The 1981–82 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques'

third Third or 3rd may refer to: Numbers * 3rd, the ordinal form of the cardinal number 3 * , a fraction of one third * 1⁄60 of a ''second'', i.e., the third in a series of fractional parts in a sexagesimal number system Places * 3rd Street (di ...

season in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

. The Nordiques had a successful regular season, qualifying for the playoffs, but they had a better playoff, making it to the Wales Final before losing to the eventual

Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...

champion

New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (N ...

Off-season

During the off-season, the four divisions of the NHL were re-aligned to better reflect the geographical locations of the teams. Quebec remained in the

Adams Division The National Hockey League's Adams Division was formed in 1974 as part of the Prince of Wales Conference. The division existed for 19 seasons until 1993. It was named in honour of Charles Francis Adams, the founder of the Boston Bruins. It is th ...

with the

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...

and

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Con ...

, while the

Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota, and the team's colors for ...

and

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. The Maple Leafs compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the A ...

were replaced with the

Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its 25-year existence in Hartford, Connecticut. The club played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1972 until 1979, and in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1 ...

and the Nordiques' provincial rival, the

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

. The Nordiques signed Marian Stastny out of

Czechoslovakia Czechoslovakia ( ; Czech language, Czech and , ''Česko-Slovensko'') was a landlocked country in Central Europe, created in 1918, when it declared its independence from Austria-Hungary. In 1938, after the Munich Agreement, the Sudetenland beca ...

, the brother of Peter Stastny and Anton Stastny. Quebec replaced team captain

Marc Tardif Joseph Gérard Marquis Tardif (born June 12, 1949) is a Canadians, Canadian former professional ice hockey forward (ice hockey), left winger who played in both the National Hockey League (NHL) and the World Hockey Association (WHA), principally ...

with

Robbie Ftorek Robert Brian Ftorek (born January 2, 1952) is an American professional ice hockey coach and former player. He played over 300 games in both the National Hockey League and World Hockey Association. In the 1976-77 season, he scored 46 goals and re ...

prior to the season. Ftorek did not remain the Nordiques captain for long, as he was traded to the

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. The Rangers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team plays ...

in December, and was replaced with Andre Dupont.

Regular season

The Nordiques found themselves under .500 only once throughout the season, and that was five games in when they had a record of 2–3–0. Quebec got hot, and eventually reached a season-high nine games over .500 in the middle of January, however, a late season slump had the Nords finish the year only two games above .500, with a 33-31-16 record, earning 82 points, which was good enough to finish fourth in the

, and the Nordiques second post-season appearance in a row. Offensively, the Nordiques were led by Peter Stastny, who set a team record with 139 points, as he scored 46 goals and earned 93 assists. Stastny finished behind only

Wayne Gretzky Wayne Douglas Gretzky ( ; born January 26, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Nicknamed "the Great One ...

of the

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

and

Mike Bossy Michael Dean Bossy (January 22, 1957April 15, 2022) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. He spent his entire NHL career, which lasted from 1977 to 1987, with the Islanders, and ...

of the

in the NHL scoring race. Real Cloutier rebounded from an injury plagued 1980–81 season by scoring 37 goals and 97 points, while rookie Marian Stastny scored 35 goals and 89 points.

Michel Goulet Michel Bernard Goulet (born April 21, 1960) is a Canadian former professional forward (ice hockey), ice hockey forward who played for the Birmingham Bulls (WHA), Birmingham Bulls in the World Hockey Association and the Quebec Nordiques and Chicag ...

notched 42 goals and 84 points, while Dale Hunter had a breakout season, scoring 22 goals and 72 points, as well as a team record 272 penalty minutes. On defense,

Mario Marois Mario Marois (born December 15, 1957) is a Canadian former ice hockey defenceman. Biography As a youth, Marois played in the 1968, 1969 and 1970 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournaments with a minor ice hockey team from L'Ancienne-Lorett ...

led the way, scoring 11 goals and 43 points. In goal,

Dan Bouchard Daniel Hector Bouchard (born December 12, 1950) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Atlanta Flames, Calgary Flames, Quebec Nordiques, and original Winnipeg Jets. Car ...

held on to the number one job, winning a team record 27 games, while posting a team best 3.86 GAA, as well as earning a shutout in 60 games.

