1996–97 Hartford Whalers season
Encyclopedia
The 1996–97 Hartford Whalers
season was the twenty-fifth
season
of the franchise and the eighteenth and final season in Hartford. The Whalers would move to Greensboro, North Carolina
the next season to become the Carolina Hurricanes
.
Key dates prior to the start of the season:
2–1. Fittingly, team captain Kevin Dineen
scored the final goal in Whaler history.
Goaltending
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;
MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts; SA=Shots Against; SV=Shots saved; SV% = Save Percentage;
class="wikitable">
Player
New team
founder Peter Karmanos purchased the Whalers. Karmanos pledged to keep the Whalers in Hartford for four years. Frustrated with lackluster attendance and corporate support, he announced in 1996 that if the Whalers were unable to sell at least 11,000 season tickets for the 1996–97 season, he would likely move the team. Furthermore, ownership only made season tickets available in full-season (41-game) packages, eliminating the popular five- and ten-game "mini plans," in a strategy largely designed to spur purchases from wealthier corporations and individuals. Sales were underwhelming at the beginning of the campaign, and at the end of the 1995–96 season it was still unknown whether the Whalers would stay in Connecticut or move. However, thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign, and the creative efforts of many fans (who pooled together resources to purchase some of the full-season packages collectively) the Whalers announced that they would stay in Connecticut for the 1996–97 season.
In early 1996, negotiations between the Whalers and Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland
to build a new $147.5 million arena seemed to be going well. However, negotiations fell apart when Rowland and the State refused Karmanos' demand to reimburse the Whalers for up to $45 million in losses during the three years the new arena was to be built. As a result, the team announced on March 26, 1997, that they would leave Hartford, one of the few times that a team announced it would leave its current city without having already selected a new city. Many suspected that Governor John G. Rowland
did not want to keep the Whalers, as he harbored hopes of instead landing an NFL franchise. Ideally, Rowland wanted to use the state's resources to build a new stadium to lure the New England Patriots
to Connecticut and did not have serious intentions of building an NHL arena for the Whalers.
Hartford Whalers
The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...
season was the twenty-fifth
Hartford Whalers seasons
This is a list of seasons completed by the Hartford Whalers of the World Hockey Association and National Hockey League. This list documents the records and playoff results for all 25 seasons that the Hartford Whalers completed from their founding in 1972 in the WHA until the franchise relocated...
season
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...
of the franchise and the eighteenth and final season in Hartford. The Whalers would move to Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro, North Carolina
Greensboro is a city in the U.S. state of North Carolina. It is the third-largest city by population in North Carolina and the largest city in Guilford County and the surrounding Piedmont Triad metropolitan region. According to the 2010 U.S...
the next season to become the Carolina Hurricanes
Carolina Hurricanes
The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League , and play their home games at the 18,680-seat RBC Center...
.
Key dates prior to the start of the season:
- The 1996 NHL Entry Draft1996 NHL Entry DraftThe 1996 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Kiel Center in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 22, 1996.- Selections by round :Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.- Round one :- Round two :...
Regular season
On April 13, 1997 the Whalers played their last game in Hartford, defeating the Tampa Bay LightningTampa Bay Lightning
The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the...
2–1. Fittingly, team captain Kevin Dineen
Kevin Dineen
Kevin William Dineen is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player who is currently the head coach of the Florida Panthers of the National Hockey League.-St. Michael's Buzzers:As a seventeen year old, Dineen played with the St...
scored the final goal in Whaler history.
