1938–39 New York Americans season



The 1938–39 New York Americans season was the Americans' 14th season of play. The Americans finished 4th in the league and lost in the Quarter-finals to the Toronto Maple Leafs 2 games to 0.

Pre-season
The Americans played a four game series against the New York Rangers in Western Canada:


 * Thursday, October 20 Rangers 2 Americans 1 @ Winnipeg
 * Saturday, October 22 Rangers 3 Americans 2 @ Saskatoon
 * Tuesday, October 25 Rangers 7 Americans 0 @ Saskatoon
 * Thursday, October 27 Rangers 8 Americans 4 @ Edmonton

The Rangers swept the series 4 to 0.

Regular Season
Tiny Thompson returned to the nets during the November 13, 1938 game against the Americans. In the second period with the Amerks up 1-0 on a power play goal by Lorne Carr, Woody Dumart missed on a penalty shot. Shortly after, Milt Schmidt took a penalty and Eddie Wiseman made it 2-0. In the third period, Flash Hollett beat Earl Robertson with a long, low shot to break his shutout bid but afterwards, the Americans continually iced the puck and the game ended in a 2-1 Bruins loss. Art Ross took notice of Wiseman's prowess and would acquire him the next season.

The Americans were in third place at mid-season but proceeded to fall into a big slump in the second half and though they finished 4th, they were below .500 and had the worst defence in the league. Part of the problem was the retirements of Ching Johnson and Hap Day on defence. Al Murray was also out of action for quite a time. Still, goaltender Earl Robertson was voted to the Second All-Star Team.

Back in the line-up for the January 29 Bruins away game against the Americans, Cooney Weiland opened the scoring on a breakaway while the "B's" were shorthanded. After future Bruin Eddie Wiseman tied it up, Eddie Shore scored on the power play but the goal was initially disallowed by referee Norm Lamport. After he consulted with the goal judge, who declared the puck went in and hit the back bar, Lamport allowed the goal. Amerks GM/coach Red Dutton was furious and physically removed the judge. In the second period, Nels Stewart and Flash Hollett fought, which turned into a melee. Both players were ejected from the game. Roy Conacher scored the winner in the third frame while the teams were each a man short. After Woody Dumart missed a penalty shot, Hooley Smith cut the Bruins lead but they hung on for a 3-2 win.

Unfortunately, Earl Robertson was injured during the last game of the regular season on March 16, 1939 against the New York Rangers. Defenseman Roger Jenkins played the last half of the game and let in seven goals as the Americans lost 11-5. Robertson was unavailable for the playoffs and was replaced with Alfie Moore. Moore had played twice during the season, on February 2 and 5, 1939 and had let in seven goals in each game.

Regular Season

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Playoffs

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Awards and Records

 * Earl Robertson, Goalie, NHL Second Team All-Star

Transactions

 * Purchase Leroy Goldsworthy and the loan of Art Jackson from the Boston Bruins on October 24, 1938.
 * Trade Hap Emms to the Detroit Red Wings for John Gallagher on December 13, 1938.

Trivia

 * Americans who recorded a hat trick this season include:
 * Sweeney Schriner during the 7-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on November 22, 1938.
 * Art Jackson during the 5-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings on December 13, 1938.
 * John Sorrell during the 5-1 win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on January 1, 1939.

Video
A minute worth of footage from the home opener of the Chicago Black Hawks which they won over the Americans 6-1. First period goals by Cully Dahlstrom and Johnny Gottselig are shown.