1985 Stanley Cup Run
Five-time Stanley Cup champions and a dynasty of the 1980s.
The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta. They were established in 1972 as a founding franchise of the World Hockey Association (WHA) and joined the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1979. The Oilers have won the Stanley Cup five times: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990.
- Champion
- Edmonton Oilers
- Opponent
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Finals Result
- 4-2
- Conn Smythe Winner
- Wayne Gretzky
- Head Coach
- Glen Sather
- Season Context
- 1984-85 NHL Season
Lore & Background
The Oilers were originally named the Alberta Oilers after the Calgary Broncos franchise was cancelled before playing a game, but returned to the Edmonton Oilers name for the 1973–74 season. The team won the first game in WHA history 7–4 over the Ottawa Nationals. In 1976, Glen Sather was acquired as a player and became player-coach, later serving as head coach and/or general manager for 23 years. The team's fortunes improved in 1978 when they acquired underage player Wayne Gretzky, goaltender Eddie Mio, and forward Peter Driscoll from the Indianapolis Racers. In 1978–79, the Oilers finished first in the WHA standings but lost the Avco World Trophy Final to the Winnipeg Jets. Dave Semenko scored the last goal in WHA history in that final game.
In Their Own Story
The ice at Northlands Coliseum shimmered under the bright arena lights as the final seconds ticked away in Game Six. Wayne Gretzky skated slowly toward the bench, his chest heaving beneath the blue and orange jersey. The roar of eight thousand fans drowned out the referee's whistle. Grant Fuhr stood on his goal crease, arms raised, knowing the work was done. Confetti rained down from the rafters as teammates piled onto the ice, a chaotic mix of joy and relief. In that moment, the dream became reality.
Reader's Guide
The Oilers joined the NHL in 1979 along with the Hartford Whalers, Quebec Nordiques, and Winnipeg Jets. Of these four teams, only Edmonton has avoided relocation and renaming. In the 1985 Stanley Cup Finals, the Oilers defeated the Philadelphia Flyers in five games (4-1). The only overtime game in the series was Game 4, which the Flyers won 5-4. Paul Coffey won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1985.
Did You Know?
- The Oilers were originally supposed to be one of two WHA teams in Alberta, the other being the Calgary Broncos.
- Wayne Gretzky was acquired by the Oilers in 1978 from the Indianapolis Racers.
- The Oilers won the Stanley Cup five times in the 1980s: 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990.
- The 1984–85 Edmonton Oilers were voted the NHL's Greatest Team in its first 100 years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened during the 1985 Stanley Cup Run?
This season marked the team's second consecutive championship, solidifying their status as a dynasty in the National Hockey League. Led by Wayne Gretzky, the roster defeated the Philadelphia Flyers to secure the title.
Who won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 1985?
Wayne Gretzky was awarded the trophy for his outstanding performance throughout the postseason. His leadership was instrumental in guiding Edmonton to victory over their opponents.
Which team lost to the Oilers in the 1985 Finals?
The Edmonton Oilers faced off against the Philadelphia Flyers in the championship series. They ultimately won the best-of-seven matchup with a final score of four games to two.
Why is the 1985 championship important for the franchise?
This victory established the foundation for five championships within an eight-year span, creating an unmatched era of dominance in franchise history. It proved that their first title was not a fluke but the start of a legendary run.
Who was the coach of the 1985 Cup-winning Oilers?
Glen Sather managed the team throughout the grueling playoff gauntlet to secure the second banner. His strategic guidance helped transform the young roster into a global powerhouse.
More in Stadium & Fan Culture
Elsewhere in the Edmonton Oilers universe
Spotted an error? Know more?
This is a living reference — every entry is fact-audited, and reader corrections feed straight into our audit queue. Suggest an edit · See this site's audit record