Here's Why 1979-80 Was the NHL's Greatest Season Ever

The 1979-80 NHL season produced the greatest single-season influx of talent in the history of pro sports.
The 1979-80 NHL season saw merger with rival league, an under age draft, and a group of unlikely Olympic heros combine to create the single greatest influx of talent ever in league history. For that and so many other reasons, the amazing 1979-80 campaign was the season that changed the game forever!
The 1979-80 season had a robust start as NHL expanded to 21 teams by adding the four franchises from the rival World Hockey Association: The Edmonton Oilers, New England Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets.
This expansion ended the seven-year existence of the WHA and re-established the NHL as the lone major league in North America.
The two folded WHA teams -- the Cincinnati Stingers and Birmingham Bulls -- left their legacy by contributing five NHL first round draft picks in 1979: Rob Ramage, Rick Vaive, Craig Hartsburg and Michel Goulet from the Bulls and Mike Gartner from the Stingers. Another Cincinnati skater and future NHL star -- Mark Messier -- was chosen in the third round.
Of course, the most important WHA refugee was 18-year old Wayne Gretzky, who was protected from the draft as a priority selection of the Edmonton Oilers in the WHA-NHL Expansion Draft.
The 1979 NHL Entry Draft took place on August 9, 1979. The term “Entry” Draft replaced the term “amateur” draft as the NHL would now draft players who already played in the WHA.
Also making this draft unique was the lowering of the minimum draft age from 20 to 19. The lowering of the draft age caused two years' worth of draft picks to go in the same draft, resulting in what is generally considered one of the best draft classes in NHL Entry Draft history ...a draft that included future Hall of Famers Ray Bourque, Mike Gartner, Michel Goulet and Kevin Lowe in the first round alone. Hall of Famers Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, and Guy Carbonneau would be drafted in later rounds.
12 of the 21 players selected in the first round would play in at least one All-Star game, 19 of the 21 would play at least 450 career NHL games, and all 21 had NHL careers of at least 235 games.
The draft consisted of only six rounds so many future stars were never even drafted but signed as free agents, including Hall of Famers Dino Ciccarelli and Joe Mullen, five-time Stanley Cup champion Charlie Huddy and four-time 50-goal scorer Tim Kerr.
The 1979-80 season was the final curtain call for some of the game’s greatest legends including Paul Henderson, Gerry Cheevers, Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull and , of course, 52-year old Gordie Howe. The highlight of Mr. Hockey’s return to the NHL was the thunderous standing ovation he received on his return to Detroit at the 1980 NHL All Star Game.
The biggest event of the 1979-80 season did not occur in an NHL game, rather in Lake Placid NY at the 1980 winter Olympics. When the USA won the Gold Medal, it was considered to be a major upset, but when the players on that team were dispersed to their NHL teams after the Olympics, the hockey world realized just how talented this group was.
Among these standout US Olympians who played a key role in the NHL in 1979-80 were Dave Christian, Ken Morrow, MIke Ramsey, Steve Christoff, Mark Johnson, Dave Silk, Rob McLanahan, Jim Craig, Jack O'Callahan.
Finally, 19798-80 marked the end of the Canadiens dynasty and the beginning of the Islanders reign.
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Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for Fair Use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and more. No copyright infringement intended.
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[@Mostlyonoff]

A minor point, but noteworthy, is by 1979 the majority of players donned the lighter Tuuk plastic chassis skates, while the old style metal tube skates faded into history. This was a significant equipment advancement

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

good point.

[@peterjohnson617]

perhaps a bit more than a minor point......thanks for pointing it out..

[@skaldlouiscyphre2453]

I had a pair of tube skates as a kid.

[@ziggymorris8760]

I was 8 years old growing up on Long Island at the time, lived through all of the those Islanders cups so I could tell you it was Islanders everywhere. The US Olympic gold of course was huge, everyone was watching that, Jim Craig looking up into the stands mouthing “where is my dad?”

[@jimbeanbragger9209]

Don't forget the absolutely magnificent way the season and playoffs ended, with that gorgeous overtime goal to win the Stanley cup for the Islanders

[@michaelmohrle1773]

Bob Nystrom !!!

[@steviepea1302]

That was the year 15 yr old me became an NHL fan . Courtesy of my beloved Quebec Nordiques . I was a Huge fan of the WHA . Followed the Nords to the NHL , as well as they're move to Colorado . I didn't follow any particular team in the NHL , but certainly appreciated the talents of many players . Too many to name . Also have much love for any former Brandon Wheat Kings , no matter where they play/ed . Lastly , I was one of the die hards . Had a subscription to The Hockey News , collected sooooo many hockey cards , and always bought the Almanacs every yr .

[@anthonyriche552]

I've always loved the Nordiques jersey and home arena.

[@louisclausi5837]

I was 9 years old. I remember all of those things so well; especially the Boston Bruins climbing into the stands at Madison Square Garden. I was at that game. I also remember getting to see Wayne Gretzky play at the Garden as well. That was all everyone talked about. And yes, it was phenomenal that Gordie Howe got to play on the same line as his two sons. Talk about accomplishment. All those things resound. Thanks for sharing.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great insights ... thanks so much for sharing them --and for watching!

[@goleafsgo8496]

Cool walk down memory lane for a 55 year old guy. 15 at the time and remember seeing Gretzky lace them up on TV for one of the first times. What a draft Slats had ..... wow. Still missing the Nordiques, can't believe the NHL hasn't returned to hockey mad Quebec with a second team?

[@goleafsgo8496]

@Matt Joseph the Lindros trade set that team up nicely. In the end Peter Forsberg alone was probably enough but of course they got a whole slew of additional talent, picks and money in the end. In fairness Forsberg was a youngster but wow he developed into a star.