Game log
| No. | R | Date | Score | Opponent | Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | W | October 5, 1996 | 1–0 | Phoenix Coyotes Phoenix Coyotes The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena.... (1996–97 1996–97 Phoenix Coyotes season The 1996–97 season was the Coyotes' first in Phoenix.-NHL Draft:-Regular season:The Winnipeg Jets team was sold to Phoenix businessmen Steven Gluckstern and Richard Burke, and in 1996, the club moved to Arizona and became the Phoenix Coyotes.... ) |
1–0–0 |
| 2 | W | October 8, 1996 | 7–3 | Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1996–97 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the team's 30th in the National Hockey League. This was the final season for Mario Lemieux before his first retirement.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
2–0–0 |
| 3 | L | October 12, 1996 | 0–6 | @ Florida Panthers Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... (1996–97 1996–97 Florida Panthers season -Game log:-Playoffs:Following their remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1996 playoffs, the Panthers qualified for the 1997 Stanley Cup playoffs. As the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, they played the fifth seeded New York Rangers... ) |
2–1–0 |
| 4 | W | October 17, 1996 | 3–1 | @ New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Islanders season The 1996-97 New York Islanders season was the 25th in the franchise's history. It saw the withdrawal of the "Fisherman" logo from 1995 at the start of the season and the return of the original logo.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
3–1–0 |
| 5 | W | October 19, 1996 | 6–2 | New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season The 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season was the team's 15th in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils captured the Atlantic Division title and finished first in the Eastern Conference, but fell in the second round of the playoffs to their arch-rivals, the... ) |
4–1–0 |
| 6 | W | October 24, 1996 | 4–1 | Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1996–97 1996–97 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim season The 1996–97 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim season was the fourth season in franchise history. The team qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.-Game log:-Playoffs:The Mighty Ducks qualified for the playoffs for the first time... ) |
5–1–0 |
| 7 | L | October 26, 1996 | 3–6 | @ Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1996–97 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season The 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season was the Sabres' 28th season in the National Hockey League. The Sabres allowed the fewest shorthanded goals and scored the most shorthanded goals in the league.-Game log:-Playoffs:... ) |
5–2–0 |
| 8 | T | October 30, 1996 | 2–2 OT | New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Islanders season The 1996-97 New York Islanders season was the 25th in the franchise's history. It saw the withdrawal of the "Fisherman" logo from 1995 at the start of the season and the return of the original logo.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
5–2–1 |
| 9 | T | October 31, 1996 | 4–4 OT | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1996–97 1996–97 Boston Bruins season The 1996–97 Boston Bruins season was the Boston Bruins' 73rd season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Bruins slipped to last place in the Northeast Division and missed the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
5–2–2 |
| 10 | L | November 2, 1996 | 2–3 | Los Angeles Kings Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Los Angeles Kings season The 1996–97 Los Angeles Kings season was the Kings' thirtieth season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Kings failed to make the playoffs.-Schedule and results:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-External links:... ) |
5–3–2 |
| 11 | L | November 4, 1996 | 1–5 | @ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1996–97 1996–97 Detroit Red Wings season The 1996–97 Detroit Red Wings season was the 71st National Hockey League season in Detroit, Michigan. The highlight of the Red Wings season was winning the Stanley Cup, their first since 1955.... ) |
5–4–2 |
| 12 | W | November 6, 1996 | 5–1 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1996–97 1996–97 Boston Bruins season The 1996–97 Boston Bruins season was the Boston Bruins' 73rd season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Bruins slipped to last place in the Northeast Division and missed the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
6–4–2 |
| 13 | L | November 8, 1996 | 1–4 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... (1996–97 1996–97 Detroit Red Wings season The 1996–97 Detroit Red Wings season was the 71st National Hockey League season in Detroit, Michigan. The highlight of the Red Wings season was winning the Stanley Cup, their first since 1955.... ) |
6–5–2 |
| 14 | W | November 9, 1996 | 4–3 OT | Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1996–97 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season The 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season was the Sabres' 28th season in the National Hockey League. The Sabres allowed the fewest shorthanded goals and scored the most shorthanded goals in the league.-Game log:-Playoffs:... ) |
7–5–2 |
| 15 | W | November 12, 1996 | 4–3 | @ San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 San Jose Sharks season The 1996–97 San Jose Sharks season was the Sharks' sixth season of operation in the National Hockey League. On October 18, the Sharks scored three short-handed goals in a 4-1 win over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim... ) |
8–5–2 |
| 16 | W | November 14, 1996 | 2–1 | @ Phoenix Coyotes Phoenix Coyotes The Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena.... (1996–97 1996–97 Phoenix Coyotes season The 1996–97 season was the Coyotes' first in Phoenix.-NHL Draft:-Regular season:The Winnipeg Jets team was sold to Phoenix businessmen Steven Gluckstern and Richard Burke, and in 1996, the club moved to Arizona and became the Phoenix Coyotes.... ) |
9–5–2 |
| 17 | T | November 16, 1996 | 4–4 OT | @ Colorado Avalanche Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... (1996–97 1996–97 Colorado Avalanche season The 1996–97 Colorado Avalanche season was the Avalanche's second season.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... ) |
9–5–3 |
| 18 | W | November 20, 1996 | 3–1 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1996–97 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season The 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season was the club's 88th season. On October 16, the Canadiens scored three short-handed goals in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs despite a sub-.500 season... ) |
10–5–3 |
