1988 Stanley Cup playoffs
Encyclopedia
The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, the championship of the National Hockey League
(NHL), began with sixteen teams on April 6, 1988. It concluded on May 26, with the Edmonton Oilers
defeating the Boston Bruins
to win the Stanley Cup
.
The playoffs started on April 6, and ended on May 26. The Presidents' Trophy
winning Calgary Flames
had home ice during the playoffs thanks in part to Edmonton's struggles without Gretzky. The Oilers, who had won the Cup in three of the previous four seasons, were still thought to have a good chance at repeating with Gretzky's return. The clash between the Flames and Oilers in the Smythe Division Final was highly anticipated.
The Boston Bruins were led by team co-captain
s Ray Bourque
, Rick Middleton
and the goaltending duo of Reggie Lemelin
and the newly acquired Andy Moog
. The Buffalo Sabres returned to the playoffs thanks to added depth provided by rookie Ray Sheppard
.
Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–2.
Hartford Whalers vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Habs almost squandered a 3–0 series lead. The deep Habs roster was the best team in the Wales Conference during the season, consisting of six 20-goal scorers and another six with between 10 and 20 goals. Their best assets were goaltenders Patrick Roy
and backup Brian Hayward
who won 23 and 22 games respectively. The Ron Francis
-led Whalers went 2–4–2 against the Canadiens during the season, twice losing by just one goal.
Montreal wins best-of-seven series 4–2.
The Flyers needed to beat Washington at home in their season finale to gain home ice advantage, but only managed to tie them 2–2. The Flyers were led by Vezina Trophy
winner Ron Hextall
who was playoff MVP the previous season. In a very physical series, Washington overcame a 3–1 deficit to advance to the second round for the first time in two years. Game 7 was a classic ending with Dale Hunter
beating Hextall on a breakaway in overtime.
Washington wins best-of-seven series 4–3
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders
This would be the last hurrah for both the Islanders and Denis Potvin
whose departure would signal dark days for the Isles, just as his arrival had brought them to prominence. The Isles would be upset by the Devils, who finished 7–0–1, including two wins over Pittsburgh in which they stifled Lemieux, and a 7–2 win over the Rangers, whom they edged out for the final Patrick Division playoff spot. The physical Devils would keep former MVP Bryan Trottier
pointless, as they won in six.
New Jersey wins best-of-seven series 4–2
The Chicago Blackhawks were led by their three 40-goal scorers Denis Savard
, Rick Vaive
, and Steve Larmer
. They were poor defensively, and were matched up against a similar St. Louis Blues squad that was better defensively if not in goal. Vaive had eight points, while Larmer and Savard had seven each.
St. Louis wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings
The storied rivalry continued as the Detroit Red Wings met the Toronto Maple Leafs. While the seemingly lame-duck Leafs finished 1–8, the one win was 5–3 over Detroit in the season finale that pushed them into the playoffs, even though they had the second-worst record in the league. However, the Norris Division was very weak that year; only the Red Wings had a winning record.
Game six in Maple Leaf Gardens
was future Hall of Famer Borje Salming
's final playoff game in the NHL. Toronto lost all three home games.
Detroit wins best-of-seven series 4–2
The high-flying offence of the Edmonton Oilers played exactly as they were expected to, averaging five goals a game. Despite their best efforts, the franchise that Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky would one day own and coach just could not keep pace with his Oilers.
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames
The Kings fourth place finish in the Smythe Division tied their best finish in their history, since being moved to the Smythe. Their defence was the worst in the league, and they relied on offence. The Kings met Calgary twice in the week before the playoffs and triumphed 9–7 at home and 6–3 in Calgary. The Flames would make a mockery of the Kings' defence and would light the lamp 26 times, even more than the Oilers scored against the Jets. Four months after this series mercifully ended, the only NHL franchise in California
would undergo a massive makeover, thanks to new uniforms and a savior from the north.
Calgary wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Wales Conference's two best teams, and the NHL's two best defensive teams, met in this series with equal rest time. The Habs had beaten Boston in the Adams Division Semi-Finals four years in a row, sweeping the Bruins in three of the past four seasons, and beating them 3–2 in a best-of-five the other year. This time, the Bruins' defence would wear down Montreal, as Ken Linseman
, Ray Bourque
and Cam Neely
provided the offence to finally conquer the Canadiens. It was the first Bruins' playoff series win over the Habs in 44 seasons.
Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–1
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals
After upsetting the Islanders, whose defence was second in the division, the Devils were now matched up with the number one defence in the division. Patrik Sundstrom
and Kirk Muller
led the Devils to a series win in seven games in a surprisingly high-scoring series. Sundstrom's eight-point effort in Game 3 (3 goals, 5 assists) set a new Stanley Cup playoff record.
New Jersey wins best-of-seven series 4–3
St. Louis Blues vs. Detroit Red Wings
In another case of a team down 2–0 rallying to win game three, the Red Wings got aggressive, unafraid of the Blues' offence and won in five.
Detroit wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
In the "Battle of Alberta
" the Oilers would claim the first sweep of the playoffs. In Game 2, Wayne Gretzky scored a short-handed overtime goal on a brilliant slapshot while streaking down the left wing.
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–0
New Jersey Devils vs. Boston Bruins
The Devils would take Boston to the limit, but their offence could not compete with the Bruins, who would make their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals since consecutive appearances in 1976–77 and 1977–78.
This series also featured the infamous confrontation between Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld
and referee Don Koharski
after Game 3, when, during an argument in the tunnel after the game, Koharski tripped and fell, accusing Schoenfield of pushing him. Schoenfield famously responded, "You tripped and fell you fat pig!" Then, he yelled "Have another doughnut! Have another doughnut!" The incident was played repeatedly on ESPN
and has since become part of NHL lore.
Schoenfeld was suspended by NHL president John Ziegler for Game 4, but the Devils received an injunction from a New Jersey court, allowing Schoenfeld to coach the fourth game. In protest, the officials scheduled to work that game in the Meadlowands refused to take the ice, forcing the NHL to scramble for amateur officials to call the contest. The injunction was lifted and Schoenfeld served his suspension during Game 5 in the Boston Garden.
Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–3
Detroit Red Wings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Steve Yzerman
and the Wings were no match for the Oilers again, and were edged out in five games.
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Ray Bourque
was physical in defending against Gretzky, but that wouldn't ground the Great One on his way to claiming his second Conn Smythe Trophy
and setting playoff records with 31 assists in just 18 games, and 13 points in the Finals series.
Boston Bruins vs. Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–0
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL), began with sixteen teams on April 6, 1988. It concluded on May 26, with the 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 ....
defeating the 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...
to win the Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
.
Series
Note: all dates in 1988Presidents' Trophy
The Presidents' Trophy is an award presented by the National Hockey League to the team that finishes with the most points in the league during the regular season. If two teams tie for the most points, then the trophy goes to the team with the most wins. The winning team is also awarded C$350,000...
winning 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...
had home ice during the playoffs thanks in part to Edmonton's struggles without Gretzky. The Oilers, who had won the Cup in three of the previous four seasons, were still thought to have a good chance at repeating with Gretzky's return. The clash between the Flames and Oilers in the Smythe Division Final was highly anticipated.
- In spite of Lemieux's prolific offence, the Penguins missed the playoffs.
- Five of the North Stars' final six games were on the road. Minnesota went 1–4–1 in that stretch allowing Toronto survive their 1–8 finish.
- On March 18, Québec was three points ahead of the Whalers (68–65). The Nordiques went winless in their final eight games (0–7–1), costing themselves a chance to fend off Hartford who finished 6–3.
- The New Jersey Devils made the playoffs for the first time in their history, winning in overtime at Chicago Stadium on the season's final day to edge the New York Rangers for the Patrick Division's fourth spot. This was only the second time they made the playoffs including their Colorado and Kansas City days.
Playoff bracket
Adams Division semi-finals
Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston BruinsThe Boston Bruins were led by team co-captain
Captain (ice hockey)
In ice hockey, each team can designate an official captain for each game. The player serving as captain during the game wears a "C" on his or her jersey...
s Ray Bourque
Ray Bourque
Raymond Jean "Ray" Bourque is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player. He currently holds records for most goals, assists and points by a defenceman in the National Hockey League . Bourque has become near-synonymous with the Boston Bruins franchise, for which he played 21 seasons and...
