the thrilling race in the West Division, the playoffs were unexciting in that the team with the better record won every series and only one series went beyond 5 games. That was the West semifinal between Houston and Los Angeles. After getting blown out in game one in Houston by a score of 7-2, Los Angeles rallied to win game two 4-2 and even the series. The Sharks then won a thrilling game three in L.A. 3-2. Game 4 was the turning point of the series. The teams headed into overtime tied at 2; a Houston goal would even the series while a Los Angeles goal would give the Sharks a commanding 3-1 series lead. The Aeros scored in overtime to even the series, then won game 5 in Houston, 6-3. Game six in L.A. was another thriller, with Houston scoring in the final minutes to win the game 3-2 and win the series. Avco World Trophy playoffs Avco World Trophy finals New England Whalers defeated the Winnipeg Jets, 4 games to 1. The Whalers defeated the Jets 9 to 6 in the deciding game in Boston on May 6, 1973, with Larry Pleau scoring a hat trick. Upon their win, The Avco World Trophy had not yet been completed. As a result, the Whalers skated their victory lap with their divisional trophy. WHA awards Trophies All-Star Team Debuts The following is a list of players of note who played their first major professional game in 1972–73 (listed with their first team, asterisk(*) marks debut in playoffs): Mike Antonovich, Minnesota Fighting Saints Richard Brodeur, Quebec Nordiques Gavin Kirk, Ottawa Nationals Bruce Landon, New England Whalers Bob MacMillan, Minnesota Fighting Saints Rusty Patenaude, Alberta Oilers Gene Peacosh, New York Raiders Ron Plumb, Philadelphia Blazers Tim Sheehy, New England Whalers Last game The following is a list of players of note who played their final major professional game in 1972–73: Kent Douglas, New York Raiders Bill Hicke, Alberta Oilers Marcel Paille, Philadelphia Blazers See also 1972–73 WHA All-Star Game 1972–73 NHL season 1972 in sports 1973 in sports References HockeyDB 2 2 World Hockey Association seasons