Game log

No.	R	Date	Score	Opponent	Record
1	L	October 8, 1987	3–4	@ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...  (1987–88 1987–88 Boston Bruins season The 1987–88 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 64th season. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-Regular season:... )	0–1–0
2	W	October 10, 1987	6–4	Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...  (1987–88 1987–88 Chicago Blackhawks season -Game log:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... )	1–1–0
3	L	October 11, 1987	5–6	@ Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...  (1987–88 1987–88 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... )	1–2–0
4	W	October 16, 1987	6–2	Hartford Whalers Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...  (1987–88 1987–88 Hartford Whalers season -Game log:-Transactions:* September 8, 1987 - Dave Semenko traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Bill Root.* October 5, 1987 - Hartford claims Doug Wickenheiser from the St. Louis Blues and Brent Peterson from the Vancouver Canucks of off waivers.... )	2–2–0
5	W	October 17, 1987	4–3	New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Rangers season The 1987–88 New York Rangers season was the 62nd season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers compiled a 36–34–10 record during the regular season, but their 82 points were not enough to give them a berth in the playoffs.-Offseason:... )	3–2–0
6	W	October 19, 1987	4–2	@ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Rangers season The 1987–88 New York Rangers season was the 62nd season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers compiled a 36–34–10 record during the regular season, but their 82 points were not enough to give them a berth in the playoffs.-Offseason:... )	4–2–0
7	W	October 22, 1987	4–1	@ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League .The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division... )	5–2–0
8	L	October 24, 1987	2–3	Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...  (1987–88 1987–88 Montreal Canadiens season The 1987–88 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 79th season. The club qualified for the playoffs, defeated the Hartford Whalers in the first round, but were eliminated in the Adams Division finals versus the Boston Bruins four games to one.-Offseason:... )	5–3–0
9	W	October 27, 1987	3–2	@ Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...  (1987–88 1987–88 Vancouver Canucks season -Regular season:The Canucks had a very disappointing season, they were not capable of winning 3 games in a row during the season. However after the season they were able to draft future captain Trevor Linden.-Game log:-Player stats:... )	6–3–0
10	L	October 30, 1987	2–3 OT	@ Winnipeg Jets (1987–88 1987–88 Winnipeg Jets season The 1987–88 Winnipeg Jets season was the sixteenth season of the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets placed third in the Smythe to qualify for the playoffs. The Jets lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	6–4–0
11	T	October 31, 1987	3–3 OT	@ Minnesota North Stars Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white...  (1987–88 1987–88 Minnesota North Stars season The 1987–88 Minnesota North Stars season saw the North Stars finish in fifth place in the Norris Division with a record of 19 wins, 48 losses, and 13 ties for 51 points. They failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season.... )	6–4–1
12	W	November 3, 1987	3–2	Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...  (1987–88 1987–88 Vancouver Canucks season -Regular season:The Canucks had a very disappointing season, they were not capable of winning 3 games in a row during the season. However after the season they were able to draft future captain Trevor Linden.-Game log:-Player stats:... )	7–4–1
13	L	November 6, 1987	1–4	Quebec Nordiques Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:Quebec made a huge trade during the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, as the Nordiques traded away Dale Hunter and Clint Malarchuk to the Washington Capitals for Gaetan Duchesne, Alan Haworth, and the Capitals first round draft pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, in which the Nordiques selected Joe... )	7–5–1
14	L	November 7, 1987	1–4	@ New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season The 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season was the team's sixth season in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a record of 38 wins, 36 losses, and 6 ties for 82 points, garnering the first winning record in the... )	7–6–1
15	L	November 10, 1987	3–4 OT	@ New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Islanders season The 1987–88 New York Islanders season was the 16th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... )	7–7–1
16	L	November 11, 1987	2–3	@ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...  (1987–88 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' twenty-first season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	7–8–1
17	W	November 14, 1987	4–1	Minnesota North Stars Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white...  (1987–88 1987–88 Minnesota North Stars season The 1987–88 Minnesota North Stars season saw the North Stars finish in fifth place in the Norris Division with a record of 19 wins, 48 losses, and 13 ties for 51 points. They failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season.... )	8–8–1
18	L	November 17, 1987	0–1	Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...  (1987–88 1987–88 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;      MIN = Minutes... )	8–9–1
19	L	November 20, 1987	3–5	@ Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...  (1987–88 1987–88 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... )	8–10–1
20	W	November 21, 1987	4–3	@ Hartford Whalers Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...  (1987–88 1987–88 Hartford Whalers season -Game log:-Transactions:* September 8, 1987 - Dave Semenko traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Bill Root.* October 5, 1987 - Hartford claims Doug Wickenheiser from the St. Louis Blues and Brent Peterson from the Vancouver Canucks of off waivers.... )	9–10–1