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Schedule and results

, - , 1 , , October 6 , ,

, , 5–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 1–0–0 , , 2 , , 15,007 , - , 2 , , October 8 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 7–5 , ,

, , 2–0–0 , , 4 , , 11,274 , - , 3 , , October 10 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 1–2 , ,

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. The Penguins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), E ...

, , 2–1–0 , , 4 , , 15,215 , - , 4 , , October 12 , ,

, , 4–2 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–2–0 , , 4 , , 15,211 , - , 5 , , October 14 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–4 , ,

, , 2–3–0 , , 4 , , 14,764 , - , 6 , , October 17 , ,

, , 4–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–3–0 , , 6 , , 15,019 , - , 7 , , October 19 , ,

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. The Canucks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conferenc ...

, , 3–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4-3–0 , , 8 , , 14,443 , - , 8 , , October 21 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 6–3 , ,

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The Capitals compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NH ...

, , 5–3–0 , , 10 , , 7,862 , - , 9 , , October 22 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–3 , ,

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

, , 5–4–0 , , 10 , , 16,948 , - , 10 , , October 24 , ,

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

, , 3–8 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 6–4–0 , , 12 , , 15,212 , - , 11 , , October 27 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 7–8 , ,

Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The Kings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. ...

, , 6–5–0 , , 12 , , 7,595 , - , 12 , , October 28 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–1 , ,

Colorado Rockies The Colorado Rockies are an American professional baseball team based in Denver. The Rockies compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (baseball), National League (NL) National League West, West Division. Th ...

, , 7–5–0 , , 14 , , N/A , - , 13 , , October 31 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–11 , ,

, , 7–6–0 , , 14 , , 17,490 , - , - , 14 , , November 2 , ,

, , 4–5 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 8–6–0 , , 16 , , 15,262 , - , 15 , , November 4 , ,

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

, , 2–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 9–6–0 , , 18 , , 15,005 , - , 16 , , November 7 , ,

, , 10–1 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 9–7–0 , , 18 , , 15,232 , - , 17 , , November 9 , ,

, , 3–5 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 10–7–0 , , 20 , , 15,043 , - , 18 , , November 11 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 5–6 , ,

, , 10–8–0 , , 20 , , 12,558 , - , 19 , , November 12 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–3 , ,

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The ...

, , 10–9–0 , , 20 , , 7,226 , - , 20 , , November 14 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 5–5 , ,

, , 10–9–1 , , 21 , , 15,784 , - , 21 , , November 17 , ,

, , 2–7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 11–9–1 , , 23 , , 15,148 , - , 22 , , November 19 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 1–1 , ,

, , 11–9–2 , , 24 , , 17,088 , - , 23 , , November 21 , ,

, , 3–7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 12–9–2 , , 26 , , 15,016 , - , 24 , , November 22 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 6–1 , ,

, , 13–9–2 , , 28 , , 10,024 , - , 25 , , November 24 , ,

, , 7–1 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 13–10-2 , , 28 , , 14,805 , - , 26 , , November 25 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–3 , ,

, , 13–10–3 , , 29 , , 12,141 , - , 27 , , November 28 , ,

, , 4–7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 14–10–3 , , 31 , , 15,229 , - , 28 , , November 29 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–4 , ,

, , 14–10–4 , , 32 , , 17,423 , - , - , 29 , , December 2 , ,

, , 8–9 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 15–10–4 , , 34 , , 15,230 , - , 30 , , December 5 , ,

, , 5–3 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 15–11–4 , , 34 , , 15,228 , - , 31 , , December 8 , ,

, , 7–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 15–12–4 , , 34 , , 14,951 , - , 32 , , December 12 , ,

, , 6–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 15–13–4 , , 34 , , 15,204 , - , 33 , , December 13 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–4 , ,

, , 15–13–5 , , 35 , , 15,708 , - , 34 , , December 15 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 7–10 , ,

, , 15–14–5 , , 35 , , 14,746 , - , 35 , , December 17 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–2 , ,

, , 16–14–5 , , 37 , , 11,302 , - , 36 , , December 19 , ,

, , 3–7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 17–14–5 , , 39 , , 15,219 , - , 37 , , December 22 , ,

, , 2–5 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 18–14–5 , , 41 , , 15,259 , - , 38 , , December 27 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–6 , ,

, , 18–15–5 , , 41 , , 18,096 , - , 39 , , December 29 , ,

Chicago Black Hawks Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...

