1985-86 NHL Regular Season Points Record

Lore & Background

Wayne Gretzky set an NHL record by earning 215 points and 163 assists, breaking records that he had previously set, as he won his sixth Art Ross Trophy and his seventh Hart Trophy. Jari Kurri became the first Oiler other than Gretzky to lead the team in goals as he scored 68 goals, and added 63 assists to finish with 131 points. Paul Coffey set the record for most goals (48) by a defenceman, breaking the record of 46 goals that Bobby Orr had previously set while finishing the season with 138 points, which was one point behind Orr's all-time defenceman record of 139 points. He won his second straight Norris Trophy.

In Their Own Story

The ice at Northlands Coliseum crackled under the skates of the dynasty squad. It was late March, and the air smelled of popcorn and anticipation. Wayne Gretzky circled the faceoff dot, jersey number 99 gleaming under the arena lights. The crowd roared as the puck dropped, a sound that had become familiar to Edmontonians over three straight championship years. This wasn't just another game; it was the final stretch of a regular season destined for the record books.

Reader's Guide

In the playoffs, the Oilers made quick work of the Vancouver Canucks in the opening round sweeping them in three straight games, setting up a matchup with their rivals the Calgary Flames, who swept the Winnipeg Jets in their opening round series, for another Battle of Alberta. The Oilers could never seem to get on a roll against the Flames, as the series was pushed to the limit as they would meet for a seventh game in Edmonton. With the score tied up at 2 late in the third period, Oilers defenceman Steve Smith was playing the puck behind the Edmonton goal, and attempted to make a pass, however it hit goalie Grant Fuhr and the puck ended up in the Oilers goal, giving the Flames a 3–2 lead. Edmonton could not come back, as the Flames ended up winning the game, and the series, and ending the Oilers chance at winning a third Stanley Cup in a row.

Did You Know?

• Wayne Gretzky set NHL records with 215 points and 163 assists in the 1985–86 season.
• Paul Coffey set an NHL record for most goals by a defenceman with 48, breaking Bobby Orr's record.
• The Oilers were eliminated by the Calgary Flames in a seven-game second-round series (4-3).
• Kevin McClelland set an Oilers record for most penalty minutes in a single season with 266.