21	W	November 25, 1987	4–1	Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...  (1987–88 1987–88 Boston Bruins season The 1987–88 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 64th season. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-Regular season:... )	10–10–1
22	L	November 27, 1987	2–4	Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...  (1987–88 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' twenty-first season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	10–11–1
23	T	November 28, 1987	5–5 OT	@ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...  (1987–88 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' twenty-first season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	10–11–2
24	W	December 1, 1987	4–2	Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....  (1987–88 1987–88 Edmonton Oilers season The 1987–88 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 9th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a Stanley Cup championship against the Philadelphia Flyers the previous season, which was their 3rd Stanley Cup in the past 4 seasons... )	11–11–2
25	L	December 4, 1987	4–6	New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Islanders season The 1987–88 New York Islanders season was the 16th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... )	11–12–2
26	W	December 6, 1987	10–3	Los Angeles Kings Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Los Angeles Kings season The 1987–88 Los Angeles Kings season saw the Kings finish in fourth place in the Smythe Division with a record of 30 wins, 42 losses, and 8 ties for 68 points. They lost the Division Semi-finals in five games to the Calgary Flames.... )	12–12–2
27	L	December 8, 1987	4–5	Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...  (1987–88 1987–88 Calgary Flames season The 1987–88 Calgary Flames season was the eighth National Hockey League season in Calgary and the 16th season in the NHL for the Flames franchise... )	12–13–2
28	L	December 9, 1987	4–5	@ Hartford Whalers Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut, U.S.A.. The club played in the World Hockey Association from 1972–79 and in the National Hockey League from 1979–97...  (1987–88 1987–88 Hartford Whalers season -Game log:-Transactions:* September 8, 1987 - Dave Semenko traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs for Bill Root.* October 5, 1987 - Hartford claims Doug Wickenheiser from the St. Louis Blues and Brent Peterson from the Vancouver Canucks of off waivers.... )	12–14–2
29	W	December 12, 1987	2–1	Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...  (1987–88 1987–88 Chicago Blackhawks season -Game log:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... )	13–14–2
30	L	December 15, 1987	3–5	@ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs season saw the Maple Leafs finish in fourth place in the Norris Division with a record of 21 wins, 49 losses, and 10 ties for 52 points... )	13–15–2
31	L	December 16, 1987	1–6	@ Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...  (1987–88 1987–88 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;      MIN = Minutes... )	13–16–2
32	W	December 18, 1987	4–2	Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs season saw the Maple Leafs finish in fourth place in the Norris Division with a record of 21 wins, 49 losses, and 10 ties for 52 points... )	14–16–2
33	T	December 20, 1987	1–1 OT	St. Louis Blues (1987–88 1987–88 St. Louis Blues season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-References:* -External links:... )	14–16–3
34	W	December 22, 1987	2–1	@ Quebec Nordiques Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:Quebec made a huge trade during the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, as the Nordiques traded away Dale Hunter and Clint Malarchuk to the Washington Capitals for Gaetan Duchesne, Alan Haworth, and the Capitals first round draft pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, in which the Nordiques selected Joe... )	15–16–3
35	T	December 23, 1987	2–2 OT	@ Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...  (1987–88 1987–88 Montreal Canadiens season The 1987–88 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 79th season. The club qualified for the playoffs, defeated the Hartford Whalers in the first round, but were eliminated in the Adams Division finals versus the Boston Bruins four games to one.-Offseason:... )	15–16–4
36	L	December 26, 1987	2–3	Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League .The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division... )	15–17–4
37	T	December 28, 1987	4–4 OT	@ Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs season The 1987–88 Toronto Maple Leafs season saw the Maple Leafs finish in fourth place in the Norris Division with a record of 21 wins, 49 losses, and 10 ties for 52 points... )	15–17–5
38	W	December 30, 1987	4–3	@ New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season The 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season was the team's sixth season in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a record of 38 wins, 36 losses, and 6 ties for 82 points, garnering the first winning record in the... )	16–17–5
39	W	January 1, 1988	5–3	Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...  (1987–88 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' twenty-first season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	17–17–5
40	W	January 2, 1988	2–0	Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....  (1987–88 1987–88 Edmonton Oilers season The 1987–88 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 9th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a Stanley Cup championship against the Philadelphia Flyers the previous season, which was their 3rd Stanley Cup in the past 4 seasons... )	18–17–5
41	W	January 5, 1988	3–1	@ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League .The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division... )	19–17–5
42	W	January 8, 1988	8–4	New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Rangers season The 1987–88 New York Rangers season was the 62nd season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers compiled a 36–34–10 record during the regular season, but their 82 points were not enough to give them a berth in the playoffs.-Offseason:... )	20–17–5
