Michel Goulet's Arrival

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Lore & Background

Goulet joined the Nordiques in their inaugural NHL season of 1979–80. The team struggled, finishing with the second-worst record despite his promising play.

In Their Own Story

The narrative of Goulet's tenure is defined by highs and lows within the Adams Division rivalry. In the 1983–84 playoffs, tensions with the Canadiens erupted during the infamous Good Friday Massacre at Montreal Forum. Although the Nordiques were eliminated in a dramatic third-period collapse following brawls that ejected Peter Stastny and Dale Hunter, Goulet remained a key offensive threat throughout the series. The following season saw the team reach its deepest NHL playoff run ever, defeating the Canadiens in seven games to advance before falling to the Philadelphia Flyers. However, by 1988–89, decline set in with a league-worst record of 27–46–7. In March 1990, facing continued struggles and an abysmal 12–61–7 record the prior year, the Nordiques traded Goulet to the Chicago Blackhawks, ending his era as one of the franchise's most important players.

Reader's Guide

Goulet was a key player for the Nordiques in the early 1980s, helping the team reach the playoffs for seven consecutive years alongside Peter Stastny.

Did You Know?

• Michel Goulet was a promising rookie left winger for the Nordiques in their first NHL season, 1979–80.
• The Nordiques finished the 1979–80 season with the second-worst record in the league.
• Goulet and Peter Stastny led the Nordiques to seven straight playoff appearances in the 1980s.