, , 1–8 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 19–15–5 , , 43 , , 15,227 , - , - , 40 , , January 2 , ,

, , 3–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 20–15–5 , , 45 , , 15,221 , - , 41 , , January 5 , ,

, , 0–3 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 21–15–5 , , 47 , , 15,143 , - , 42 , , January 9 , ,

, , 1–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 22–15–5 , , 49 , , 15,217 , - , 43 , , January 11 , ,

, , 2–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 23–15–5 , , 51 , , 15,216 , - , 44 , , January 13 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–2 , ,

, , 24–15–5 , , 53 , , 12,530 , - , 45 , , January 16 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 1–4 , ,

, , 24–16–5 , , 53 , , 15,516 , - , 46 , , January 17 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 7–5 , ,

Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. The Jets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The te ...

, , 25-16–5 , , 55 , , 14,061 , - , 47 , , January 19 , ,

, , 2–2 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 25–16–6 , , 56 , , 15,208 , - , 48 , , January 20 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–4 , ,

, , 25–17–6 , , 56 , , 11,197 , - , 49 , , January 22 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–5 , ,

, , 25–18–6 , , 56 , , 16,433 , - , 50 , , January 23 , ,

, , 3–2 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 25–19–6 , , 56 , , N/A , - , 51 , , January 26 , ,

, , 8–3 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 25–20–6 , , 56 , , 15,338 , - , 52 , , January 30 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–2 , ,

, , 25–20–7 , , 57 , , 16,360 , - , 53 , , January 31 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–4 , ,

, , 25–20–8 , , 58 , , 11,769 , - , - , 54 , , February 2 , ,

, , 7–8 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 26–20–8 , , 60 , , 15,177 , - , 55 , , February 6 , ,

, , 3-4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 27–20–8 , , 62 , , 15,303 , - , 56 , , February 7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 5–5 , ,

, , 27–20–9 , , 63 , , 10,712 , - , 57 , , February 11 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–4 , ,

, , 27–20–10 , , 64 , , 9,958 , - , 58 , , February 12 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–9 , ,

, , 27–21–10 , , 64 , , 7,129 , - , 59 , , February 14 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–5 , ,

, , 27–22–10 , , 64 , , 17,398 , - , 60 , , February 16 , ,

, , 3–7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 28–22–10 , , 66 , , 15,265 , - , 61 , , February 19 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–4 , ,

, , 28–22–11 , , 67 , , 13,661 , - , 62 , , February 21 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–5 , ,

, , 28–23–11 , , 67 , , 12,563 , - , 63 , , February 23 , ,

, , 3–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 29–23–11 , , 69 , , 15,330 , - , 64 , , February 25 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4-4 , ,

, , 29–23–12 , , 70 , , 16,969 , - , 65 , , February 27 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 5–5 , ,

, , 29–23–13 , , 71 , , 15,271 , - , - , 66 , , March 1 , ,

, , 5–5 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 29–23-14 , , 72 , , 15,288 , - , 67 , , March 3 , ,

, , 4–6 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 30–23–14 , , 74 , , 15,290 , - , 68 , , March 6 , ,

, , 6–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 30–24–14 , , 74 , , 15,222 , - , 69 , , March 9 , ,

, , 9–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 30–25–14 , , 74 , , 15,189 , - , 70 , , March 13 , ,

, , 3–9 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 31–25–14 , , 76 , , 15,288 , - , 71 , , March 16 , ,

, , 7-5 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 31–26-14 , , 76 , , 15,285 , - , 72 , , March 17 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–6 , ,

, , 31–27–14 , , 76 , , 16,360 , - , 73 , , March 20 , ,

, , 3–3 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 31–27–15 , , 77 , , 15,289 , - , 74 , , March 22 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–5 , ,

, , 31–28–15 , , 77 , , 10,851 , - , 75 , , March 24 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–3 , ,

, , 31–28–16 , , 78 , , 10,509 , - , 76 , , March 27 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–4 , ,

, , 31–29–16 , , 78 , , 18,175 , - , 77 , , March 30 , ,

, , 6–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 31–30–16 , , 78 , , 15,201 , - , - , 78 , , April 1 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 8–5 , ,

, , 32–30–16 , , 80 , , 11,407 , - , 79 , , April 3 , ,

, , 5–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 32–31–16 , , 80 , , 15,276 , - , 80 , , April 4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 7–4 , ,

, , 33–31–16 , , 82 , , 16,433 , - , - , ''Legend'':

Playoffs

The Nordiques opened the 1982 Stanley Cup playoffs with a best of five

semi-final series with their Battle of Quebec rivals, the

. Montreal finished the season on top of the Adams Division with a 46-17-17 record, earning 109 points, which was 27 more than the Nordiques.''The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory'', D'Arcy Jenish, p.243, Published in Canada by Doubleday, 2009, The series opened with two games at the

Montreal Forum Montreal Forum () is a historic building located facing Cabot Square, Montreal, Cabot Square in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Called "the most storied building in hockey history" by ''Sporting News'', it was an indoor arena which served as the home o ...