[@robertsprouse9282]

That draft was mostly courtesy of OILERS CHIEF SCOUT, BARRY FRASER. He had been the player personnel honcho of the HOUSTON AEROS my adopted hometown team in the WHA before MONTREAL, TORONTO, AND VANCOUVER blocked the AEROS from coming into the NHL in '78-79. It was Fraser that had the Aeros draft/sign JOHN TONELLI, RICH PRESTON, TERRY RUSKOWSKI, MARK HOWE, MORRIS LUCKOWICH..AND IT was FRASER that built those OILERS with HALL GUYS. If HOUSTON would have entered the NHL in '78 and hung on to FRASER, they would have with those draftpicks that EDMONTON executed, been an NHL powerhouse. Hell, they may have grabbed up Gretzky.. FRASER should be in the HALL as a builder.. Why isn't he?

[@michaelleroy9281]

The Nordiques owner decided to sell the team to owners in Denver because he thought bad times would be coming even though they had great fan support

[@yannsaint-germain4527]

In 1979-80, both Guy Lafleur & Pierre Larouche scored more than 50 goals for the Montreal Canadiens. Had they been not injured during the playoffs, the outcome might have been different for the Habs against Minnesota. But hey, as you said, it has been overall for the NHL a marking season. Thank you for this video!

[@dnx112]

Fk the habs!

[@michaelleroy9281]

@@dnx112 I said that about the Habs after they beat the Blackhawks in both 1965 and 1971 Stanley Cup Finals

[@Stevesomma]

Rangers fan here, and this was a tough season to stomach. The team lost 4 players from a Stanley Cup finalist team to the expansion draft, then traded three more regulars from that team 7 games into the season for Beck, and then essentially gave away Don Murdoch a month before the playoffs. Playoffs, they beat the Flames, got killed by the Flyers; it was Espo's last stand, Vickers' last year being effective, Davidson's last semi-healthy year, and Ulf Nilsson wasn't quite as good coming back from the broken ankle. Great book about the season, "Thin Ice", though. But that 78-79 team was the hockey equivalent of the 1950 Phillies, they were so young and never came close to being that good for a long time.

[@Classicrocker6119]

I turned 18 in December of 1979. A couple of memories stand out for me during the 1979-80 season. First was Billy Smith of the Islanders getting credit for the first goal in league history from a goaltender. Second was the eight points Wayne Gretzky put up against the Leafs in a nationally televised game on HNIC. And one more is as a Calgary resident was the announcement in May of 1980 that the Flames were moving here. Great video of a memorable season for sure.

[@michaelleroy9281]

The day the Islanders won the Stanley Cup ( May 24) was the same day the Flames said they were moving to Calgary

[@RRaquello]

@@michaelleroy9281 The same week: Mount St. Helen's exploded on Sunday, the Islanders won the Stanley Cup the following Saturday. Very eventful times.

[@jimcrockett7257]

Just for context: I was about 9 years behind you, but living in Calgary as well at the time. My Dad got a ticket package through work and took me to all the games at the pre-Olympic tournament at the old Calgary Corral, before the Saddle Dome was built. In that small, rundown arena I had the chance to watch the Russians, Czechs, Swedes, Finns, and a very lackluster American team - before the Miracle on Ice nobody saw coming. There's great nostalgia to hockey back then: the Cold War was very real, the Russians were feared and respected and something of a mystery, and European players in the NHL were still a rarity. How times have changed...

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

HNIC was fantastic back in those days.

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

This is when I started watching hockey, Edmonton just joined the NHL. The old guard was still active, helmets were a rarity. The good old days.

[@GoodlyRogue]

I didn’t know about the 79 draft! Great insight!

[@JRcosenza]

I was 12 years old and remember the New York Islanders beat the Philadelphia Flyers. I was a Boston Bruin fan feeling excited that we had drafted a hall of fame Ray Bourque.

[@PJM454]

Was surprised to see Danny Gare tied for most goals that year! Grew up near Nelson, BC where Gare was from and knew of him back then but not how good he was or how tough he was especially for his size. Probably pound for pound, one of the toughest goal scorers the NHL has ever produced. The Kootenays did produce some tough, talented, relatively small stature players, but I am partial as I grew up there.

[@elGeant24]

I remember Craig McTavish playing for the Flyers during his final season in 1995 without helmet, as he was the 153rd overall draft pick in 1978‎ by Boston. So before the 1979 rule as stated here.

[@diamonddog13]

And MacTavish actually started his NHL career wearing a helmet but was still allowed to take it off due to the grandfathering rule.

[@DJNAZZZZTY]

I was watching it all unfold, still never realized how much happened during 79-80

[@WiseGuy_2]

They failed to mention, 1979/80 was also the goodbye season for the Atlanta Flames. Hello Calgary for 80/81.

[@deanschulze3129]

In a span of three and a half years Ken Morrow won a Gold Medal and four Stanley Cups. Probably the greatest run any hockey player has ever had.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

right ... what a way to start a career! Isles picked up Morrow and Goring in 1980 and the Dynasty was soon to follow.

[@martinprice9441]

It was an incredible run of 5 consecutive Cup Finals by the Islanders but it also shortened the careers of some of their best players. However, I don't think any of them would complain about that

[@deanschulze3129]

@@martinprice9441 - The Islanders taught the Oilers what kind of sacrifice it takes to win the Stanley Cup.

[@deanschulze3129]

@@incumbentvinyl9291 - Sure you can. June 1980, June 1981, June 1982, June 1983.

[@mukinmukin6352]

From the 1980 Olympics up until spring of 1984...Ken Morrow just didn't lose. Everything he touched turned to gold. And when the Isles dynasty was teetering on the bring vs NYR...it was Morrow who scored to extend it!

[@tpor1206]

Great video!!!! Thanks for doing this!

