On This Date in 1980: The Whalers Play Their First NHL Game in Hartford

On This Date in 1980 the Hartford Whalers are "Home At Last" as they play the first-ever NHL game at the "New" Hartford Civic Center. (They were in Springfield for 2 years and 19 days due to the roof collapse at the original Hartford Civic Center.)

The Whalers went on to beat the LA Kings 7-3. Mark Howe led the way with two goals. The Kings Mike Murphy scored the first goal in the new building and Blaine Stoughton was the first Whaler to tally.