The brothers would have a huge impact in the league, as Peter would win the Calder Memorial Trophy awarded to the NHL's Rookie of the Year, and both Peter and Anton would set rookie records, each earning eight points in a game on February 22, 1981, leading Quebec to an 11–7 win over the Washington Capitals.
The Nordiques season began with a nine-game road trip, and head coach Maurice Filion would replace himself with Michel Bergeron after the club had a 1-3-2 record in their opening six games.
Quebec would then get red hot, posting a record of 19-6-6 in their remaining 31 games to finish the season at 30–32–18, earning 78 points, and their first ever berth into the NHL playoffs.
Offensively, the Nordiques were led by rookie Peter Šťastný, who set a team record with 109 points, winning the Calder Memorial Trophy.
Pierre Lacroix led the Nordiques blueline, earning 39 points, while Dale Hunter had a team high 226 penalty minutes.
In the second period, Quebec fought back on goals by Michel Goulet and Dale Hunter to tie the game at 3-3.
The Flyers Tom Gorence made it 5-2 Philadelphia before Jacques Richard responded for the Nordiques, making it 5–3 after two periods.
Philadelphia's Mel Bridgman scored, followed by an empty net goal by Bobby Clarke, as the Flyers took a 2–0 series lead with an 8–5 victory.
In overtime, Dale Hunter scored a quick goal 37 seconds into the extra period, as Quebec stunned the Flyers with a 4–3 win, and tied the series.