 Hartford began the 1985–86 season on the road against the Buffalo Sabres on October 10.The Whalers, led by two goals by Kevin Dineen, overcame a 3–0 deficit to defeat the Sabres 5–4.Two nights later, on October 12, the Whalers hosted the New York Rangers for their home opener, and were led by two goals by Ron Francis and Ray Ferraro, as well as 33 saves by Mike Liut, as Hartford defeated New York 8–2 in front of 15,142 fans at the Civic Center.