| 19 | L | November 22, 1996 | 1–7 | Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1996–97 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the team's 30th in the National Hockey League. This was the final season for Mario Lemieux before his first retirement.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
10–6–3 |
| 20 | T | November 23, 1996 | 3–3 OT | @ Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season The 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season was a season of great improvement by the club, as the team finished out of last place in the NHL for the first time in team history, and went on to qualify for the 1997 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference... ) |
10–6–4 |
| 21 | L | November 27, 1996 | 2–6 | Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... (1996–97 1996–97 Vancouver Canucks season -Game log:-Playoffs:The Canucks failed to qualify for the playoffs by 3 points, this is the first of 4 seasons that the Canucks failed to qualify.-Player stats:... ) |
10–7–4 |
| 22 | T | November 29, 1996 | 1–1 OT | @ Florida Panthers Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... (1996–97 1996–97 Florida Panthers season -Game log:-Playoffs:Following their remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1996 playoffs, the Panthers qualified for the 1997 Stanley Cup playoffs. As the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, they played the fifth seeded New York Rangers... ) |
10–7–5 |
| 23 | W | November 30, 1996 | 6–3 | @ Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... (1996–97 1996–97 Tampa Bay Lightning season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals-External links:... ) |
11–7–5 |
| 24 | T | December 3, 1996 | 4–4 OT | @ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1996–97 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the team's 30th in the National Hockey League. This was the final season for Mario Lemieux before his first retirement.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
11–7–6 |
| 25 | W | December 5, 1996 | 4–2 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1996–97 1996–97 Boston Bruins season The 1996–97 Boston Bruins season was the Boston Bruins' 73rd season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Bruins slipped to last place in the Northeast Division and missed the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
12–7–6 |
| 26 | W | December 7, 1996 | 6–4 | Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1996–97 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season The 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season was the Sabres' 28th season in the National Hockey League. The Sabres allowed the fewest shorthanded goals and scored the most shorthanded goals in the league.-Game log:-Playoffs:... ) |
13–7–6 |
| 27 | W | December 11, 1996 | 5–2 | Florida Panthers Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... (1996–97 1996–97 Florida Panthers season -Game log:-Playoffs:Following their remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1996 playoffs, the Panthers qualified for the 1997 Stanley Cup playoffs. As the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, they played the fifth seeded New York Rangers... ) |
14–7–6 |
| 28 | L | December 12, 1996 | 2–3 | @ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers 30th season in the National Hockey League .Though Eric Lindros missed 30 games in 1996–97, John LeClair still managed to score 50 goals for the second consecutive year... ) |
14–8–6 |
| 29 | L | December 14, 1996 | 0–4 | Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers 30th season in the National Hockey League .Though Eric Lindros missed 30 games in 1996–97, John LeClair still managed to score 50 goals for the second consecutive year... ) |
14–9–6 |
| 30 | L | December 16, 1996 | 2–5 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Rangers season The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season. The highlight of the season was that it was Wayne Gretzky’s first season in New York.-Schedule and Results:The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season... ) |
14–10–6 |
| 31 | W | December 17, 1996 | 5–3 | St. Louis Blues (1996–97 1996–97 St. Louis Blues season The highlight of the 1996–97 St. Louis Blues season was, after losing Wayne Gretzky the Blues were in turmoil as an ugly public feud between Brett Hull and Coach Mike Keenan developed... ) |
15–10–6 |
| 32 | L | December 20, 1996 | 1–4 | Dallas Stars Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The... (1996–97 1996–97 Dallas Stars season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... ) |
15–11–6 |
| 33 | W | December 21, 1996 | 6–5 OT | Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... (1996–97 1996–97 Tampa Bay Lightning season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals-External links:... ) |
16–11–6 |
| 34 | L | December 26, 1996 | 1–5 | @ Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1996–97 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season The 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season was the Sabres' 28th season in the National Hockey League. The Sabres allowed the fewest shorthanded goals and scored the most shorthanded goals in the league.-Game log:-Playoffs:... ) |
16–12–6 |
| 35 | W | December 28, 1996 | 3–2 | Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season The 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season was a season of great improvement by the club, as the team finished out of last place in the NHL for the first time in team history, and went on to qualify for the 1997 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference... ) |
17–12–6 |
| 36 | L | December 29, 1996 | 3–4 | @ Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1996–97 1996–97 Chicago Blackhawks season -Game log:-Player stats:*April 24, 1997: Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche shut out Chicago by a score of 7-0. He earned his 89th postseason victory and became the goalie with the most postseason wins, surpassing the old record set by New York Islanders goalie Billy Smith.-External links:... ) |
17–13–6 |
| 37 | L | January 1, 1997 | 2–3 OT | @ Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1996–97 1996–97 Washington Capitals season The 1996–97 Washington Capitals season was the team's twenty-third season of play. The Capitals finished fifth in the division, and ninth in the conference, and failed to qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
17–14–6 |
| 38 | L | January 2, 1997 | 4–5 OT | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1996–97 1996–97 Boston Bruins season The 1996–97 Boston Bruins season was the Boston Bruins' 73rd season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Bruins slipped to last place in the Northeast Division and missed the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
17–15–6 |