[@michaelleroy9281]

New York Islanders Stanley Cup Champions 1979-80

[@vinnievenus3570]

Little known fact: In his rookie season in the ohl Dino ciccarelli scored 50 goals . Then in his sophomore 2nd season in that pro league of hockey Dino pocketed 72 goals in 62 games. For the record, that beat the 70 goals Wayne Gretzky scored in exactly as many games in that league at the same time. Now on that note? Shortly before seriously breaking his leg in 3 different places in 1977 in a peculiar freak accident in a practise session with the London knights of the ohl Shortly after that season had ended Dino ciccarelli had a one on one skating and skills competition with Wayne Gretzky at the London Ontario Canada arena known as the London gardens one evening . This occurred right after the 1977 minor pro season . Where Gretzky scored 70 goals in 62 games for the sault st. Marie greyhounds and ciccarelli scored 72 goals in 62 for the knights. Shortly before the OHL play offs in 77. For the record? Dino blew Gretzky away in that skills competition. Then strangely , shortly after that? Dino broke his leg. In 3 places. Now? On that note, , , The fact that , every professional doctor told Dino that Dino’s hockey career was over, and he’d never play hockey again? After that incident took place? For the record? That’s a credit to Dino . Dino never gave up on his hockey abilities and dreams. And against incredible odds? Including hockey experts saying Dino was too small to play hockey in the NHL? Dino Still came back to play in the nhl after rehabilitation on his leg and score 602 pro nhl goals and 1200 points. In the Highest pro hockey league the man scored three seasons of 50 goals or more likewise. With the Minnesota NorthStars . And that was accomplished on a Minnesota team that was not exactly stacked with super star talent. Like mark messier ,,,jari kurri ,,,Paul Coffey ,,,Glenn Anderson ,,,and the rest of the stacked team of super star players that Wayne had to play with in Edmonton. It’s clear to me that Dino would have recorded 100 goals in one season in the nhl on a variety of occasions if he had not broken his leg so severely in the nhl. On that note? I’ve looked at these facts closely. For a while. And I’m of this opinion on that note. Luke 1:37 connected to 2nd cor 4:4 connected to revelation 16:13-14 of Christianity’s scriptures do imply that, in the last days? Before christs return to earth? Through a devilish god named Satan ? Through various deceptive functions in modern technology ? Various humans will master time travel in this life… Someone close to Wayne Gretzky? In this life? On that note? Possibly someone named Walter? Maybe? Perhaps? Was one of them? They have hid the fact they’ve mastered time travel in this life through 2nd cor 4:4 and sweet Satan … And they used such an invention continually to make sure Wayne Gretzky did wonders in the NHL. They also used such an invention to make sure Dino broke his leg. So Dino would not prove he’s better then Wayne in scoring in the nhl. Such a time travelling contraption is strong. But deceptively weak at the same time. Meaning? It’s powers can only reach seven months into the future or past of this present formation of this existence.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

That was an incredible comment ✊👍

[@vinnievenus3570]

@@ProHockeyAlumni It’s evaluating facts. In this life. ……………. I suppose………………. How did phantom joe Malone score 44 goals in 22 games in an nhl season that consisted of 44 games. Regarding feats accomplished in only one season for the national hockey league so That technically numerically blows gretzky’s 50 goals in 39 games away… Numerically. Also guy lafleur was clearly playing possum regarding his abilities in the nhl. The man scored 3 points a game in a pro league. One pro step of a league less then the nhl. The Quebec junior pro league. The only player to ever record 3 points a game in a pro league . That’s totally incredible. Anybody who scores that prolifically in a pro league? What lafleur did in the nhl was decent. But it doesn’t make sense. Lafleur clearly played possum in the nhl. A bit. And no one knows that’s what he did. I’m pretty sure lafleur was the god humans call hades in human form in this life. Because various ancient documents state that’s what hades did while in mortal form in previous existences. I’m just saying.

[@vinnievenus3570]

@@ProHockeyAlumni Thank you to the pro hockey alumni for considering my comment. I’m just gonna add one last thing to what I’ve already said. And that’s simply this. So many great players have come and gone that it’s nearly impossible to give credit where credit is due to everyone. For specifically junior pro accomplishments in hockey in particular. Brian propp, incredible numbers in junior pro. pat lafontaine the same. Mike bossy likewise. Plus a few more. A variety of eventually great nhl players did wonderful things in junior pro hockey . Before making it to the nhl. And they all deserve credit for their hockey accomplishments. But one stands out above the rest. In fact. Which is this specifically. In my humble opinion? When one considers what Mario Lemieux actually accomplished in scoring his last pro junior season? It’s truly numerically amazing that guy lafleur is still the only player in league history to record three points a game in a pro league… It is amazing Lemieux can’t actually say he did the same or better then lafleur in that category. In a pro league. Over all. In a way. Yet, still? When one truly considers the numbers of both star players there? Lafleur scored 130 goals in 54 games his last junior pro season. Which is almost unheard of. With the exception of Mario obviously. Lemieux scored 133 in 62 games. For the record. You give lafleur those extra eight games to play his last junior professional season? It’s obvious Lafleur was on an unbelievable scoring tear. That year. So? That noted? Theirs a 99 percent out of 100 percent chance lafleur would have easily beaten Lemieux in goals scored in a pro season too. Probably he would have scored 150 at the very least, that year. Once again I’m just saying. That’s just logical to assert. Some people like to say that numbers don’t mean anything. They can if they want. But in hockey , without numbers goals are not tallied and teams do not win games… So people can say numbers don’t matter on such a subject, but I personally feel that numbers do matter. Majorly in fact in hockey. But nevertheless, anyways , that said? I’ll finish this comment by saying this. what is addressed here numerically? Their all interesting numbers to consider . Either way regardless.

[@dizzy1369]

I was only 2 going on 3 in '79 so I had the pleasure of growing up with this class of superstars that came out of that year as it made for spectacular 80s hockey.

[@brunotulliani]

You brought back some good old memories. Thank-you.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Glad you enjoyed it ,,, thanks for watching!

[@mukinmukin6352]

To me 79-80 was a close 2nd to 92-93 as the greatest season in NHL history. Yes 80 had the final act of legends, Gretzky, new teams...it kicked off what would be the NHL's greatest decade. 92-93 was the Cups 100th anniversary. It was the last season of real, true, pure firewagon hockey. Selanne and Mogilny and Bure. Scoring was high. Leafs were revived, you still had so many of the classic uniforms and arenas still around. Gretzky magic in the playoffs, an unforgettable Isles upset of the Pens (a great playoff in general) so much happened during the 92/93 season...

[@TheFlyingFox14]

I’m with you. If this wasn’t the best year for hockey, it’s in the top three. Love your channel, miss your podcast.