, Rick Middleton
Rick Middleton
Richard David "Nifty" Middleton is a former professional ice hockey player for the New York Rangers and Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League.-Playing career:...
and the goaltending duo of Reggie Lemelin
Rejean Lemelin
Réjean M. "Reggie" Lemelin is a former National Hockey League goaltender. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Flyers in the seventh round, 125th overall, in the 1974 NHL Amateur Draft...
and the newly acquired Andy Moog
Andy Moog
Donald Andrew Moog is a Canadian retired professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently the goaltending coach for the NHL's Dallas Stars.Moog was previously the Dallas Stars' assistant coach...
. The Buffalo Sabres returned to the playoffs thanks to added depth provided by rookie Ray Sheppard
Ray Sheppard
Raymond Sheppard is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey right winger who played in the NHL from 1987 to 2000.Sheppard was selected 60th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft. He played 817 career NHL games, scoring 357 goals and 300 assists for 657 points...
.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Buffalo | 3 | Boston | 7 | |
| April 7 | Buffalo | 1 | Boston | 4 | |
| April 9 | Boston | 2 | Buffalo | 6 | |
| April 10 | Boston | 5 | Buffalo | 6 | OT |
| April 12 | Buffalo | 4 | Boston | 5 | |
| April 14 | Boston | 5 | Buffalo | 2 |
Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–2.
Hartford Whalers vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Habs almost squandered a 3–0 series lead. The deep Habs roster was the best team in the Wales Conference during the season, consisting of six 20-goal scorers and another six with between 10 and 20 goals. Their best assets were goaltenders Patrick Roy
Patrick Roy
Patrick Edward Armand Roy is a former Canadian ice hockey goaltender. Nicknamed "Saint Patrick," Roy split his professional career between the Montreal Canadiens, whom he played with for 10 years, and the Colorado Avalanche, whom he played with for 8 years, both of the National Hockey League...
and backup Brian Hayward
Brian Hayward
Brian George Hayward is a former Canadian professional ice hockey goaltender and current colour analyst of the Anaheim Ducks on Prime Ticket/Fox Sports West and KDOC.-Playing career:...
who won 23 and 22 games respectively. The Ron Francis
Ron Francis
Ronald Michael Francis, Jr. is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey centre who played 23 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs...
-led Whalers went 2–4–2 against the Canadiens during the season, twice losing by just one goal.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Hartford | 3 | Montreal | 4 | |
| April 7 | Hartford | 3 | Montreal | 7 | |
| April 9 | Montreal | 4 | Hartford | 3 | |
| April 10 | Montreal | 5 | Hartford | 7 | |
| April 12 | Hartford | 5 | Montreal | 3 | |
| April 14 | Montreal | 4 | Hartford | 2 |
Montreal wins best-of-seven series 4–2.
Patrick Division semi-finals
Philadelphia Flyers vs. Washington CapitalsThe Flyers needed to beat Washington at home in their season finale to gain home ice advantage, but only managed to tie them 2–2. The Flyers were led by Vezina Trophy
Vezina Trophy
The Vezina Trophy is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the 30 General Managers of the teams in the National Hockey League vote to determine the goaltender who was the most valuable to his team...
winner Ron Hextall
Ron Hextall
Ronald Jeffrey Hextall is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender who played 13 National Hockey League seasons for the Philadelphia Flyers, Quebec Nordiques, and New York Islanders...
who was playoff MVP the previous season. In a very physical series, Washington overcame a 3–1 deficit to advance to the second round for the first time in two years. Game 7 was a classic ending with Dale Hunter
Dale Hunter
Dale Robert Hunter is a former professional ice hockey player and current head coach of the Washington Capitals of the National Hockey League.-NHL career:...
beating Hextall on a breakaway in overtime.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Philadelphia | 4 | Washington | 2 | |
| April 7 | Philadelphia | 4 | Washington | 5 | |
| April 9 | Washington | 3 | Philadelphia | 4 | |
| April 10 | Washington | 4 | Philadelphia | 5 | OT |
| April 12 | Philadelphia | 2 | Washington | 5 | |
| April 14 | Washington | 7 | Philadelphia | 2 | |
| April 16 | Philadelphia | 4 | Washington | 5 | OT |
Washington wins best-of-seven series 4–3
New Jersey Devils vs. New York Islanders
This would be the last hurrah for both the Islanders and Denis Potvin
Denis Potvin
Denis Charles Potvin is a former defenseman and team captain for the New York Islanders in the National Hockey League and cornerstone for the Islanders' four Stanley Cup championship teams in the early 1980s. His brother, Jean Potvin, was also an NHL defenseman and the brothers were teammates for...