| 39 | T | January 4, 1997 | 1–1 OT | Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1996–97 1996–97 Washington Capitals season The 1996–97 Washington Capitals season was the team's twenty-third season of play. The Capitals finished fifth in the division, and ninth in the conference, and failed to qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
17–15–7 |
| 40 | L | January 6, 1997 | 4–5 | @ Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1996–97 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season The 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season was the club's 88th season. On October 16, the Canadiens scored three short-handed goals in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs despite a sub-.500 season... ) |
17–16–7 |
| 41 | L | January 9, 1997 | 2–3 | @ Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the... (1996–97 1996–97 Calgary Flames season The 1996–97 Calgary Flames season was the 17th National Hockey League season in Calgary. It was another season of decline, as the Flames began the rebuilding process after remaining near the top of the league standings for nearly a decade... ) |
17–17–7 |
| 42 | L | January 10, 1997 | 3–5 | @ Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,... (1996–97 1996–97 Vancouver Canucks season -Game log:-Playoffs:The Canucks failed to qualify for the playoffs by 3 points, this is the first of 4 seasons that the Canucks failed to qualify.-Player stats:... ) |
17–18–7 |
| 43 | L | January 12, 1997 | 1–2 OT | @ 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 .... (1996–97 1996–97 Edmonton Oilers season The 1996–97 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 30–44–8 record, earning 68 points, in the 1995–96 season, failing to qualify for the post-season for the 4th straight season.... ) |
17–19–7 |
| 44 | L | January 15, 1997 | 0–3 | Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1996–97 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the team's 30th in the National Hockey League. This was the final season for Mario Lemieux before his first retirement.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
17–20–7 |
| 45 | W | January 20, 1997 | 3–1 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Toronto Maple Leafs season The Maple Leafs entered the 1996-1997 NHL season with the hopes of making the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. Mike Murphy was hired prior to the season as the head coach replacing interim coach Nick Beverley. The team played mediocre for most of the season and missed the playoffs for the... ) |
18–20–7 |
| 46 | W | January 22, 1997 | 2–1 OT | Florida Panthers Florida Panthers The Florida Panthers are a professional ice hockey team based in Sunrise, Florida, in the Miami metropolitan area. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their games at the BankAtlantic Center in Sunrise and are the... (1996–97 1996–97 Florida Panthers season -Game log:-Playoffs:Following their remarkable run to the Stanley Cup Finals in the 1996 playoffs, the Panthers qualified for the 1997 Stanley Cup playoffs. As the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, they played the fifth seeded New York Rangers... ) |
19–20–7 |
| 47 | L | January 24, 1997 | 2–5 | New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Islanders season The 1996-97 New York Islanders season was the 25th in the franchise's history. It saw the withdrawal of the "Fisherman" logo from 1995 at the start of the season and the return of the original logo.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
19–21–7 |
| 48 | W | January 25, 1997 | 5–1 | @ Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1996–97 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season The 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season was the Sabres' 28th season in the National Hockey League. The Sabres allowed the fewest shorthanded goals and scored the most shorthanded goals in the league.-Game log:-Playoffs:... ) |
20–21–7 |
| 49 | L | January 30, 1997 | 3–5 | @ Los Angeles Kings Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Los Angeles Kings season The 1996–97 Los Angeles Kings season was the Kings' thirtieth season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Kings failed to make the playoffs.-Schedule and results:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-External links:... ) |
20–22–7 |
| 50 | L | January 31, 1997 | 3–6 | @ Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (1996–97 1996–97 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim season The 1996–97 Mighty Ducks of Anaheim season was the fourth season in franchise history. The team qualified for the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.-Game log:-Playoffs:The Mighty Ducks qualified for the playoffs for the first time... ) |
20–23–7 |
| 51 | L | February 5, 1997 | 2–5 | @ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Rangers season The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season. The highlight of the season was that it was Wayne Gretzky’s first season in New York.-Schedule and Results:The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season... ) |
20–24–7 |
| 52 | W | February 6, 1997 | 5–3 | @ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1996–97 1996–97 Boston Bruins season The 1996–97 Boston Bruins season was the Boston Bruins' 73rd season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Bruins slipped to last place in the Northeast Division and missed the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
21–24–7 |
| 53 | L | February 8, 1997 | 2–3 OT | @ Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1996–97 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season The 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season was the club's 88th season. On October 16, the Canadiens scored three short-handed goals in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs despite a sub-.500 season... ) |
21–25–7 |
| 54 | L | February 12, 1997 | 2–3 | New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season The 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season was the team's 15th in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils captured the Atlantic Division title and finished first in the Eastern Conference, but fell in the second round of the playoffs to their arch-rivals, the... ) |
21–26–7 |
| 55 | L | February 13, 1997 | 0–4 | @ New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season The 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season was the team's 15th in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils captured the Atlantic Division title and finished first in the Eastern Conference, but fell in the second round of the playoffs to their arch-rivals, the... ) |
21–27–7 |
| 56 | W | February 15, 1997 | 2–1 | Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season The 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season was a season of great improvement by the club, as the team finished out of last place in the NHL for the first time in team history, and went on to qualify for the 1997 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference... ) |
22–27–7 |
