On October 7th, the NHL's two newest teams faced off in New York with the Atlanta Flames edging the Islanders 3-2. A week later, the NHL came to Dixie as the Flames, and Buffalo Sabres played to a 1-1 stalemate.

As expansion teams go, the Flames were competitive, finishing seventh in the Western Division with a record of 25-38-15, which was better than four established franchises, with more the double the point total of the Islanders their partners in expansion.