Sanipass played with the Verdun Junior Canadiens of the QMJHL in the 1985–86 season, scoring 28 goals and 94 points in 67 games, while amassing 320 penalty minutes, sixth highest total in the league.
[1] Nylund, who would turn 23 years old early in the season, appeared in 79 games with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1985–86, scoring two goals and 18 points while accumulating 180 penalty minutes.
The Hawks struggled to start the season, posting a record of 4–12–5 in their first 21 games, as the club was fighting with the Minnesota North Stars for the fourth and final playoff position in the Norris Division.
The team broke out of their season-long slump, winning nine of their next 12 games, putting their record to 17–20–6, and into a tie for first place in the Norris Division with 40 points.
The Blackhawks would continue to hover just under the .500 mark, peaking at two games under with a 27–29–10 record following a four-game winning streak in March, sitting in second place in the division.
A late-season slump brought the Hawks' final record to 29–37–14, earning 72 points and third place in the division, as they qualified for the post-season for the 18th consecutive season.
Wayne Presley, in his first full NHL season, broke out with 32 goals, which was the second-highest total on the team, while earning 61 points in 80 games.
In goal, Bob Sauve played the majority of the minutes, going 19–19–5 with a 3.59 GAA and a .894 save percentage, while earning the only shutout the club had during the season in 46 games.
In the first period, the Red Wings again opened the scoring, as Steve Yzerman beat goaltender Bob Sauve, giving Detroit a 1–0 lead 5:28 into the game.
In the extra period, the Wings Shawn Burr scored his third goal in three games, as Detroit defeated Chicago 4–3, and took a 3–0 series lead.
Wayne Presley got the Blackhawks on the board with a goal at 9:26 of the period, however, the Red Wings Dave Barr scored 41 seconds later, restoring Detroit's two-goal lead.