| 57 | L | February 16, 1997 | 2–4 | @ Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season The 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season was a season of great improvement by the club, as the team finished out of last place in the NHL for the first time in team history, and went on to qualify for the 1997 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference... ) |
22–28–7 |
| 58 | T | February 19, 1997 | 2–2 OT | @ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers 30th season in the National Hockey League .Though Eric Lindros missed 30 games in 1996–97, John LeClair still managed to score 50 goals for the second consecutive year... ) |
22–28–8 |
| 59 | W | February 21, 1997 | 7–2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Rangers season The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season. The highlight of the season was that it was Wayne Gretzky’s first season in New York.-Schedule and Results:The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season... ) |
23–28–8 |
| 60 | W | February 22, 1997 | 2–0 | Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1996–97 1996–97 Washington Capitals season The 1996–97 Washington Capitals season was the team's twenty-third season of play. The Capitals finished fifth in the division, and ninth in the conference, and failed to qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
24–28–8 |
| 61 | T | February 26, 1997 | 2–2 OT | Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10... (1996–97 1996–97 Chicago Blackhawks season -Game log:-Player stats:*April 24, 1997: Patrick Roy of the Colorado Avalanche shut out Chicago by a score of 7-0. He earned his 89th postseason victory and became the goalie with the most postseason wins, surpassing the old record set by New York Islanders goalie Billy Smith.-External links:... ) |
24–28–9 |
| 62 | L | February 28, 1997 | 2–3 | San Jose Sharks San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California, United States. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 San Jose Sharks season The 1996–97 San Jose Sharks season was the Sharks' sixth season of operation in the National Hockey League. On October 18, the Sharks scored three short-handed goals in a 4-1 win over the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim... ) |
24–29–9 |
| 63 | L | March 2, 1997 | 2–5 | Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1996–97 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers 30th season in the National Hockey League .Though Eric Lindros missed 30 games in 1996–97, John LeClair still managed to score 50 goals for the second consecutive year... ) |
24–30–9 |
| 64 | W | March 5, 1997 | 2–0 | Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the... (1996–97 1996–97 Calgary Flames season The 1996–97 Calgary Flames season was the 17th National Hockey League season in Calgary. It was another season of decline, as the Flames began the rebuilding process after remaining near the top of the league standings for nearly a decade... ) |
25–30–9 |
| 65 | W | March 7, 1997 | 2–0 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1996–97 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season The 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season was the club's 88th season. On October 16, the Canadiens scored three short-handed goals in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs despite a sub-.500 season... ) |
26–30–9 |
| 66 | T | March 8, 1997 | 1–1 OT | @ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Toronto Maple Leafs season The Maple Leafs entered the 1996-1997 NHL season with the hopes of making the postseason for the fifth consecutive year. Mike Murphy was hired prior to the season as the head coach replacing interim coach Nick Beverley. The team played mediocre for most of the season and missed the playoffs for the... ) |
26–30–10 |
| 67 | W | March 12, 1997 | 6–3 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... (1996–97 1996–97 Boston Bruins season The 1996–97 Boston Bruins season was the Boston Bruins' 73rd season of operation in the National Hockey League . The Bruins slipped to last place in the Northeast Division and missed the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
27–30–10 |
| 68 | L | March 13, 1997 | 0–6 | @ New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season The 1996–97 New Jersey Devils season was the team's 15th in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils captured the Atlantic Division title and finished first in the Eastern Conference, but fell in the second round of the playoffs to their arch-rivals, the... ) |
27–31–10 |
| 69 | L | March 15, 1997 | 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 .... (1996–97 1996–97 Edmonton Oilers season The 1996–97 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 18th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a 30–44–8 record, earning 68 points, in the 1995–96 season, failing to qualify for the post-season for the 4th straight season.... ) |
27–32–10 |
| 70 | L | March 16, 1997 | 3–5 | @ Washington Capitals Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup... (1996–97 1996–97 Washington Capitals season The 1996–97 Washington Capitals season was the team's twenty-third season of play. The Capitals finished fifth in the division, and ninth in the conference, and failed to qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
27–33–10 |
| 71 | L | March 20, 1997 | 1–4 | @ St. Louis Blues (1996–97 1996–97 St. Louis Blues season The highlight of the 1996–97 St. Louis Blues season was, after losing Wayne Gretzky the Blues were in turmoil as an ugly public feud between Brett Hull and Coach Mike Keenan developed... ) |
27–34–10 |
| 72 | L | March 21, 1997 | 0–2 | @ Dallas Stars Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The team was founded during the 1967 NHL expansion as the Minnesota North Stars, based in Bloomington, Minnesota. The... (1996–97 1996–97 Dallas Stars season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... ) |
27–35–10 |
| 73 | L | March 25, 1997 | 0–4 | Colorado Avalanche Colorado Avalanche The Colorado Avalanche are a professional ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado, United States. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup twice, in 1995–96 and 2000–01. The franchise... (1996–97 1996–97 Colorado Avalanche season The 1996–97 Colorado Avalanche season was the Avalanche's second season.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... ) |
27–36–10 |
| 74 | W | March 27, 1997 | 5–2 | @ Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... (1996–97 1996–97 Tampa Bay Lightning season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals-External links:... ) |
28–36–10 |
| 75 | W | March 29, 1997 | 2–1 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Rangers season The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season. The highlight of the season was that it was Wayne Gretzky’s first season in New York.-Schedule and Results:The 1996–97 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 71st season... ) |
29–36–10 |