[@jamestiscareno4387]

In 1979/1980 I was 20 yrs. old living in the California San Francisco Bay Area. No longer playing youth ice hockey, still suffering withdrawals from our California Golden Seals leaving town but enjoying the Miracle On Ice U.S.A. victory over the U.S.S.R. for the Olympic Gold Medal.

[@bobwoonton]

1980 USA / New York Islanders Ken Morrow becoming the first player ever to win a gold medal and a Stanley Cup in the same year!

[@Redditaurus]

the only other players i know of is jonathan toews, drew doughty, but i'm not good with player facts

[@bobwoonton]

@@Redditaurus In 2002, Yzerman won an Olympic gold medal and the Stanley Cup in the same year also. (2002)

[@anthonyriche552]

I have to completely agree with you that the 79-80 was hockey's greatest season. The 1980 Olympics was the only time I was allowed to watch TV on a school day past 9 pm. I watched as the US beat the Russians then later the Finns. And being from Long Island, I watched as Nystrom scored in OT to beat the Flyers. I was at the parade on Hempstead Turnpike and thought man, this is the coolest thing ever!! Even the 79-80 O-Pee Chee cards were the best looking ones and my all-time favorites- thought I.m probably being a little nostalgic here lol. But yeah, sooo many good players came out of the WHA merger and the game seemed more exciting perhaps because of it (same as with the NBA/ABA merger with Dr. J, Moses Malone and George Gervin).

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great insight, my friend ... Thank you for sharing great memories!

[@joelhendrickson4130]

Neal Broten. Youngest member of 1980 Olympic team. No mention. ?

[@kalleanka6937]

I remember Calgary flames, and Minnesota North star semi final. What a game, best final ever. Kenta Nilsson and Dan Labraten. Great games great players.. Hi Kenta.. FR.. RICK

[@michaelleroy9281]

The Flames were still in Atlanta in 79-80 the Flames North Stars series was in 80-81

[@michaelleroy9281]

The North Stars knocked out the Montreal Canadiens in a hard fought 7 game series

[@kalleanka6937]

@@michaelleroy9281 yes i was there, and what a game. Its was a tired North star that play Islanders..

[@oilersridersbluejays]

The Flames were in Atlanta in 1979-80…

[@kalleanka6937]

@@oilersridersbluejays Did they hade a good team. I SAW a you tube clip yesterday Tom Lysiak. Maybe last name is not right. I rem him. From team canada 19 78.he was so good

[@yeltsin6817]

Man I remember that year like it was yesterday. I remember talking to guys I’m school and we were like who the hell is this Gretzky guy.

[@michelebiscardi5040]

Ken Morrow had a hell of a run , gold medal and I think 4 Stanley cups , in row

[@dzanier]

Very well done clip.

[@anthonyspina5723]

The year of the "Streak"... Philadelphia's 35 game unbeaten streak was an incredible run and was followed by all in the hockey world that year. The Islanders had a great feam but i would love to have Game 6 back with those high stick and offside goals... so would Leon Stickle i guess.

[@golsonmoldon9455]

I lost my cuvated marble collection in my velvet crown royal bag when I lost a bet on the Gretzky /Dionne scoring race. It was a brutal stinger. My grade school teacher who won the bet, mysteriously lost that bag on the last day of school that yr somehow.. :)

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

a tough loss ... would have won that bet for. the next decade.

[@acedaytona1884]

Love your channel

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks so much, Ace!

[@robertpsotka3525]

I remember Ken Morrow winning the Gold Metal in Lake Placid and then the Stanley Cup a few months later

[@dom2009]

2005-06 was a pretty good season, 22-23 might be the new best too

[@qualityman1965]

Wow. I agree. With all those names mentioned, who can argue

[@ElMakz]

MAGICAL videos, you guys are wonderful, I love this channel. One question where can I get a hold of the background music playing in the background in the beginning of this video?

[@michaelleroy9281]

Minnesota North Stars stopped the Montreal Canadiens from winning 5 straight Stanley Cups in a hard fought 7 game series

[@RoamHockey]

I was 16 then and its still one of my alltime favorite seasons right with 1975, I was shattered when the Sabres lost to the Islanders in the Semis in 6 games that year..I still remember when the North Stars ended that Flyers 35 game streak..back in the day when there was real wins not this fake 3 on 3 OT's and SO crap we got now to inflate win columns with fake wins..what even shattered me more? is I have made like 4 complete sets that year of OPC with the Gretzky rookie card in it and had a ton of doubles and then lost all of them at some point in the late 80's..how I wish I would have bought like 100 boxes of those cards and put them away now..and for the record? that Gretzky card was not the hardest to find lol

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Great memories …, and a few regrets … thanks for sharing! 🙏

[@BudSchnelker]

Few remember, but the Canadiens had a 21 game unbeaten streak to end the season. They then swept the Whalers in 3 games before losing to the North Stars in 7 games. How long would that unbeaten run have been if the season hadn't ended?

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Did not know that … amazing stat!

[@100secondworkout]

Leon Stickel blowing an obvious offsides call in Game 6 costing the Flyers a win and a game 7 at the Spectrum with Kate Smith singing God Bless America

[@robertsprouse9282]

Yet the FLYERS had played 3 of the first five in PHILLY and..trailed 3gms. to two.. Isles won one of those games in Philly. They could not win a second? Same crowd and ice..why? Why could they not win another one? Why? "There was never a horse that could not be rode.."- My late Dad..

[@100secondworkout]

@@robertsprouse9282 They blew a two goal lead in game one at the Spectrum! Rick MacLeash hit the cross bar on Billy Smith with a goal that would have clinched it ! Game went to overtime and Islanders won Flyers won Game Two lost both games in Long Island but came back to Philly in game 5 and crushed the Islanders ! Fell behind by 4-2 in game 6 at Long Island thanks to a goal allowed by a high stick and then the worst call ever as Bob Daily let up on and offsides that lead to a two goal lead ! Flyers battled back to tie and lost in overtime on a Bobby Nystrum goal past Pete Peters for the Cup ! Islanders went on to three more cups before Wayne stopped them !