43	L	January 10, 1988	2–8	@ Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...  (1987–88 1987–88 Calgary Flames season The 1987–88 Calgary Flames season was the eighth National Hockey League season in Calgary and the 16th season in the NHL for the Flames franchise... )	20–18–5
44	L	January 11, 1988	2–3	@ Edmonton Oilers Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division in the Western Conference of the National Hockey League ....  (1987–88 1987–88 Edmonton Oilers season The 1987–88 Edmonton Oilers season was the Oilers' 9th season in the NHL, and they were coming off a Stanley Cup championship against the Philadelphia Flyers the previous season, which was their 3rd Stanley Cup in the past 4 seasons... )	20–19–5
45	W	January 13, 1988	8–3	@ Los Angeles Kings Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Los Angeles Kings season The 1987–88 Los Angeles Kings season saw the Kings finish in fourth place in the Smythe Division with a record of 30 wins, 42 losses, and 8 ties for 68 points. They lost the Division Semi-finals in five games to the Calgary Flames.... )	21–19–5
46	L	January 16, 1988	1–3	@ St. Louis Blues (1987–88 1987–88 St. Louis Blues season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-References:* -External links:... )	21–20–5
47	L	January 17, 1988	4–5	@ Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...  (1987–88 1987–88 Chicago Blackhawks season -Game log:-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning... )	21–21–5
48	W	January 19, 1988	6–4	New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season The 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season was the team's sixth season in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a record of 38 wins, 36 losses, and 6 ties for 82 points, garnering the first winning record in the... )	22–21–5
49	T	January 23, 1988	3–3 OT	Buffalo Sabres Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League .-Founding and early success: 1970-71—1980-81:...  (1987–88 1987–88 Buffalo Sabres season -Game log:-References:... )	22–21–6
50	L	January 26, 1988	2–3	Winnipeg Jets (1987–88 1987–88 Winnipeg Jets season The 1987–88 Winnipeg Jets season was the sixteenth season of the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets placed third in the Smythe to qualify for the playoffs. The Jets lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	22–22–6
51	W	January 29, 1988	4–3	Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...  (1987–88 1987–88 Montreal Canadiens season The 1987–88 Montreal Canadiens season was the team's 79th season. The club qualified for the playoffs, defeated the Hartford Whalers in the first round, but were eliminated in the Adams Division finals versus the Boston Bruins four games to one.-Offseason:... )	23–22–6
52	W	January 31, 1988	1–0 OT	Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League .The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division... )	24–22–6
53	L	February 2, 1988	2–3 OT	@ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...  (1987–88 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' twenty-first season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	24–23–6
54	L	February 5, 1988	2–4	New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Islanders season The 1987–88 New York Islanders season was the 16th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... )	24–24–6
55	L	February 6, 1988	0–3	New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Rangers season The 1987–88 New York Rangers season was the 62nd season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers compiled a 36–34–10 record during the regular season, but their 82 points were not enough to give them a berth in the playoffs.-Offseason:... )	24–25–6
56	W	February 11, 1988	5–3	@ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Rangers season The 1987–88 New York Rangers season was the 62nd season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers compiled a 36–34–10 record during the regular season, but their 82 points were not enough to give them a berth in the playoffs.-Offseason:... )	25–25–6
57	W	February 12, 1988	6–2	New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Islanders season The 1987–88 New York Islanders season was the 16th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... )	26–25–6
58	W	February 14, 1988	5–4 OT	Calgary Flames Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is the third major-professional ice hockey team to represent the city of Calgary, following the...  (1987–88 1987–88 Calgary Flames season The 1987–88 Calgary Flames season was the eighth National Hockey League season in Calgary and the 16th season in the NHL for the Flames franchise... )	27–25–6
59	W	February 17, 1988	4–3	@ New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season The 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season was the team's sixth season in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a record of 38 wins, 36 losses, and 6 ties for 82 points, garnering the first winning record in the... )	28–25–6
60	W	February 19, 1988	6–0	@ Winnipeg Jets (1987–88 1987–88 Winnipeg Jets season The 1987–88 Winnipeg Jets season was the sixteenth season of the Winnipeg Jets. The Jets placed third in the Smythe to qualify for the playoffs. The Jets lost to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	29–25–6
61	W	February 20, 1988	3–0	@ Minnesota North Stars Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, and the team's colors for most of its history were green, yellow, gold and white...  (1987–88 1987–88 Minnesota North Stars season The 1987–88 Minnesota North Stars season saw the North Stars finish in fifth place in the Norris Division with a record of 19 wins, 48 losses, and 13 ties for 51 points. They failed to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the second consecutive season.... )	30–25–6
