1972–73 New England Whalers season explained

Arena:Boston Arena (20 games)
Boston Garden (19 games)
Attendance:6,981 (67.2%)
League:WHA
Season:1972–73
Year:1972
Team:New England Whalers
Record:46–30–2
Homerecord:30–8–1
Roadrecord:16–22–1
Avcocup:yes
Division:East
Divisionrank:1st
Coach:Jack Kelley
Goalsfor:318
Goalsagainst:263
Goalsleader:Tom Webster (53)
Assistsleader:Terry Caffery (61)
Pointsleader:Tom Webster (103)
Pimleader:Brad Selwood (114)
Winsleader:Al Smith (31)
Gaaleader:Al Smith (3.17)

The 1972–73 New England Whalers season was the Whalers' first season (based in Boston). The Whalers were competitive from the start, placing first in the Eastern Division to qualify for the playoffs. They then won three playoff series to become the first winner of the Avco World Trophy.[1] [2]

Regular season

Final standings

Schedule and results

1972–73 game log

Playoffs

Eastern Division Semifinal vs. Ottawa Nationals

Date Visitor Score Home Record
1 April 7 3–6 1–0
2 April 8 Ottawa Nationals 3 – 4 OT New England Whalers 2–0
3 April 10 New England Whalers 2–4 Ottawa Nationals 2–1
4 April 12 New England Whalers 7 – 3 OT Ottawa Nationals 3–1
5 April 14 Ottawa Nationals 4–5 New England Whalers 4–1

Eastern Division Final vs. Cleveland Crusaders

Date Visitor Score Home Record
1 April 18 2–3 1–0
2 April 19 Cleveland Crusaders2–3 New England Whalers 2–0
3 April 21 New England Whalers 5–4 Cleveland Crusaders3–0
4 April 22 New England Whalers 2–5 Cleveland Crusaders3–1
5 April 26 Cleveland Crusaders 1–3 New England Whalers 4–1

Avco World Trophy Finals vs. Winnipeg Jets

Date Visitor Score Home Record
1 April 29 Winnipeg Jets2–7 1–0
2 May 2 New England Whalers 7–4 Winnipeg Jets2–0
3 May 3 New England Whalers 3–4 Winnipeg Jets2–1
4 May 5 Winnipeg Jets2–4 New England Whalers 3–1
5 May 6 Winnipeg Jets6–9 New England Whalers 4–1

See also

External links

Notes and References

  1. Book: World Hockey Association . World Hockey Association . 1972 . WHA 1972-73 Media Guide . World Hockey Association.
  2. Book: World Hockey Association . World Hockey Association . 1973 . WHA 1973-74 Media Guide . World Hockey Association.