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@100secondworkout, twas still a loss, and so if, as you say, they won a luck-riddled squeaker, it automatically meant they could never ever win a game there that they controlled without luck, right? I mean its impossible= you say. That is telling the future, aint it? Can you pick out my lotto numbers for Saturday? Tell me, did you think Houston was dead vs. the BOSOX IN this season's ALCS in game five? They had been outscored by more than, or right around a dozen runs in games 3 and 4 aggregately and had barely, scored other than game two in HOU. Were they dead? By the way, there are close, and lucky, success by inches plays in every hockey game, and there are blown calls in every game. So what! You win titles by overcoming that.. Right?

[@diamonddog13]

How do you know with certainty how the rest of the game would have played out had the offside call been made?

[@johnrussell5896]

Who was the first goalie to won the gold against all NHL players 39 Dominic Hasek play against the best and they know he would. Would win because he's the best goalie in the world and every team would take him. Everybody in the NHL has the best players to pick was Dominic 39. Thank you for the years. You're the best goalie ever seen playing in NHL

[@misguidedangel6550]

1979/80 great year for Hockey cards as well. The Legendary O-Pee-Chee Wayne Gretzky Rookie Card. The last cards of Howe and Hull. 79/80 had the Gretzky RC but not really any other RCs of note, I remember the 80/81 set had a bunch of good rookie cards like Messier, Bourque, Gartner, Langway, Goulet, Paul Reinhart (underrated player imo, defenceman he had 17 points in 11 playoff games one year I remember)

[@misguidedangel6550]

Forgot 79/80 O-Pee-Chee also had John Tonelli rookie card another player who is/was very underrated playing behind all the Islander greats. Was great at Canada Cup and played in 6 Stanley Cup finals (5 with Islanders and 1 Calgary Flames) winning 4 with Islanders

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

John had one of the greatest shifts I've seen in the Canada Cup on a goal by Paul Coffey.

[@stevenmccart709]

Mark Messier in the THIRD ROUND 😅😂🤣

[@sportsfix6975]

The 1979-80 and 1980-81 o pee chee hockey was the best years for hockey cards as well!

[@hockeyalley1]

Loaded with great rookie cards

[@mortimerbrewster1028]

It's unfortunate that the Winnipeg Jets were not allowed to enter the NHL intact in 79-80. They were loaded. To make matters worse, with all the great players drafted in 1979 they waste their first round pick on Jimmy Mann. Result, in 1980-81 they had the second worst record in NHL history. My favorite memory of 79-80 was the Whalers visiting my Sabres in March of 1980. Whalers had a line of Davey Keon centering for Bobby Hull and Gordie howe. Hull scored the next to last goal of his career.

[@robertsprouse9282]

They were not loaded. Outside of 6 or 7 good players, the others were out of the NHL within four years. Some had been pre-WHA rejects. Bobby Hull was over the hill.. Sorry, maybe around 75-80 points, sure, but they were not MONTREAL or NY ISLES, or later EDMONTON. not even close. And exhibition comparisons vs what MONTREAL DID vs USSR and what the JETS DID, means bupkis. Now, if you put that USSR team vs. MONTREAL for OLYMPIC GOLD, you had yourself a match that would be played extremely hard there= accurate barometer. The WHA JETS vs the USSR FOR THE GOLD back then= ....uhhh..not so much, USSR or '76 MONTY VS. '76 JETS FOR STANLEY? NO CONTEST...and the players output in the NHL POST-JETS, even on different teams, does not lie. They were not that good, sorry.

[@fastfootedone]

they were loaded relative to WHA standards -- they would not have won anything in the NHL...and sucking got them Dale Hawerchuk , one of the best, and most underrated players ever.

[@michaelleroy9281]

@@fastfootedone And the Jets were the most improved team in 1981-82

[@allsystemsgo8678]

Of course it was the best season ever. The Islanders won the cup that year. 😊

[@craigfazekas3923]

The 18 team NHL was the league at it's apex, IMO. 1980 was also a tremendous time for sports fans, like myself, in the Delaware Valley. All Philly sports teams made their respective finals, of which only the Phillies won it all. And the name Jim Craig entered my ears, wormed it's way into my heart & soul- and stayed there forever after. I rooted for him while he was in Atlanta, Boston & Minnesota. I wanted him to be the next Bernie Parent, Ken Dryden, Tony Esposito, Roggie Vachon & Vladislav Tretiak all rolled into one !! Sadly in the NHL ? He was less than a Gary Bromley....(or substitute Kevin Weeks, if you wish !!) 🚬😎 But he did THAT ONE THING !!- which was way more than enough.....

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

great memories here ... Philly was the place to be in 1980! ... I also pulled for Jim but he just wasn't NHL caliber ... But, no mater, he accomplished something much greater. THX!

[@dhoffmaneye]

I’m partial. I felt 1980’s hockey was the best. Loved all the offense. Especially the Oilers.

[@kalleanka6937]

Don't forget cargary And North stars

[@projectsbydr.h7436]

@@daweedking1 For sure, they did.

[@michaelleroy9281]

2 years Wayne Gretzky would get 92 goals for the season

[@oilersridersbluejays]

They were some exciting times.

[@robertsprouse9282]

The reason the '90's became lower scoring aside from more than a few generational goalies, which with few exceptions the '80's did not have, was that the EASTERN EUROS AND MORE NORDICS brought six or seven teams worth of depth, better defensive forwards over here= FORSBERG, FEDOROV, and as Gordie Howe remarked: "WHEN I PLAYED you did not have defensemen that could skate fast going backwards, except for ORR, like they do today."..better defenders. DARIUS KASPARAITUS brought back the hip check..bless his heart.. The game was more physical but not goonish because there was too much depth and goons were not going to be able to make rosters. The hockey in the '90's was the best mix of skill and defense since 1966-67. There was more experience on each team, too. Dallas in '99 and DETROIT in '02 had the oldest teams since TORONTO in '66-67, the last non-expansion season. Expansion did not hurt the NHL because the NORDICS AND EASTERN EUROS compensated for that, and BOTH CANADA AND THE U.S. were really producing well rounded players who were experienced. I am not a fan of modern no-name, no hit, salary cap hockey, that looks like the '90's AHL.. Yep..a sneak preview of the '90's was provided by the '87 CANADA CUP FINALS= USSR V. CANADA..

