Oilers vs Nordiques

Lore & Background

The Oilers were one of four WHA organizations that were granted NHL expansion franchises under the terms of an expansion agreement that took effect on June 22, 1979. They were led offensively by rookie superstar Wayne Gretzky, as he tied for the lead league in points at 137, however lost the Art Ross Trophy due to scoring 2 fewer goals than winner Marcel Dionne. Gretzky won the Hart Memorial Trophy as MVP of the NHL but was declared ineligible for the Calder Memorial Trophy due to his playing days in the WHA. Edmonton played six goaltenders during the season and was led by Eddie Mio's nine wins, while Ron Low, who came over in a trade with the Quebec Nordiques, would go 8–2–1 in 11 games with the Oilers. They made the playoffs; however, they were quickly swept out by the powerful Philadelphia Flyers in 3 games.

In Their Own Story

The air inside the Northlands Coliseum was thick with tension, smelling of popcorn and nervous sweat. It was Game 7, 1988, late in the third period. Wayne Gretzky skated slowly near the blue line, his eyes scanning the ice for a lane that didn't exist. Across the rink, Patrick Roy sat in his crease, knees bent, stick ready, his gaze locked on every movement of the Edmonton forwards. The crowd was a deafening roar, a sea of orange and blue pressing against the glass. As the puck dropped towards the slot, time seemed to suspend; it wasn't just a game anymore, but a collision of two worlds, one seeking glory, the other seeking redemption.

Reader's Guide

The source article does not describe any playoff series between the Oilers and the Quebec Nordiques. It only mentions that Ron Low was acquired in a trade with the Nordiques.

Did You Know?

• Wayne Gretzky won the Hart Memorial Trophy in the Oilers' first NHL season.
• Eddie Mio led the Oilers in goaltender wins with nine in 1979–80.
• Ron Low posted an 8–2–1 record after being traded from the Quebec Nordiques.