2 3 −1 2 Brad Shaw 8 0 2 2 −1 4 Mike Zuke 17 0 2 2 −2 12 Paul Fenton ice hockey 1 0 0 0 +1 0 Sylvain Côté 2 0 0 0 +1 0 John Newberry ice hockey 3 0 0 0 −4 0 Mark Paterson ice hockey 5 0 0 0 −5 5 Jack Brownschidle 9 0 0 0 −4 4http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000461986.html Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics hockeydb.com Playoffs1985–86 Playoffs – Hartford Whalers Stats – Skaters https://www.nhl.com/stats/skaters?reportType=season&seasonFrom=19851986&seasonTo=19851986&gameType=3&playerPlayedFor=franchise.26&filter=gamesPlayed,gte,1&sort=points,goals,assists&page=0&pageSize=50 NHL.com January 14, 2024 Player GP Games played G Goals A Assists Pts Points+/− Plus/minus PIM Penalty minutes Kevin Dineen 10 6 7 13 +2 18 John Anderson ice hockey, born 1957 10 5 8 13 +3 0 Ray Ferraro 10 3 6 9 −1 4 Sylvain Turgeon 9 2 3 5 +2 4 Stewart Gavin 10 4 1 5 +6 13 Dean Evason 10 1 4 5 +4 10 Mike McEwen ice hockey 8 0 4 4 −1 6 Dave Babych 8 1 3 4 −1 14 Dave Tippett 10 2 2 4 +3 4 Ulf Samuelsson 10 1 2 3 +5 38 Paul MacDermid 10 2 1 3 +1 20 Doug Jarvis 10 0 3 3 +1 4 Ron Francis 10 1 2 3 −1 4 Joel Quenneville 10 0 2 2 +7 12 Torrie Robertson 10 1 0 1 −1 67 Scot Kleinendorst 10 0 1 1 +6 18 Wayne Babych 10 0 1 1 −2 2 Paul Lawless ice hockey 1 0 0 0 0 0 Dana Murzyn 4 0 0 0 +2 10 Tim Bothwell 10 0 0 0 +2 8http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000461986.html Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics hockeydb.com Goaltenders Regular season1985–86 Regular season – Hartford Whalers Stats – Goalies https://www.nhl.com/stats/goalies?reportType=season&seasonFrom=19851986&seasonTo=19851986&gameType=2&playerPlayedFor=franchise.26&filter=gamesPlayed,gte,1&sort=wins,savePct&page=0&pageSize=50 NHL.com January 14, 2024 Player GP Games played GS Games started TOI Time on ice W Win L Loss T Tie GA Goals against GAA Goals against average SA Shots against SV% Save percentage SO Shutouts G Goals A Assists PIM Penalty minutes Mike Liut 57 56 3277:35 27 23 4 197 3.61 1,569 .874 2 0 2 0 Steve Weeks 27 24 1542:20 13 13 0 99 3.85 721 .863 1 0 1 9http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000461986.html Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics hockeydb.com Playoffs1985–86 Playoffs – Hartford Whalers Stats – Goalies https://www.nhl.com/stats/goalies?reportType=season&seasonFrom=19851986&seasonTo=19859186&gameType=3&playerPlayedFor=franchise.26&filter=gamesPlayed,gte,1&sort=wins,savePct&page=0&pageSize=50 NHL.com January 14, 2024 Player GP Games played GS Games started TOI Time on ice W Win L Loss GA Goals against GAA Goals against average SA Shots against SV% Save percentage SO Shutouts G Goals A Assists PIM Penalty minutes Mike Liut 8 8 439:29 5 2 14 1.91 212 .938 1 0 0 0 Steve Weeks 3 2 167:33 1 2 8 2.86 56 .875 0 0 0 0http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/leagues/seasons/teams/0000461986.html Hartford Whalers 1985-86 roster and statistics hockeydb.com †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, 1985To St. Louis BluesCashTo Hartford WhalersTim Bothwell October 7, 1985To Toronto Maple LeafsChris KotsopoulosTo Hartford WhalersStew Gavin November 21, 1985To Winnipeg JetsRay NeufeldTo Hartford WhalersDave Babych December 6, 1985To Washington CapitalsJorgen PetterssonTo Hartford WhalersDoug Jarvis January 17, 1986To Quebec NordiquesGreg MaloneTo Hartford WhalersWayne Babych February 3, 1986To Chicago Black Hawks3rd round pick in 1987 – Mike DagenaisTo Hartford WhalersBill Gardner March 8, 1986To Quebec NordiquesRisto SiltanenTo Hartford WhalersJohn Anderson March 11, 1986To New York RangersBob CrawfordTo Hartford WhalersMike McEwen Free agents Player Former team John Newberry Montreal Canadiens Media Television + Television Channel Play-by-play Color commentator(s) SportsChannel New England Rick Peckham Gerry Cheevers and Don Blackburn WVIT–TV 30 Radio + Radio Flagship Station Play-by-play Color commentator(s) WTIC–AM 1080 Chuck Kaiton Andre Lacroix References Category:Hartford Whalers seasons Hartford Category:1980s in Hartford, Connecticut Hartford Hartford