During their 18-year run in the NHL, the Hartford Whalers were rarely contenders. They only ever finished higher than fourth in the division once, winning the Adams Division in 1986-87 before losing in the division semifinals to Quebec. The Whalers only won a playoff round once, advancing to the division finals in 1986 and losing in seven games to the Montreal Canadiens.
While never the top dogs in the league, the Whalers had plenty of big-time players come through Connecticut. Eight Hall-of-Famers called Hartford home during their careers, headlined by Ron Francis, Bobby Hull, and "Mr. Hockey" Gordie Howe.