| 76 | L | April 2, 1997 | 1–4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1996–97 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season The 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season was the club's 88th season. On October 16, the Canadiens scored three short-handed goals in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs despite a sub-.500 season... ) |
29–37–10 |
| 77 | T | April 3, 1997 | 5–5 OT | @ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original... (1996–97 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1996–97 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the team's 30th in the National Hockey League. This was the final season for Mario Lemieux before his first retirement.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
29–37–11 |
| 78 | W | April 5, 1997 | 4–1 | @ Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... (1996–97 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season The 1996–97 Montreal Canadiens season was the club's 88th season. On October 16, the Canadiens scored three short-handed goals in a 4-2 win over the Calgary Flames. The Canadiens qualified for the playoffs despite a sub-.500 season... ) |
30–37–11 |
| 79 | W | April 7, 1997 | 4–2 | Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:... (1996–97 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season The 1996–97 Buffalo Sabres season was the Sabres' 28th season in the National Hockey League. The Sabres allowed the fewest shorthanded goals and scored the most shorthanded goals in the league.-Game log:-Playoffs:... ) |
31–37–11 |
| 80 | L | April 9, 1997 | 4–5 | @ Ottawa Senators Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season The 1996–97 Ottawa Senators season was a season of great improvement by the club, as the team finished out of last place in the NHL for the first time in team history, and went on to qualify for the 1997 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference... ) |
31–38–11 |
| 81 | L | April 11, 1997 | 4–6 | @ New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... (1996–97 1996–97 New York Islanders season The 1996-97 New York Islanders season was the 25th in the franchise's history. It saw the withdrawal of the "Fisherman" logo from 1995 at the start of the season and the return of the original logo.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... ) |
31–39–11 |
| 82 | W | April 13, 1997 | 2–1 | Tampa Bay Lightning Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . They have one Stanley Cup championship in their history, in 2003–04. They are often referred to as the... (1996–97 1996–97 Tampa Bay Lightning season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals-External links:... ) |
32–39–11 |
Regular season
Scoring| Player | Pos | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM | +/- | PPG | SHG | GWG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LW | 82 | 36 | 31 | 67 | 29 | |||||
| 12 | 1 | 4 | ||||||||
| C | 81 | 22 | 44 | 66 | 46 | |||||
| 8 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||
| C | 75 | 26 | 25 | 51 | 161 | |||||
| 6 | 3 | 2 | ||||||||
| RW | 78 | 19 | 29 | 48 | 141 | |||||
| 8 | 0 | 5 | ||||||||
| RW | 66 | 9 | 29 | 38 | 34 | |||||
| 2 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
| RW | 78 | 21 | 14 | 35 | 59 | |||||
| 5 | 0 | 2 | ||||||||
| D | 68 | 6 | 26 | 32 | 40 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | |
| RW | 72 | 14 | 16 | 30 | 40 | |||||
| 2 | 1 | 2 | ||||||||
| RW | 45 | 13 | 12 | 25 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 2 | |
| LW | 68 | 10 | 12 | 22 | 10 | |||||
| 2 | 0 | 4 | ||||||||
| LW | 67 | 10 | 11 | 21 | 18 | |||||
| 0 | 3 | 1 | ||||||||
| D | 64 | 4 | 13 | 17 | 30 | |||||
| 1 | 1 | 1 | ||||||||
| D | 18 | 3 | 11 | 14 | 7 | |||||
| 3 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| D | 71 | 2 | 11 | 13 | 79 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| C | 44 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| D | 56 | 1 | 10 | 11 | 40 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||
| D | 20 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 18 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
| D | 35 | 2 | 6 | 8 | 48 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| D | 41 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 87 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| C | 12 | 2 | 5 | 7 | 2 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| D | 55 | 1 | 6 | 7 | 41 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 1 | ||||||||
| LW | 12 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| C | 54 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 90 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| D | 47 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 50 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| LW | 75 | 2 | 2 | 4 | 218 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| RW | 11 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 6 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| LW | 13 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 7 | |||||
| 1 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| RW | 28 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 122 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| RW | 8 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 10 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| G | 51 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| LW | 10 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| D | 9 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| D | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| LW | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | |
| C | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| G | 31 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| D | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| G | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| D | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||||
| 0 | 0 | 0 |
Goaltending
| Player | MIN | GP | W | L | T | GA | GAA | SO | SA | SV | SV% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2985 | 51 | 22 | 22 | 6 | 134 | 2.69 | 4 | 1560 | 1426 | .914 | |
| 1591 | 31 | 9 | 13 | 5 | 91 | 3.43 | 0 | 815 | 724 | .888 | |
| 394 | 8 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 24 | 3.65 | 0 | 201 | 177 | .881 | |
| Team: | 4970 | 82 | 32 | 39 | 11 | 249 | 3.01 | 4 | 2576 | 2327 | .903 |
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;
MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts; SA=Shots Against; SV=Shots saved; SV% = Save Percentage;
Transactions
The Whalers were involved in the following transactions during the 1996–97 season.Trades
- October 1, 1996 - Espen KnutsenEspen KnutsenKjell Espen Knutsen is a Norwegian former professional ice hockey player and currently the head coach of Vålerenga in the Norwegian GET-ligaen. He played five seasons in the National Hockey League , and is to date the only Norwegian to have played in the NHL All-Star Game...
