Whalers Sink Sabres

Not since April 7th 1996

Whalers 5 – Sabres 2 (empty net) The Carolina Hurricanes in a nod to their NHL history wore their Hartford Whalers sweaters while hosting Buffalo last night and I enjoyed the game with a sense of nostalgia and deja vu, that is until the Sabres went down 1-3 in the first period.

So far in their 3-game season series both Buffalo and Carolina have won at home with the deciding game occurring this April in Buffalo.

Hartford’s first season in the NHL after the WHA/NHL merger ended up seven games under 500% and were still in the playoffs…shortly, as Montreal swept them in the preliminary round.

Then after five seasons of no playoff seedings they won their one and only playoff series in 1986 versus the Quebec Nordiques and for the next 11 seasons either lost in the first round or did not qualify for the playoffs.

The floundering franchise was sold and moved down south where they lost a Cup to Detroit (2002) won a cup versus Edmonton (2006) after getting past Buffalo in the semi-finals 18 seasons ago.

Next up a home and home series with Montreal March 1st and 3rd with Saturday night’s game here along the Lake.