62	L	February 24, 1988	3–4	@ Los Angeles Kings Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Los Angeles Kings season The 1987–88 Los Angeles Kings season saw the Kings finish in fourth place in the Smythe Division with a record of 30 wins, 42 losses, and 8 ties for 68 points. They lost the Division Semi-finals in five games to the Calgary Flames.... )	30–26–6
63	W	February 27, 1988	3–0	@ New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Islanders season The 1987–88 New York Islanders season was the 16th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... )	31–26–6
64	W	March 1, 1988	5–3	New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season The 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season was the team's sixth season in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a record of 38 wins, 36 losses, and 6 ties for 82 points, garnering the first winning record in the... )	32–26–6
65	W	March 2, 1988	6–1	@ New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season The 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season was the team's sixth season in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a record of 38 wins, 36 losses, and 6 ties for 82 points, garnering the first winning record in the... )	33–26–6
66	W	March 4, 1988	6–2	Quebec Nordiques Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec, Canada. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Quebec Nordiques season -Offseason:Quebec made a huge trade during the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, as the Nordiques traded away Dale Hunter and Clint Malarchuk to the Washington Capitals for Gaetan Duchesne, Alan Haworth, and the Capitals first round draft pick in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft, in which the Nordiques selected Joe... )	34–26–6
67	W	March 6, 1988	7–2	Vancouver Canucks Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver, :British Columbia, Canada. They are members of the Northwest Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . The Canucks play their home games at Rogers Arena, formerly known as General Motors Place,...  (1987–88 1987–88 Vancouver Canucks season -Regular season:The Canucks had a very disappointing season, they were not capable of winning 3 games in a row during the season. However after the season they were able to draft future captain Trevor Linden.-Game log:-Player stats:... )	35–26–6
68	L	March 10, 1988	2–5	@ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League .The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division... )	35–27–6
69	L	March 12, 1988	2–4	New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Rangers season The 1987–88 New York Rangers season was the 62nd season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers compiled a 36–34–10 record during the regular season, but their 82 points were not enough to give them a berth in the playoffs.-Offseason:... )	35–28–6
70	W	March 13, 1988	3–0	@ Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the...  (1987–88 1987–88 Boston Bruins season The 1987–88 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 64th season. The season involved participating in the Stanley Cup finals.-Regular season:... )	36–28–6
71	W	March 16, 1988	8–4	@ New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Rangers season The 1987–88 New York Rangers season was the 62nd season for the team in the National Hockey League. The Rangers compiled a 36–34–10 record during the regular season, but their 82 points were not enough to give them a berth in the playoffs.-Offseason:... )	37–28–6
72	T	March 18, 1988	3–3 OT	New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Islanders season The 1987–88 New York Islanders season was the 16th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... )	37–28–7
73	L	March 20, 1988	2–4	New Jersey Devils New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey, United States. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season The 1987–88 New Jersey Devils season was the team's sixth season in the National Hockey League since the franchise relocated to New Jersey. The Devils finished fourth in the Patrick Division with a record of 38 wins, 36 losses, and 6 ties for 82 points, garnering the first winning record in the... )	37–29–7
74	L	March 22, 1988	3–5	St. Louis Blues (1987–88 1987–88 St. Louis Blues season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltending-References:* -External links:... )	37–30–7
75	L	March 23, 1988	1–7	@ Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...  (1987–88 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' twenty-first season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	37–31–7
76	W	March 25, 1988	5–3	Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League .The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division... )	38–31–7
77	T	March 29, 1988	2–2 OT	Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...  (1987–88 1987–88 Detroit Red Wings season -Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending-Playoffs:ScoringGoaltendingNote: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals;      MIN = Minutes... )	38–31–8
78	L	March 31, 1988	3–7	@ New York Islanders New York Islanders The New York Islanders are a professional ice hockey team based in Uniondale, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 New York Islanders season The 1987–88 New York Islanders season was the 16th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League.-Game log:-Player stats:Note: Pos = Position; GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = plus/minus; PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals;... )	38–32–8
79	L	April 2, 1988	6–7 OT	Pittsburgh Penguins Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the first expansion teams during the league's original...  (1987–88 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season The 1987–88 Pittsburgh Penguins season was the Penguins' twenty-first season in the National Hockey League . The Penguins did not qualify for the playoffs.-Game log:-Regular season:ScoringGoaltending... )	38–33–8
80	T	April 3, 1988	2–2 OT	@ Philadelphia Flyers Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...  (1987–88 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 21st season in the National Hockey League .The Flyers stumbled in 1987–88, finishing third in the Patrick Division... )	38–33–9