[@incumbentvinyl9291]

Quebec vs. Atlanta Flames at the end there.

[@davidthompson62]

What has had the longest effect from that season was the beginning of the league comming down on goon play. Just the year before, the NHL lost its biggest draw when Bobby Orr had to retire at the age of 30. They knew they had to come down on bench clearing brawls and cheap play to protect the up and comming star. They took baby steps this year that would change the game forever.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Totally agree ... modern era had its origins in 79-80. Thanks

[@peterjohnson617]

this is going to be the best year ever......."Let`s go my team " drop the puck......

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

😂

[@firebird7479]

Leon Stickle's blown offside call in the 1980 Stanley Cup Finals, Game 6.

[@michaelleroy9281]

Bob Nystrom's game winning and Stanley Cup winning goal it was scored at 7: 11 of overtime , on that pass from Tonelli, he was always open 😆!

[@robertsprouse9282]

One of many that season..

[@RRaquello]

@@michaelleroy9281 Nystrom's goal was legal. The offsides goal was Duane Sutter's in the first period. The Flyers had the whole game to make it up, and they DID make it up. That's why the game went into OT.

[@mrnobody3161]

Thanks for posting.

[@aaronevans9698]

Awesome video... year I was born and so many of those named were why I love the game

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks ... you're just a a kid -- but we gotta respect your love of the game's history ... It was a magical year indeed.

[@jimciancaglini8366]

100% Best Season Ever

[@mpaulm]

I always thought the 1992-93 season was the best ever. As far as being the most “dynamic” in terms of goals scored, it also had an influx of European talent sweep the league and the playoffs were hands down the best.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

I may be biased but the 79-80 season was just so dynamic ... but I see your point on 92-93, which I consider to be the last great season of the "golden era" (1967-1993)

[@michaelleroy9281]

Wasn't that great for the Minnesota North Stars would be their final season before moving to Dallas

[@SaveznaRepublikaJugoslavija]

@@michaelleroy9281 Dallas sucks, Minnesota better

[@douglasschultz9808]

Flyers got hosed in the Finals! How the Hell do you not see that offsides!

[@RIUUI007]

Thank you for the video, PHA. I am really intrigued with the draft history of the NHL and I was wondering if you could explain how it was that in the '79 draft (with the minimum draft age dropped from 20 to 19) Ray Bourque could be drafted at 18 years and 7 months and Mark Messier at 18 years, 6 months. What circumstances and/or rules could be bent in order for them to be drafted and start playing right away in the show? Two years later in the '81 draft Bobby Carpenter was drafted 3rd overall at 17 years, 10 months old. That is very curious to me, how could the draft rules be okay with that since he wasn't 19 which was the requirement and he wasn't even 18 either. thanks again :)

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Great questions ... the rules stated that the "underage" players were determined to be "19" if there birthday was prior to Jan 1, 1980 ... Ray was born in December ... I think Messier (like Gretzky) got a "WHA exemption" ... the draft age was lowered to 18 in 1980-81 ... I think Carpy was 17 years, 11 months on draft day 1981? Here's an interesting factoid: If the draft rules were never changed (excluding the WHA factor), Gretzky and Messier would have been forced to play two more years in junior hockey prior to being eligible for the NHL draft.

[@RIUUI007]

@@ProHockeyAlumni Thanks for the quick reply. Very interesting.

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@ProHockeyAlumni, can you imagine? Gretzky with a 250 or 300 point JR...SEASON, LOL.. I can tell you this..when you look at how the NHL looked at making sure they had the biggest, most talented names in Hockey, other than Eastern Euros and they did go after a few of those during THE EASTERN BLOC IRON CURTAIN DAYS, if it came down to letting Gretzky stay in the Juniors another two seasons, the NHL would have had the draft rule elgibility changed to 18 year olds, earlier than 1981. Gretz with 250 to 300 points as an 18 or 19 year old..and the NHL would still wait that long? Ha.. And.. If you discount the WHA scoring talent that came into the NHL IN '79-80, although, their defense or lack thereof, cost them longer NHL careers= examples- ROGERS, STOUGHTON, CLOUTIER..when you look at the scorers in '79-80, 80-81, etc, the NHL vets were not producing any quality BOBBY HULLS OR BELIVEAUS, OR G. HOWEs, or MIKITAS; yep, those WHA youngsters on offense saved the NHL in the early '80's until their own offense dried up and injuries and their "d" insufficiencies exxed them out..that much is for sure. I do not want to leave DIONNE OR SIMMER OUT, or LEACH, or GARE. But, SIMMER was a minor leaguer who suddenly showed up and blew up the scoring sheet, and GARE was injured and retired early, while LEACH was a late bloomer. Only DIONNE was an NHL HIGH SCORING LONG TERM VET from that era, that had no roots in the WHA, and he never played on POSTSEASON CUP THREATENING TEAMS. BRETT HULL came along a little later, and was a slow starter. Yep..

[@RRaquello]

@@robertsprouse9282 With the WHA expansion, I remember that Cloutier was considered the great talent coming into the league. I believe he was a Chicago Black Hawks draft pick, and one of the hold ups before the merger deal was finalized was that the Hawks wanted Cloutier and the Nordiques refused to agree to the merger if they didn't get to keep Cloutier. Same was true, to a lesser degree with Mark Howe, whose rights, I believe (not sure) were held by the Canadiens (who drafted him, but might have traded his rights. I don't remember). That's why it was agreed that the WHA teams would get to reserve a couple of players from being re-claimed by their NHL rights owners. Could be called the "Cloutier Compromise". One very good player re-claimed by his team, not mentioned here, was Dave Langevin, who the Islanders reclaimed from Edmonton, and became a key contributor to the Islanders' 4 straight cups. If they don't get Langevin, they might not be able to spare Dave Lewis from their roster, and so no Butch Goring trade.

