1987 Stanley Cup Final Game 5 vs Calgary Flames

Lore & Background

The Oilers were founded in 1971 by W. D. 'Wild Bill' Hunter and Dr. Chuck Allard and played their first season in 1972–73 as one of the 12 founding franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA). They joined the NHL in 1979 as part of the NHL–WHA merger. After joining the NHL, the Oilers won the Stanley Cup on five occasions: 1983–84, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88 and 1989–90.

In Their Own Story

The lights hummed above Northlands Coliseum, casting long shadows across the ice. The crowd roared, a sea of orange and blue pressing against the glass boards. Wayne Gretzky skated forward, puck on tape, eyes locked on the net. He knew this was it—the final hurdle before another banner rose. Grant Fuhr stood ready in his crease, glove raised high as the Flames' rush crashed toward him.

Reader's Guide

The 1987 Stanley Cup Final was between the Edmonton Oilers and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Oilers defeated the Flyers 4-3 in the series. The Battle of Alberta Final did not occur in 1987; the 1986 Final was Flames vs. Canadiens, and the 1988 Final was Oilers vs. Flames.

Did You Know?

• The Oilers are one of two NHL franchises based in Alberta, the other being the Calgary Flames.
• The Oilers are the NHL franchise with the northernmost home location.
• The Oilers have not won a division title since 1987, the longest division title drought in all of North American major professional sports.