Playoffs

Defenseman Garry Galley's two goal performance tied the regular season finale with Philadelphia, which meant that Washington won the standings tiebreaker and finished second in the Patrick Division. This would be crucial as it gave the Caps home ice advantage in their first-round matchup with the defending division and conference champion Flyers.

Philly showed a champion's mettle right away, though, stealing home ice away with a 4-2 victory in Game 1. Ron Hextall made 35 saves and Dave Poulin's 3rd period power play tally broke a 2-2 tie. Washington salvaged a split at home with a 5-4 triumph in Game 2. Despite letting in a quartet of Philly goals, Pete Peeters proved to be the final period hero, stopping 14 of 15 shots from a pressing Flyers attack.

Philadelphia then turned the tables back at their place, taking a pair of one-goal games, both of them high in drama for entirely different reasons. In Game 3, a 4-3 Flyers win, officials handed out 40 penalties, including 10 major/misconduct penalties. After the game Philly forward Rick Tocchet, who spent roughly half the contest in the penalty box, was quoted as saying, "There are 10 guys on that team that I'd like to kill."

The rivalry heated up further in Game 4 as both teams tried to change momentum with goalie switches. The Capitals yanked Peeters in favor of starting Clint Malarchuk, who had played more during the regular season. Despite missing starting defensemen Scott Stevens and team captain Rod Langway, who were injured in Game 3, the move seemed to be paying dividends as Washington took a 4-1 lead with 17:00 to go, resulting in Hextall's removal for backup Mark Laforest. The Caps maintained their 3-goal advantage into the final 9:00 of the game, when the Flyers began one of their most riveting comebacks in franchise history. Mark Howe and Brian Propp scored to cut the deficit to one and then, after pulling their new netminder, the tying tally came from defenseman Kjell Samuelsson with :53 remaining. When Murray Craven lit the lamp just 1:18 into overtime, the rally was complete and Philadelphia had a 5-4 win. Howe said after, "If we play that game 250 times, we win it once."

Now facing elimination, the Capitals returned home and showed no fear as they again knocked Hextall out of the game after posting a 4-1 lead, but this time it only took 29 minutes. Washington would go on to win easily this time, 5-2. The final Philadelphia goal came on a power play in the second period after the team asked to check goalie Pete Peeters' stick, which was ruled to be wider than permitted by the rules. Peeters admitted all his sticks were the same and so he had to use one of backup Clint Malarchuk's sticks for the rest of the game.

The Flyers now had a chance to clinch the series at home in Game 6, which would be another penalty-filled contest. It was highlighted (or lowlighted, depending on your point of view) by Philadelphia defenseman Greg Smyth spending 27 minutes in the sin bin. Given all the infractions, it was no surprise that the difference in the game was special teams. But while Philadelphia went a pedestrian 1-for-8 on the power play, Washington was a scintillating 4-of-9. The key play in the game was Flyers forward Dave Brown trying to fight Caps counterpart Bobby Gould. However, assistant captain Gould shrewdly went turtle, covering up, and letting Brown whale on him a couple times before officials stepped in. Gould went back to the bench as Brown's fighting major gave the Capitals, who were already ahead 2-0, a 5:00 power play, during which they scored twice to blow the game open. Washington romped to a 7-2 triumph with 7 different goal scorers to set up the 7th and deciding game back in D.C.