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@RRaquello, yeah, just TWO..not 14 or 16 or 18 players being protected or evryone..it was a heist, not a merger in reality. How did teams where the player was drafted but never signed, have the leverage holding right to legally extort players they drafted in exchange from not interfering with a business like a WHA team's survival. That is a case of YOU PLAY BY OUR RULES, and keep nothing of yours, and the players we want, too, WE GET, OR YOU CAN GO OUT OF BUSINESS AS OUR COMPETITOR. Did the NHL have ANTI- TRUST PROTECTION? Hmmmmm🤔 Good info about CLOUTIER who either was horrible at it, or refused to bust his butt playing any defense. He soon was out of the NHL because of injury and refusal to go to the minors to learn to play defense. That is what I read.

[@Fehrman21114]

Sabres 6-1 defeat of the Red Army team, in spite of the Soviet ref who let the Red Army get away with everything until the end of the game.

[@spyrosloukanikos347]

What happen then

[@robertsprouse9282]

I watched a vid where BUFFALO BEAT the SOVIET WINGS and other added RUSSO/USSR stars, 12-6 in 1975, I BELIEVE. That small ice at the AUD negated RUSSO stickhandling and skating, thus BUFF's success.

[@Fehrman21114]

@@robertsprouse9282 I've seen the same video and that was a great win for Buffalo. I think the biggest difference in that game was that the Sabres came right out of the gate with a lot of emotion and really took it to them. The Soviets on the other hand - accept for a couple of their players - almost seemed disinterested or emotionless. What made it worse was the Sabres took their emotion and used it to really put some hits on the Soviets that I don't think they were used to getting.

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@Fehrman21114, when you are told by the government as a kid..its sports for you, rather than you making that decision yourself, and you are sequestered away from your families for 11 of 12 months, and threatened with damn knows what, you would look programmed out there, too.

[@Fehrman21114]

@@robertsprouse9282 Yep, it's called government tyranny. Exactly what happens when we look to government to be our savior, solve all our problems, answer all our questions, and tell us what to do about everything all the time.

[@michaelmohrle1773]

Gordie Howe's final season and Islanders win the Cup !!!

[@JJJJ-gl2uf]

1979-80 was part of an interesting era in hockey for sure. Plenty of scoring, and great dynasties too. But it was also an era where some really pathetic teams, 16/21, made it to the playoffs with terrible W-L records. A point total in the high 50s and 60s was enough to get into the playoffs. The pendulum has really swung the other way now where [with the addition of the shootout and the "loser point"] a team needs at least 95 points to get to the playoffs.

[@diamonddog13]

I would correct you only to say that the difference between now and 1980 isn't the "loser point" (because those used to be called "ties") but the additional winner points in OT and shootout. THAT is what has inflated win and point totals. I'd be happy to just eliminate points totally and go with W-L % as the standings.

[@michaelleroy9281]

Mike Millbury beating up a fan at MSG with his own shoe

[@pj6973]

Ken Morrow. The only amateur player ever to win a Gold Medal and then win a Stanley Cup in the same year. 1980

[@popeyetsm2750]

Yes, very true. But you also mean before Yzerman did the same thing in '02.

[@danaj4778]

I was too much a disgruntled ranger fan to admire what happened that year.....but i remember the stat page in newsday....i was like holy hockey. And in later years we got alot of those star players as jaded veterans....i remember being in the garden and listening to a blue seater scream at the top of his lungs....why dont you jyst retire dion.....we never laughed so hard.

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

awesome ... thanks for the NYR memories!

[@Gsnyderman5]

Its wild to think that a former WHA team could be moving to Houston after they were not part of the WHA/WHA Merger 40+ years prior.

[@kalleanka6937]

I remember, your last name, there was a player in North stars. Who hade that last name. ITHINK Greg, first name. I follow the them, i remember LouNanne, great man. Rick i was 20 and i still have the hockey sticks the north stars player give me.

[@jerryvan-hees7130]

There was a ,WHA team in Houston the AEROS.

[@Gsnyderman5]

@@jerryvan-hees7130 that's exactly what I'm saying. Wild that the Original Winnipeg Jets could be moving to Houston to become the Aeros

[@michaelleroy9281]

The original Winnipeg Jets ( now Arizona Coyotes) were part of the NHL WHA merger , along with New England ( Hartford) Edmonton and Quebec

[@spyrosloukanikos347]

What happen to Baltimore bulls

[@mwngw]

Yep. 1st year of the Triple Crown Line. Simmer was deceptively great.

[@Actionronnie]

Lars-Erik first European captain in the NHL. How many players get to be a captain in their first NHL game. Christian scoring a goal on his first shift, think it was 13 second's?

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Lars Erik should be in the HHOF ... the Jets fell apart without him.

[@michaelleroy9281]

Unfortunately the last season for the Atlanta Flames

[@genebishop9454]

A nightmare is how I would view the 79-80 season! Everything went south with Pal Hal when he was slow on the draw in not signing Don Cherry as head coach before Colorado. Signing Punch opened the door for the darkest moment in Leafs history…missing the playoffs 4 times…winning 30 games or more twice…Punch feuds with stars and the eventual trading of heart and soul players like Lanny McDonald, Tiger Williams and Mike Palmateer. Punch and Pal Hal called captain Sittler (the heart beat of the Leafs) a cancer when in fact the cancer were the ones looking in the mirror each morning! The only good thing Punch did was receiving 3 time 50 goal scorer Rick Vaive otherwise he destroy a good promise team! I do agree that the 79 draft was the best for the ages but I also believe that it hurt some good talented young players in the pursuing years by desperate teams rushing kids into the pros before they were ready.

[@michaelleroy9281]

The Leafs have survived Harold Ballard

[@oilersridersbluejays]

Yeah but it was the Leafs. It was fun for the rest of the league.

[@fastfootedone]

If you're being honest, the Leafs are a bit of a joke. THey are an original 6 team that hasn't seen a Stanley Cup Final is well over 50 years....that's pathetic using any metric. Time to find a new team to cheer for, unless you are a masochist LMAO

[@genebishop9454]

@@fastfootedone No more like an eternal optimist!

