Yeah, that's true. While last winter was the best chance for an east coast KU, it was also the best chance for a 72-73 repeat. It just so happened that the latter did happen, except with a different monthly flavor.
I agree with you in that I wouldn't say that last year's nino was acting only like a moderate. It was strong, and it showed in the STJ. The only time the STJ weakened or shut off was that January -EPO period, and ironically, that got us snow in the MA.