In a series full of twists and turns (some of them being highly illegal and downright nasty), the final turn of them all came in one of the more exciting Game 7's in Stanley Cup playoff history. But first, one last bit of nasty had to be doled out. During a Flyer power play late in a scoreless first period, Capitals defenseman Grant Ledyard didn't like the way Flyers forward Rick Tocchet checked him to the ice in front of the Washington goal. Ledyard promptly speared Tocchet in the groin with the blade of his stick and received a 5-minute major and a game misconduct. Tim Kerr would score during the Ledyard penalty, giving the Flyers a 1-0 lead after the 1st period.

Things went from bad to worse for the Caps as the 1-goal deficit was tripled less than 3:00 into the 2nd period on markers by Brian Propp and Mark Howe. Just like Game 4, one team had a 3-goal lead and all the momentum. But momentum's a funny thing. It changed four minutes later when Dale Hunter, who was picked up in the offseason from the Quebec Nordiques, fired a backwards cross-ice pass to a wide open Garry Galley who beat Ron Hextall with a slapshot. With the Capital Centre crowd now in full throat, Washington kept up the pressure and forced an icing and an offensive zone faceoff. Mike Ridley dueled with Peter Zezel and the puck was kicked and dribbled right in front of the crease where Kelly Miller stuffed it under Hextall's pads. Two goals in about 90 seconds and it was a brand new hockey game.

But just when the actual play on the ice looked to be returning to center stage, tempers flared again. As the Caps rushed up ice for the tying goal, forward Dave Christian fired a high shot that Hextall jumped to try to corral on his chest, Washington defenseman Kevin Hatcher, charging the net for a rebound, lowered the boom and ran right over the Flyer netminder, earning him a minor penalty and putting the three officials quickly to work to break up the players before any punches could be thrown. Hatcher would atone for his mistake before the period was out.

Philadelphia tried to clear from their defensive half-wall, but failed to flip the puck over the 6'3" defenseman. Hatcher gloved it down at the blue line and walked in to fire a wicked slapshot that beat Hextall shortside to tie the game. Just as Philadelphia needed less than twenty minutes to erase a 3-goal deficit in Game 4, Washington had done the same in Game 7. However, there was still a whole 3rd period to go.

Just over 5:00 into the 3rd, Kjell Samuelsson was sent off the ice for tripping Peter Sundstrom. Washington was so potent in the previous game with the man advantage, but had failed to score in this contest despite over 9 1/2 minutes of power play time. They apparently didn't want to waste any more. The Caps won the offensive zone faceoff and Hatcher took the puck and passed across the blue line to Garry Galley. Galley fired low at the target, but Dale Hunter stopped the attempt about halfway to the net and re-shot the puck. Hextall, already down trying to catch the Galley shot, didn't have a chance to readjust. The light went on and the Capitals had taken a 4-3 lead with just under 15:00 to go, needing only 6 seconds of their power play to score.

But Philadelphia was not about to go quietly. Just over a minute later, the Flyers won a faceoff in their offensive zone and the puck came back to defenseman Brian Marsh who fired a low shot that somehow found its way through the legs and sticks of a half-dozen players before zooming past Peeters and into the net for the tying goal. Again, imitiation was the sincerest form of flattery in this series, although it had been defined by flattening throughout. Both defenses tightened up and very few scoring chances came for the rest of regulation and the game would go to overtime tied 4-4.

Having already lost one dramatic overtime game in the series and still stinging from the heartbreak of the previous season's quadruple-overtime playoff loss at home in Game 7 in the famed Easter Epic (rated the #7 game in New York Islanders history), Capitals fans were not relishing bonus hockey. Adding to the uncertainty was whether all the bad blood that had been spilled in this series might dramatically affect the outcome. No one knew how this one was going to end.

It almost ended in less than 5 seconds. Philadelphia won the opening faceoff and Mark Howe skated across the red line and fired a long, high slapshot. Pete Peeters reached up to catch it, but the puck deflected off his glove and came down just high and wide of the goal. Neither team had a real decent scoring opportunity, though, until a Washington defensive clear wound up springing Mike Gartner on a breakaway. As the Caps leading goal scorer tried to catch up to the pass, he was hooked down from behind by Mark Howe, giving the Capitals a rare overtime power play.

