95-96 Nordiques:
- I think they go with Fiset/Thibault, but I think the Nords make a deal at the trade deadline to bring in a veteran backup (prehaps a guy like Kelly Hrudey, who lost his job in LA to Dafoe, and at the end of his contract, could be had at a cheap price).
- Does the team still make the Owen Nolan/Sandis Ozolinsh trade? Nolan was a fan favourite in Quebec, coming off a huge 1995 season, do they still make the trade, or is someone else (Clark maybe?) the centerpiece of that trade? Obviously, the Nords would have to give up more than Clark, probably a high draft pick, or a guy like Deadmarsh included to get Ozolinsh, as SJ was looking for leadership.
- I see them finishing in third place in the more competitive Eastern Conference, and if the rest of the teams below them have the same final standing, a first round matchup against Boston. Quebec would torch Ranford and the Bruins, and Pitts/Phil/Florida win their series, setting up a Quebec/Florida second round. Florida at the time was playing the trap very well, but I think Quebec makes it out, as the Avs were able to sweep Florida in the 96 finals. I think Pittsburgh beats Philly, setting up a Quebec/Pittsburgh ECF. It'd be a high scoring affair, but I think Pittsburgh comes out on top. The Penguins then lose to Detroit in the finals, who coasted through the WC, defeating Anaheim, Winnipeg (who upsets second seed Calgary in the first round), and Chicago.
96-97 Nordiques
- Hrudey walks away as a FA, going to the Sharks, and the Nords trade away Thibault to the Kings for Lacroix and a first. Club picks up Billington in waiver draft to become the backup. Fiset/Billington goaltending duo for season.
- Quebec wins Northeast Division despite some goaltending struggles, as the division is weakened as Pittsburgh and Boston have their struggles. First round matchup is against the seventh seeded Penguins, with Quebec winning in six. Next up is the Flyers, who defeat Quebec in seven games, with Eric Lindros scoring the series winning goal.
97-98 Nordiques
-The reality of being a small-market Canadian team sets in, as Sakic signs an offer sheet with the Rangers that Quebec can't match. Nolan and Kamensky traded away for draft picks, and the Nordiques begin a mini-rebuild, building around Forsberg, Ozolinsh, and a 20 year old Marc Denis.
-Club narrowly makes the playoffs, but is put out in seven games in the first round by the Devils.