1973–74 Quebec Nordiques season



The 1973–74 Quebec Nordiques season was the Nordiques 2nd season in the World Hockey Association (WHA). The Nordiques finished 5th in the Eastern Division and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Off-season
The Nordiques replaced head coach Maurice Filion in the off-season, and name recently retired NHL superstar goaltender Jacques Plante as head coach of the team. The club also acquired Serge Bernier from the Los Angeles Kings and Rejean Houle from the Montreal Canadiens of the NHL to try and spark the offense.

The Nordiques jerseys remained the same design as in the 1972-73 season with two exceptions. The light blue was changed to dark blue and highlighted nameplates were added to the jersey backs. There was still no fleur-de-lis present.

Regular Season
The Nordiques improved from the previous season and finished over .500 for the first time in team history with a 38–36–4 record. However, they would once again come up short for a playoff berth, finishing only 1 point behind the Chicago Cougars for the final spot after losing their final two games of the regular season.

Offensively, Quebec was led by Serge Bernier, as he posted a team best 86 points, scoring a Nordiques record 37 goals along the way. Bob Guindon would have a very solid season, scoring 31 goals and 70 points, while Alain Caron also scored 31 goals while appearing in only 59 games due to injuries. Defenseman J. C. Tremblay would anchor the defense, scoring 9 goals and earning 53 points, while earning a Second Team All-Star berth. Pierre Roy supplied the team toughness, recording 137 penalty minutes in only 44 games.

In goal, Richard Brodeur would lead the Nordiques in wins with 15 and save percentage at .901, while Michel DeGuise would post a team best 3.29 GAA, playing in a team high 32 games. Serge Aubry also had some playing time, winning 11 games.

Playoffs

 * The Nordiques did not qualify for the post season.

Awards and Records

 * J. C. Tremblay, Defense, WHA Second Team All-Star

Draft Picks
Quebec's draft picks from the 1973 WHA Amateur Draft.

Farm Teams

 * Maine Nordiques, NAHL