Washington had Hextall out of position three times early in the man advantage, but couldn't get a clean shot away. Then, as things looked to be cooling off, Scott Stevens was taken down, but still managed to get the puck over to Mike Ridley on the left side. He slid it back to Gartner who was all alone 10 feet in front of the net. Gartner's shot beat Hextall clean glove-side-high, but didn't beat the crossbar, marking the third time in the game the iron had repelled a Washington scoring chance. Adding insult to, well, insult, the rebound then dropped almost straight down into the crease where it bounced over Dale Hunter's sweeping stick, which had nothing between it and the open net. The ensuing chaotic scramble would send Philly's Brian Propp on a shorthanded breakaway down the right wing. His first shot found the right pad of Peeters, and his rebound attempt was scooped by Peeters' glove.

Less than a minute later, Gartner was sprung again by Ridley down his favored right wing. Gartner beat one defenseman, drew the second one to him, and then sent a perfect pass across to Peter Sundstrom. The redirect was on target, but Hextall somehow got back to make arguably his best save of the series, robbing Sundstrom from point-blank range. Washington kept the pressure on and about a minute later almost won it again, this time it was Hunter from behind the net setting up Bobby Gould, whose backhand one-timer from just above the crease was kicked out by Hextall's stick.

Gould would get another shot after Washington retrieved Philadelphia's clear and Murray Craven skated the loose puck out of the Flyer zone. He got as far as the Caps blue line where he was poke-checked by Larry Murphy. Craven tried to return the favor as he went off the ice for a line change, but the puck bounced off Scott Stevens' skate and came right back to Murphy. That's when Murphy looked up and saw Hunter making a hard u-turn just past the red line with his stick raised. Hunter perfectly split three Flyers and Murphy hit him in stride right at the blue line. Hunter cruised in and later said he didn't know what he was going to do until the last moment when he saw an opening between Hextall's pads. The man who six years earlier won a deciding Game 5 (best-of-5 series) for Quebec with an overtime goal against Montreal, feathered a slithering shot that hit the back of the net 5:57 into overtime, giving the Capitals a thrilling 5-4 victory and a 4-games-to-3 series triumph.

The game would not only be one of the most disheartening and gutwrenching for Flyer fans, it would also be the last for Philadelphia's young crackerjack head coach Mike Keenan, who left in the offseason to take the head job with the Chicago Blackhawks.

As for Washington, the victory was recently voted the #1 game in the history of the franchise.

*********************************************************************************************************

Sadly, the historic win did not propel the Capitals very far. Facing the New Jersey Devils in the Patrick Division Finals, Washington again could not keep their home ice advantage. After winning Game 1 3-1 behind 33 saves from Pete Peeters, the Capitals dropped Game 2 at home 5-2 as Aaron Broten had a hat trick for the Devils.

Jersey doubled their Game 2 score in Game 3, winning by a stunning 10-4 margin behind a pair of hat tricks. Mark Johnson scored 4 times and Peter Sundstrom's twin brother, Patrik, torched his sibling's squad with 3 goals and 5 assists, the 8 points setting a new Stanley Cup playoff record. Peeters was yanked after giving up 3 goals on just 10 shots in the first period, but replacement Clint Malarchuk did even worse, stopping only 14 of the 21 shots he faced.

Washington rebounded with a 4-1 win in Game 4 behind a pair of Dave Christian goals and coach Bryan Murray actually splitting time between his goalies. But New Jersey stole Game 5 right back in D.C. by a 3-1 count as Bob Sauve started in place of Sean Burke in net and stopped 28 shots.

Down 3-2 and facing elimination on the road, Washington impressively forced Game 7 with an eerily identical 7-2 victory from the previous series in which again, amazingly, 7 different Capitals scored, including power play goals from Gartner and Hunter.

This time, however, there was no magical comeback as John McLean's tally proved to be the gamewinner in a 3-2 triumph that sent the Devils on to their first conference final. In a most unusual twist, the road team won 5 of the 7 games in the series.

*********************************************************************************************************

As a final note, the playoffs ended in bizarre fashion. After a Game 3 loss to Boston in those conference finals, New Jersey coach Jim Schoenfeld and referee Don Koharski got into a heated argument during which Koharski tripped and fell, accusing Schoenfeld of pushing him. Schoenfield famously responded, "You tripped and fell, you fat pig!" Then, he added "Have another doughnut! Have another doughnut!" Boston would win the series in seven games and advance to face Edmonton in the finals. Schoenfeld would be fired a couple years later and go on to coach the Capitals for four seasons in the mid-'90's.