traded to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for Kevin BrownKevin Brown (ice hockey)Kevin J. Brown is a former professional ice hockey right winger.Born in Birmingham, England, Brown was raised in Ontario, and had a successful junior career with the Belleville Bulls and Detroit Junior Red Wings of the OHL, he also played for the Fort Saskatchewan Traders of the AJHL...
. - October 9, 1996 - Brendan ShanahanBrendan ShanahanBrendan Frederick "Shanny" Shanahan is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey winger who currently serves as the National Hockey League's Vice President of Hockey and Business Development and head disciplinarian. Originally drafted by the New Jersey Devils second overall in the 1987 NHL Entry...
and Brian GlynnBrian GlynnBrian Thomas Glynn is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman who played six seasons in the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
traded to the Detroit Red WingsDetroit Red WingsThe Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
for Paul CoffeyPaul CoffeyPaul Douglas Coffey is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman in the National Hockey League. Known for his speed and scoring prowess, Coffey ranks second all-time among NHL defencemen in career goals, assists, and points, behind Ray Bourque.-Playing career:Coffey was drafted 6th...
, Keith PrimeauKeith PrimeauKeith Primeau is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League with the Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers...
, and Detroit's 1997 1st round draft pick (Nikos TseliosNikos TseliosNikos Tselios is a former American professional ice hockey defenseman. Tselios was the first draft pick in the Carolina Hurricanes history when he was selected 22nd overall in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft.-Playing career:...
). - November 9, 1996 - Andrei NikolishinAndrei NikolishinAndrei Vasilievich Nikolishin is a Russian professional ice hockey player currently playing for Sokil Kyiv of the Professional Hockey League of Ukraine...
traded to the Washington CapitalsWashington CapitalsThe Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They are members of the Southeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Since their founding in 1974, "The Caps" have won one conference championship to reach the 1998 Stanley Cup...
for Curtis LeschyshynCurtis LeschyshynCurtis Leschyshyn is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. Leschyshyn played 1033 games in the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
. - December 15, 1996 - Paul CoffeyPaul CoffeyPaul Douglas Coffey is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman in the National Hockey League. Known for his speed and scoring prowess, Coffey ranks second all-time among NHL defencemen in career goals, assists, and points, behind Ray Bourque.-Playing career:Coffey was drafted 6th...
and Hartford's 1997 3rd round draft pick (Kris Mallette) traded to the Philadelphia FlyersPhiladelphia FlyersThe Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
for Kevin HallerKevin HallerKevin Haller is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League .-Playing career:...
, Philadelphia's 1997 1st round draft pick (later traded to San Jose - San Jose selected Scott HannanScott Hannan-External links:...
), and Hartford's 1997 7th round draft pick (previously acquired, Carolina selected Andrew Merrick). - March 5, 1997 - Hnat DomenichelliHnat DomenichelliHnat A. Domenichelli is a Canadian-Swiss professional ice hockey player currently playing for HC Lugano of the Swiss National League A. He was drafted by the Hartford Whalers in the fourth round, 83rd overall, of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft...
, Glen FeatherstoneGlen FeatherstoneGlen Featherstone is a retired Canadian ice hockey defenceman.Featherstone was drafted 73rd overall by the St. Louis Blues in the 1986 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut playing for the Blues in 1988. He also played for the Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Hartford Whalers and the Calgary...
, New Jersey's 1997 2nd round draft pick (previously acquired, Calgary selected Dimitri Kokorev), and Vancouver's 1998 3rd round draft pick (previously acquired, Calgary selected Paul Manning) traded to the Calgary FlamesCalgary FlamesThe Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...
for Steve ChiassonSteve ChiassonSteven Joseph Chiasson was a Canadian ice hockey defenceman with the NHL's Detroit Red Wings, Calgary Flames, Hartford Whalers and Carolina Hurricanes.-NHL career:...
and Colorado's 1997 3rd round draft pick (previously acquired, Carolina selected Francis LessardFrancis LessardFrancis Lessard is a Canadian professional ice hockey player. He is currently a member of the National Hockey League Ottawa Senators organization, playing for the Binghamton Senators of the American Hockey League...