, and the Canadiens handled the Nordiques easily in the first game, as

Mario Tremblay Joseph Daniel Mario Tremblay (born September 2, 1956) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and coach in the National Hockey League (NHL). As a player, he was a five-time Stanley Cup winner with the Montreal Canadiens. He was hon ...

and Mark Napier each scored twice for Montreal, leading them to a 5–1 victory. The Nordiques fought back in the second game, as goaltender

made 33 saves as Quebec defeated Montreal 3–2 to even the series up. The series shifted to

Le Colisée Le Colisée is an indoor arena in Chalon-sur-Saône, France. It is primarily used for basketball games, and it is the home arena of the LNB Pro A, French Pro A League club Élan Chalon. The arena seats 5,000 people. History The hall was inaugu ...

for the next two games, and in the third game of the series, the Nordiques were led by Dale Hunter and his two goals late in the first period, as well as another spectacular goaltending performance by

, who made 22 saves, as the Nordiques edged the Canadiens 2–1 to take the series lead. Montreal fought back in the fourth game, which featured a brawl in which every player from both teams was involved. The brawl lasted for twenty minutes. There were 149 penalty minutes, and two game misconducts.''The Montreal Canadiens: 100 Years of Glory'', D'Arcy Jenish, p.244, Published in Canada by Doubleday, 2009, The Canadiens easily defeated the underdog Nordiques 6–2 to even the series up at two games each, with the fifth and deciding game back at the

. In the fifth game, the Nordiques took an early 2–0 lead with first period goals by

Wilf Paiement Wilfrid Paiement, Jr. (; born October 16, 1955) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right wing who played in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1974 through 1988, for seven different NHL teams. He is the younger brother of former NH ...

and Anton Stastny, however, the Canadiens tied the game in the third period, setting up overtime. In the extra period, Dale Hunter emerged as the hero, scoring 22 seconds into the period against Montreal goalie Rick Wamsley to clinch the series for the Nordiques, who then moved on to the

finals. Quebec would face the

in the best of seven Adams Division finals. Boston had a 43-27-10 record, earning 96 points, and a second-place finish in the division. The Bruins defeated the

in four games in their first playoff round. The series opened with two games at the

Boston Garden The Boston Garden was an arena in Boston, Massachusetts. Designed by boxing promoter Tex Rickard, who also built the third iteration of New York's Madison Square Garden, it opened on November 17, 1928, as "Boston Madison Square Garden" (later ...

. In the first game, the Nordiques and Bruins were tied up at three heading into the final minute of the third period, however,

Ray Bourque Raymond Jean Bourque (born December 28, 1960) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He holds records for most career goals, assists, and points by a defenceman in the National Hockey League (NHL). He won the James Norris Memorial ...

scored for Boston, as the Bruins won the game 4–3. In the second game, the Bruins easily defeated Quebec by a score of 8–4, taking a commanding 2–0 series lead. The series moved to

for the next two games, and the Nordiques responded on their home ice, as

scored the overtime winner in the third game for a 3-2 Quebec victory, cutting the Bruins series lead to 2–1. In the fourth game, the Nordiques, led by

and his two goals, as well as 33 saves by goaltender John Garrett, easily defeated the Bruins 7–2 to even up the series. The fifth game was back in Boston, however, the Nordiques, led by Peter Stastny and his two goals, shocked the Bruins with a 4–3 win to push Boston on the brink of elimination. In the sixth game back in Quebec City, the Bruins stormed out to an early 3–0 lead, however, the Nordiques fought back, and tied the game at five in the third period, setting up overtime. In overtime, the Bruins Peter McNab scored, as the Bruins tied the series, setting up a seventh and deciding game back in Boston. After a scoreless first period, the Nordiques

opened the scoring in the second period, however, Peter McNab of the Bruins tied the game. In the third period, Nordiques defenseman