Facing being swept at home in Game 4 of the finals, the Bruins apparently tried to use some of the Celtic magic their Boston Garden counterparts had made famous over the years. The sweltering heat outside resulted in the ice surface being shrouded in fog and slowed the vaunted Oiler attack. Then the building suffered a power overload, plunging the Garden into darkness. The blackout was presumably caused by the air conditioning system short-circuiting from running on full power for too long. League rules stated that the game (which was tied at 3 in the 2nd period) had to be canceled and made up in Boston at the end of the series, if necessary, making it a 2-1-1-1-1-1 format. It wasn't necessary as Edmonton completed the rare 4-game sweep in 5 games with a 6-3 victory.

DJSII

Regular season

Scoring

Player	Pos	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	+/-	PPG	SHG	GWG
	RW	80	48	33	81	73	20	19	0	7
	D	80	12	60	72	184	14	5	1	2
	D	79	8	53	61	72	2	7	0	1
	C	70	28	31	59	22	1	12	0	3
	C	79	22	37	59	240	7	11	0	1
	RW	80	37	21	58	26
14	0	5
	RW	78	18	36	54	29	2	7	5	3
	D	71	14	27	41	137	1	5	0	3
	C	71	11	23	34	28	1	3	0	0
	LW	80	9	23	32	35	9	0	1	3
	D	58	7	23	30	44	11	3	0	0
	LW	78	15	12	27	153
3	0	0
	RW	72	12	14	26	56
0	0	2
	LW	76	8	17	25	34
0	1	1
	LW	44	10	9	19	84	17	0	0	1
	D	63	3	13	16	28	1	0	0	1
	RW	59	4	8	12	113	2	1	0	1
	RW	40	5	5	10	26
3	0	1
	D	21	4	3	7	14
1	0	1
	D	54	1	6	7	67	5	0	0	0
	D	24	2	3	5	66	0	0	0	1
	D	30	1	2	3	10
0	0	0
	RW	8	1	1	2	17	2	0	0	1
	G	54	0	2	2	10	0	0	0	0
	W	35	1	0	1	78
0	0	0
	C	5	0	1	1	4	0	0	0	0
	G	35	0	1	1	10	0	0	0	0
	D	1	0	0	0	0
0	0	0
	G	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	C	4	0	0	0	0
0	0	0

Goaltending

Player	MIN	GP	W	L	T	GA	GAA	SO	SA	SV	SV%
	2926	54	24	20	4	154	3.16	4	1340	1186	.885
	1896	35	14	12	5	88	2.78	2	866	778	.898
	40	1	0	1	0	2	3.00	0	20	18	.900
Team:	4862	80	38	33	9	244	3.01	6	2226	1982	.890

Playoffs

Scoring

Player	Pos	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	PPG	SHG	GWG
	RW	14	4	9	13	6	2	0	1
	C	14	4	9	13	4	2	0	0
	C	14	7	5	12	98	4	0	1
	D	14	5	7	12	55	1	0	1
	D	13	1	11	12	46	0	0	0
	C	14	6	5	11	10	1	0	0
	RW	14	5	6	11	6	1	0	0
	LW	14	4	4	8	10	0	1	1
	D	13	4	4	8	33	2	0	1
	RW	14	3	4	7	14	1	0	0
	D	13	2	4	6	13	0	0	0
	LW	14	0	5	5	58	0	0	0
	RW	14	3	1	4	21	0	2	0
	RW	9	2	1	3	0	0	0	1
	LW	13	1	2	3	30	0	0	0
	LW	14	2	0	2	6	0	1	1
	D	14	1	0	1	30	0	0	0
	D	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	RW	4	0	0	0	14	0	0	0
	LW	1	0	0	0	19	0	0	0
	D	1	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
	W	1	0	0	0	19	0	0	0
	D	6	0	0	0	8	0	0	0
	G	4	0	0	0	2	0	0	0
	G	12	0	0	0	4	0	0	0
	D	9	0	0	0	23	0	0	0

Goaltending

Player	MIN	GP	W	L	GA	GAA	SO	SA	SV	SV%
	654	12	7	5	34	3.12	0	326	292	.896
	193	4	0	2	15	4.66	0	95	80	.842
Team:	847	14	7	7	49	3.47	0	421	372	.884

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus/Minus; PIM = Penalty Minutes; PPG=Power-play goals; SHG=Short-handed goals; GWG=Game-winning goals

      MIN=Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals Against; GAA = Goals Against Average; SO = Shutouts; SA=Shots Against; SV=Shots saved; SV% = Save Percentage;

External links