The Knoxes had tried twice before to get an NHL group , first when the NHL expanded in 1967 .
The Knoxes then unsuccessfully attempting to get the Oakland Seals with the intent of moving them to Buffalo .
The Knoxes had tried twice before to get an NHL group , first when the NHL expanded in 1967 , and then unsuccessfully attempting to get the Oakland Seals with the intent of moving them to Buffalo .