whose departure would signal dark days for the Isles, just as his arrival had brought them to prominence. The Isles would be upset by the Devils, who finished 7–0–1, including two wins over Pittsburgh in which they stifled Lemieux, and a 7–2 win over the Rangers, whom they edged out for the final Patrick Division playoff spot. The physical Devils would keep former MVP Bryan Trottier
Bryan Trottier
Bryan John Trottier is a retired Canadian-American professional ice hockey centre who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League for the New York Islanders and Pittsburgh Penguins. He won four Stanley Cups with the Islanders, two with the Penguins and one as an assistant coach with the...
pointless, as they won in six.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | New Jersey | 4 | New York Islanders | 3 | |
| April 7 | New Jersey | 2 | New York Islanders | 3 | |
| April 9 | New York Islanders | 0 | New Jersey | 3 | |
| April 10 | New York Islanders | 5 | New Jersey | 4 | OT |
| April 12 | New Jersey | 4 | New York Islanders | 2 | |
| April 14 | New York Islanders | 5 | New Jersey | 6 |
New Jersey wins best-of-seven series 4–2
Norris Division semi-finals
Chicago Blackhawks vs. St. Louis BluesThe Chicago Blackhawks were led by their three 40-goal scorers Denis Savard
Denis Savard
Denis Joseph Savard is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League from 1980 to 1997, and was elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2000...
, Rick Vaive
Rick Vaive
Richard Claude Vaive is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played in the National Hockey League from 1979 to 1992, and is best remembered as the first 50 goal scorer in Toronto Maple Leafs franchise history.-Bio:...
, and Steve Larmer
Steve Larmer
Steven Donald Larmer is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey forward.Steve played in the NHL for the Chicago Blackhawks and New York Rangers. He won the 1983 Calder Memorial Trophy as well as being named to the NHL All-Rookie Team that year...
. They were poor defensively, and were matched up against a similar St. Louis Blues squad that was better defensively if not in goal. Vaive had eight points, while Larmer and Savard had seven each.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Chicago | 1 | St. Louis | 5 | |
| April 7 | Chicago | 2 | St. Louis | 3 | |
| April 9 | St. Louis | 3 | Chicago | 6 | |
| April 10 | St. Louis | 6 | Chicago | 5 | |
| April 12 | Chicago | 3 | St. Louis | 5 |
St. Louis wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Detroit Red Wings
The storied rivalry continued as the Detroit Red Wings met the Toronto Maple Leafs. While the seemingly lame-duck Leafs finished 1–8, the one win was 5–3 over Detroit in the season finale that pushed them into the playoffs, even though they had the second-worst record in the league. However, the Norris Division was very weak that year; only the Red Wings had a winning record.
Game six in Maple Leaf Gardens
Maple Leaf Gardens
Maple Leaf Gardens is an indoor arena that was converted into a Loblawssupermarket and Ryerson University athletic centre in Toronto, on the northwest corner of Carlton Street and Church Street in Toronto's Garden District.One of the temples of hockey, it was home to the Toronto Maple Leafs of the...
was future Hall of Famer Borje Salming
Börje Salming
Anders Börje Salming , nicknamed "The King", is a retired Swedish professional ice hockey defenceman. He played for Kiruna AIF, Brynäs IF, the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Detroit Red Wings, and AIK. Salming was one of the first European players to make an impact in the National Hockey League , paving...
