With the NHL doubling from six to 12 teams, Minnesota, the capital of hockey in the USA was an obvious choice for one of the six new expansion teams. Named North Stars for their state motto "Etoile du Nord," which is French for Star of the North, the team took the ice for the first time on October 15th, losing to the expansion California Seals on the road.

Six days later, with workers still installing the seats at the Met Center in Bloomington, the North Stars played the Seals to a 3-3 tie in their first home game. Midway through the season, the Stars wherein the running for first place in the all expansion Western Division.

However, tragedy struck on January 13th when Bill Masterton struck his head on the ice during a home game against the Seals; he would die from his injuries two days later. Masterton, a career minor leaguer, would have an annual award named after him awarded to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship, and dedication to hockey.

Initially shaken by the loss of their teammate, the North Stars lost six straight games. However, they would recover to make the playoffs by finishing in fourth place with a record of 27-32-15.

In the playoffs, the North Stars found themselves in a quick hole, losing the first two games to the Kings in Los Angeles. After winning the next two games at home, the Stars had their backs to wall losing 3-2 in LA.

The Stars would again hold their ground at home, forcing a seventh game with an overtime win. In Game 7 back in Los Angeles, the Stars erupted for nine goals to advance to the Western Finals.

In the Western Finals, the North Stars and St. Louis Blues would battle back and forth to a seventh game before the Blues advance to the finals with a win in double overtime in a draining series with four overtime games.