). - March 18, 1997 - Mark JanssensMark JanssensMark Francis Janssens is a retired Canadian ice hockey forward.Janssens started his National Hockey League career with the New York Rangers in 1989. He also played for the Minnesota North Stars, Hartford Whalers, Mighty Ducks of Anaheim, New York Islanders, Phoenix Coyotes, and Chicago Blackhawks...
traded to the Anaheim Mighty Ducks for Bates BattagliaBates Battaglia-International:-Personal life:Battaglia lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, the home of his former team, the Carolina Hurricanes. He owns a neighborhood bar called "Lucky B's Around The Corner," located in the heart of Raleigh's Glenwood South District. He is the grandson of Chicago Outfit loanshark...
and Anaheim's 1998 4th round draft pick (Josef VasicekJosef VasicekJosef Vašíček was a Czech professional ice hockey player. Vasicek last played for Lokomotiv Yaroslavl of the Kontinental Hockey League and died when the team's aircraft charter crashed on September 7, 2011...
). - March 18, 1997 - Gerald DiduckGerald DiduckGerald Diduck is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey defenceman. He was drafted in the first round, 16th overall, by the Islanders in the 1983 NHL Entry Draft. Diduck played 932 games in an NHL career that spanned eight different teams from 1984 to 2001...
traded to the Phoenix CoyotesPhoenix CoyotesThe Phoenix Coyotes are a professional ice hockey team based in Glendale, Arizona. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They play their home games at Jobing.com Arena....
for Chris Murray. - March 18, 1997 - Hartford's 1997 5th round draft pick (Adam Edinger) traded to the NY Islanders for Derek KingDerek KingDerek King is a Canadian former professional ice hockey left winger who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League from 1986–87 until 1999–2000....
. - March 18, 1997 - Kelly ChaseKelly ChaseKelly Wayne Chase is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and current radio sportscaster.-Playing career:...
traded to the Toronto Maple LeafsToronto Maple LeafsThe Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
for Toronto's 1998 8th round round draft pick (Jaroslav SvobodaJaroslav SvobodaJaroslav Svoboda is a Czech professional ice hockey right winger who currently plays for the HC Znojemští Orli of the Czech Extraliga....
).
Free agents acquired/lost
| class="wikitable"> | |
| Player | Former team |
Draft picks
Hartford's picks at the 1996 NHL Entry Draft1996 NHL Entry Draft
The 1996 NHL Entry Draft was held at the Kiel Center in St. Louis, Missouri, on June 22, 1996.- Selections by round :Club teams are located in North America unless otherwise noted.- Round one :- Round two :...
| Round | # | Player | Position | Nationality | College/Junior/Club Team (League) |
|---|
Roster
THIS IS AN INCOMPLETE LIST| Goaltenders | Defensemen |
Wingers |
Centers
|
|||
Departure from Hartford
In 1994, CompuwareCompuware
Compuware Corporation is a software company with products aimed at the information technology departments of large businesses. The company's services also include testing, development, professional services automation, project and portfolio management, cloud-based collaboration and performance...
founder Peter Karmanos purchased the Whalers. Karmanos pledged to keep the Whalers in Hartford for four years. Frustrated with lackluster attendance and corporate support, he announced in 1996 that if the Whalers were unable to sell at least 11,000 season tickets for the 1996–97 season, he would likely move the team. Furthermore, ownership only made season tickets available in full-season (41-game) packages, eliminating the popular five- and ten-game "mini plans," in a strategy largely designed to spur purchases from wealthier corporations and individuals. Sales were underwhelming at the beginning of the campaign, and at the end of the 1995–96 season it was still unknown whether the Whalers would stay in Connecticut or move. However, thanks to an aggressive marketing campaign, and the creative efforts of many fans (who pooled together resources to purchase some of the full-season packages collectively) the Whalers announced that they would stay in Connecticut for the 1996–97 season.
In early 1996, negotiations between the Whalers and Connecticut Governor John G. Rowland
John G. Rowland
John Grosvenor Rowland was the 86th Governor of Connecticut from 1995 to 2004; he is a member of the Republican Party. He is married to Patty Rowland, his second wife, and the couple have five children between them...
to build a new $147.5 million arena seemed to be going well. However, negotiations fell apart when Rowland and the State refused Karmanos' demand to reimburse the Whalers for up to $45 million in losses during the three years the new arena was to be built. As a result, the team announced on March 26, 1997, that they would leave Hartford, one of the few times that a team announced it would leave its current city without having already selected a new city. Many suspected that Governor John G. Rowland
John G. Rowland
John Grosvenor Rowland was the 86th Governor of Connecticut from 1995 to 2004; he is a member of the Republican Party. He is married to Patty Rowland, his second wife, and the couple have five children between them...
did not want to keep the Whalers, as he harbored hopes of instead landing an NFL franchise. Ideally, Rowland wanted to use the state's resources to build a new stadium to lure the New England Patriots
New England Patriots
The New England Patriots, commonly called the "Pats", are a professional football team based in the Greater Boston area, playing their home games in the town of Foxborough, Massachusetts at Gillette Stadium. The team is part of the East Division of the American Football Conference in the National...
to Connecticut and did not have serious intentions of building an NHL arena for the Whalers.