Dave Pichette Dave Pichette (born February 4, 1960) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 322 games in the National Hockey League. He played with the Quebec Nordiques, St. Louis Blues, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers. As a you ...

scored on the powerplay, giving Quebec a 2–1 lead. The Bruins couldn't beat Nordiques goaltender

, who made 28 saves in the game, as the Nordiques held on for the 2–1 win, and completing the series upset, advancing to the

Wales Conference Wales ( ) is a Countries of the United Kingdom, country that is part of the United Kingdom. It is bordered by the Irish Sea to the north and west, England to the England–Wales border, east, the Bristol Channel to the south, and the Celtic ...

finals. The Nordiques opponent in the

finals was the two time defending

champions, the

. The best of seven series opened with two games at

Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum (or simply the Nassau Coliseum) is a multi-purpose indoor arena in Uniondale, New York, on Long Island. The venue is situated approximately east of the eastern limits of the borough of Queens in New York City, a ...

Long Island, New York Long Island is a densely populated continental island in southeastern New York (state), New York state, extending into the Atlantic Ocean. It constitutes a significant share of the New York metropolitan area in both population and land are ...

. The powerful Islanders, led by 27 saves by goaltender Billy Smith, defeated Quebec 4–1 in the series opener. In the second game, the Islanders were led by two goals by

, and another solid performance by Billy Smith, who made 35 saves, as New York defeated Quebec 5–2 to take a 2–0 series lead. In the third game back in Quebec, the Nordiques took the Islanders to overtime, however, New York's

Wayne Merrick Leonard Wayne Merrick (born April 23, 1952) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played 774 career National Hockey League games for the St. Louis Blues, California Seals, Cleveland Barons and New York Islanders. Playing career ...

emerged the hero, as he scored late in the first overtime, giving the Islanders a 5–4 victory, and 3–0 series lead. New York completed the series sweep in the fourth game, as the Islanders took a 3–0 lead late into the third period. Quebec put up a fight, scoring twice to cut the Islanders lead to 3–2, however,

Duane Sutter Duane Calvin Sutter (born March 16, 1960) is a Canadian former National Hockey League player and head coach. He was a four-time Stanley Cup winner with the New York Islanders. He is one of the famed six Sutter brothers to play in the NHL. On Ma ...

scored an empty net goal to give the Islanders a 4–2 victory. , - , 1 , , April 7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 1–5 , ,

, , 0-1 , , 16,096 , - , 2 , , April 8 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–2 , ,

, , 1-1 , , 16,391 , - , 3 , , April 10 , ,

, , 1–2 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2-1 , , 15,323 , - , 4 , , April 11 , ,

, , 6–2 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2-2 , , 15,314 , - , 5 , , April 13 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–2 (OT), ,

, , 3-2 , , 17,611 , - , - , 1 , , April 15 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3–4 , ,

, , 0-1 , , 14,673 , - , 2 , , April 16 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–8 , ,

, , 0-2 , , 14,673 , - , 3 , , April 18 , ,

, , 2–3 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 1-2 , , 15,302 , - , 4 , , April 19 , ,

, , 2–7 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2-2 , , 15,287 , - , 5 , , April 21 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–3 , ,

, , 3-2 , , 14,673 , - , 6 , , April 23 , ,

, , 6–5 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 3-3 , , 15,330 , - , 7 , , April 25 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–1 , ,

, , 4-3 , , 14,673 , - , - , 1 , , April 27 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 1–4 , ,

, , 0-1 , , 15,137 , - , 2 , , April 29 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 2–5 , ,

, , 0-2 , , 15,230 , - , 3 , , May 1 , ,

, , 5–4 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 0-3 , , 15,238 , - , 4 , , May 3 , ,

, , 4–2 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 0-4 , , 15,238 , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Scoring leaders

Goaltending

Transactions

The Nordiques were involved in the following transactions during the 1981–82 season.

Trades

Free agents

Draft picks

Quebec's draft picks from the 1981 NHL entry draft which was held at the

Montreal Montreal is the List of towns in Quebec, largest city in the Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Quebec, the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, second-largest in Canada, and the List of North American cit ...

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:1981-82 Quebec Nordiques season Quebec Nordiques season, 1981-82 Quebec Nordiques seasons Que 1980s in Quebec City 1981 in sports in Quebec 1982 in sports in Quebec