If ever there was an unloved team it was the New York Raiders. To build a successful league the WHA knew it needed a team in New York, the media capital of the world.

The Raiders intended to play in the Nassau Coliseum along with the ABA's New York Nets. However, the owners of the Coliseum did not view the WHA favorably and heavily lobbied the NHL for a second New York team, and retained attorney William Shea to get a expansion team leading to the birth of the New York Islanders.

The Raiders even had trouble landing players, as they chose to peruse young players from Junior Hockey to fill their roster, many of which chose to stay away from the WHA. After being shut out on Long Island, the Raiders were forced to play at Madison Square Garden, which was well oversized for the team's small crowds.

Coached by former Ranger Camile Henry, the Raiders stated the season with a 6-4 loss to the Winnipeg Jets on October 12th, beating the Ottawa Nations two nights later 8-6 for their first win. Early on the Raiders played well, as they went into the New Year with a record of 21-17-2.

However, after winning just three games in January the Raiders would slip all the way down into last place, finishing with a record of 33-43-2.