[@RRaquello]

I wonder if Gretzky would have been drafted number one if he had been in the draft. After his great rookie season in the WHA, he probably would have been, but it's not a sure thing. Many people were still not convinced he was that good. A couple of other things: Joe Mullen was supposed to be on the US Olympic team, and would have been the team's only Hall-of-Famer, but had to drop out of the team because his father was sick and the family needed money, so he signed a pro contract with the St. Louis Blues. One memorable moment for me was when Billy Harris was healthy-scratched by the Islanders, ending a consecutive games played streak of over 500 games, going back to the very first Islander game. Harris would be one of the players going to LA later that year in the Butch Goring trade, so he'd miss out on the Islander's 4 Stanley Cups. This was the beginning of the "Original 21" era, which was one of the most fun eras of hockey. Forget the hype of the "Original 6". Remember the "Original 21".

[@jimross3593]

Song please?

[@jamesarmstrong1811]

The only award Wayne Gretzky never won was Rookie of the year because the NHL didn't consider Gretzky a rookie since he played for Edmonton's team in the WHA.

[@diamonddog13]

It irked me at the time that Wayne Gretzky could not win ROY but Peter Stastny could the next year.

[@arttumatiasnuutinen]

Why didnt Simmer win the rocket he had more points and 26 less games played than Stoughton

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

I agree.

[@diamonddog13]

It didn't exist until 1998-99

[@moodyrick8503]

_We know who's gonna win it, this year, ect, ect, ect,..._ *With 4 years of Montreal cup wins & the Islanders 4 cups, it was pretty much a foregone conclusion as to who would win every year.* _Very predictable, with no surprise upsets._

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

right Montreal 4, NYI 4 and then Edm 3

[@sportsfix6975]

For most goalies, 79/80 was the worst NHL season....with that much offensive talent flying around, no wonder!!!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

right ...it took goalies about 15 years to catch up ... thanks for watching!

[@karattkensair9891]

BO$$Y!!!!

[@gburg9349]

Neal Broten?????

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Did not play in the NHL in 1979-80.

[@kalleanka6937]

NEAL BROTEN YOU forgot him

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

Thanks - but Brots didn’t play in the NHL until the following season

[@kalleanka6937]

@@ProHockeyAlumni ok, i meet him he was great man. RICK fr Sweden

[@joelhendrickson4130]

Fair enough. Over 1,000 NHL games.

[@kalleanka6937]

@@joelhendrickson4130 Did Neal play for usa1996 world cup

[@joelhendrickson4130]

@@kalleanka6937 I would say no. He has two brothers. Aaron and Paul that may have.

[@precisionlce3989]

Pathetic you left out Neal Broten! Carried Team USA and was a major contributor for the North Stars to make it to the Stanley Cup!

[@ProHockeyAlumni]

The video was about the 1979-80 season ... he did not play for Minnesota in 1979-80 -- he joined the North Stars in 1980-81.

[@bb-gc2tx]

im positive i could of played goal in the nhl in late 70s early 80s goalies were awful

[@CHAUNCEY.GARDNER.]

The 80's had some of the worst goaltending,look at the scores, even Wayne said he could not do it today,he would be average,no Dave,and no protection,your on your own.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I wouldn’t say worse goaltending. First, look at the size of the equipment then compared to today. If todays’s goalies wore pads as small as they did in the 80s and had the same blocker and glove as they did then, they would be allowing just as many goals. Secondly, goalies were smaller then. A goalie that was over 6’ 0” was considered tall. Thirdly, today’s goalies mostly just flop down or just centre themselves at the shooter. In the 80’s they had to lunge and jump and flip around to make saves. You could argue that there was a lot more desperation and effort back then to make a save. Lastly, most of today’s players would not be putting up many more points if they were playing back then. Remember, there were 21 teams then. The draft class wasn’t as watered down as it is today with 32 teams, so the level of raw talent was higher then. Your comment was pretty short-sighted and you probably never even watch a full game from the 1980s, so I can sort of forgive the ignorance. There were still plenty of shut outs back then and there are plenty of blowouts today you know.

[@robertsprouse9282]

@@oilersridersbluejays, but the draft then was 98 percent Canadians and few Americans, a handful of EUROS. The talent pool is bigger today, when its in an up-cycle. It isn't right now.

[@RRaquello]

​@@oilersridersbluejays I remember at that time it was considered "good" for a goalie to be small. Ken Dryden, a big guy, was the exception.You had a couple of others, like Maniago and John Davidson. It was thought that small guys, like Vachon and Resch, Jim Rutherford, Palmateer, Eddie Giacomin, even Billy Smith and most others, were better goalies. It seems crazy now. The "doctrine" was you wanted a small, quick guy in net and that big guys were too slow and would be caught out of position and easy to beat. They had it completely backwards from the way they think of goaltending now. Also, the idea of coming way out of the net to "cut down the angle" was the way you were supposed to play on an odd-man situation. I remember a guy like Giacomin would come way out to the face off dot to try and shut down the shooter, and more often than not they'd just shoot it into his pads. Now you try that, they go right around you and put it in the empty net, and I wonder, "Why didn't they think of that in 1978?" Liut was maybe the first of the new generation of "big" goalies, and after that the little guys started disappearing.

[@Pierreboro]

@@oilersridersbluejays goaltender techniques have improved since the 1980s, with the development of butterfly and hybrid styles. Today’s best goaltenders wearing 1980s equipment would certainly have better percentages than their peers from the 1980s, just like 1980s goaltenders with stand up style would fare relatively poorly with modern equipment.

[@arleighallen2897]

Greatest season ever? Not even close

[@dnx112]

Always will hate EVERY canadian team for life. 1993 1993 1993 1993 and so on I hope forever!

[@Mostlyonoff]

As far as I'm concerned they stole the Cup from my Kings with that chincy stick call. Game was over, they were up 2 games to 0 They are cursed for pulling that crap, enjoyed watching them lose last year

[@michaelleroy9281]

1993 sucks because that was the year the North Stars moved to Dallas

[@bearforce187]

Agree, Habs will be stuck in mediocrity forever now.

[@oilersridersbluejays]

I hate every American teams, especially non-Original 6 ones, so the feeling is mutual.

[@tonypacheco2318]

@@Mostlyonoff sorry, rules are rules and they need to be followed at all times..