Skating into the NHL, the Whalers decide to identify themselves with Hartford, hoping to carve a niche as Connecticut's only professional team. However, the Whalers would not start the season in Hartford, as work was not yet completed on the Civic Center.

In their first NHL game on October 11th, the Whalers would be knocked off by the Minnesota Northstars 4-1. The Whalers would finally return to Hartford on February 6th with a resounding 7-3 win over the Los Angeles Kings before a sold-out crowd.

Already playing with legendary Gordie Howe, the Whalers would acquire Bobby Hull for the stretch run. With their duo of legends, the Whalers would on to finish in 4th place in the Norris Division with a 27-34-19 record good enough for a playoff spot.

In the playoffs, the Whalers would be swept in three straight games by the Montreal Canadiens as Hull and Howe both play their final NHL games.