's final playoff game in the NHL. Toronto lost all three home games.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Toronto | 6 | Detroit | 2 | |
| April 7 | Toronto | 2 | Detroit | 6 | |
| April 9 | Detroit | 6 | Toronto | 3 | |
| April 10 | Detroit | 8 | Toronto | 0 | |
| April 12 | Toronto | 6 | Detroit | 5 | OT |
| April 14 | Detroit | 5 | Toronto | 3 |
Detroit wins best-of-seven series 4–2
Smythe Division semi-finals
Winnipeg Jets vs. Edmonton OilersThe high-flying offence of the Edmonton Oilers played exactly as they were expected to, averaging five goals a game. Despite their best efforts, the franchise that Oilers captain Wayne Gretzky would one day own and coach just could not keep pace with his Oilers.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Winnipeg | 4 | Edmonton | 7 | |
| April 7 | Winnipeg | 2 | Edmonton | 3 | |
| April 9 | Edmonton | 4 | Winnipeg | 6 | |
| April 10 | Edmonton | 5 | Winnipeg | 3 | |
| April 12 | Winnipeg | 2 | Edmonton | 6 |
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Los Angeles Kings vs. Calgary Flames
The Kings fourth place finish in the Smythe Division tied their best finish in their history, since being moved to the Smythe. Their defence was the worst in the league, and they relied on offence. The Kings met Calgary twice in the week before the playoffs and triumphed 9–7 at home and 6–3 in Calgary. The Flames would make a mockery of the Kings' defence and would light the lamp 26 times, even more than the Oilers scored against the Jets. Four months after this series mercifully ended, the only NHL franchise in California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
would undergo a massive makeover, thanks to new uniforms and a savior from the north.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 6 | Los Angeles | 2 | Calgary | 9 | |
| April 7 | Los Angeles | 4 | Calgary | 6 | |
| April 9 | Calgary | 2 | Los Angeles | 5 | |
| April 10 | Calgary | 7 | Los Angeles | 3 | |
| April 12 | Los Angeles | 4 | Calgary | 6 |
Calgary wins best-of-seven series 4–1
- Four of the five teams who trailed a series 2–0 won game three of the series at home (L.A., Winnipeg, Buffalo, Chicago). The fifth team was Hartford, who rallied to 3–2 from 3–0.
Divisional finals
- Adams Division
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Wales Conference's two best teams, and the NHL's two best defensive teams, met in this series with equal rest time. The Habs had beaten Boston in the Adams Division Semi-Finals four years in a row, sweeping the Bruins in three of the past four seasons, and beating them 3–2 in a best-of-five the other year. This time, the Bruins' defence would wear down Montreal, as Ken Linseman
Ken Linseman
Kenneth "The Rat" Linseman is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 15 seasons in the National Hockey League for the Philadelphia Flyers, Edmonton Oilers, Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs...
, Ray Bourque
Ray Bourque
Raymond Jean "Ray" Bourque is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player. He currently holds records for most goals, assists and points by a defenceman in the National Hockey League . Bourque has become near-synonymous with the Boston Bruins franchise, for which he played 21 seasons and...
and Cam Neely
Cam Neely
Cameron Michael Neely is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player. He played right wing for the Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins of the National Hockey League from 1983 to 1996. He currently serves as the president of the Boston Bruins.-Playing career:Cam Neely was born in Comox,...
provided the offence to finally conquer the Canadiens. It was the first Bruins' playoff series win over the Habs in 44 seasons.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | Boston | 1 | Montreal | 5 | |
| April 20 | Boston | 4 | Montreal | 3 | |
| April 22 | Montreal | 1 | Boston | 3 | |
| April 24 | Montreal | 0 | Boston | 2 | |
| April 26 | Boston | 4 | Montreal | 1 |
Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–1
- Patrick Division
New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals
After upsetting the Islanders, whose defence was second in the division, the Devils were now matched up with the number one defence in the division. Patrik Sundstrom
Patrik Sundström
Patrik Sundström is a retired professional ice hockey centre, who played in the NHL for ten seasons.- Playing career :Sundström was drafted 175th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1980 NHL Entry Draft....
and Kirk Muller
Kirk Muller
Kirk Christopher Muller is a retired professional ice hockey centre who played in the National Hockey League for 19 seasons from 1984–85 until 2002–03...
led the Devils to a series win in seven games in a surprisingly high-scoring series. Sundstrom's eight-point effort in Game 3 (3 goals, 5 assists) set a new Stanley Cup playoff record.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 18 | New Jersey | 1 | Washington | 3 | |
| April 20 | New Jersey | 5 | Washington | 2 | |
| April 22 | Washington | 4 | New Jersey | 10 | |
| April 24 | Washington | 4 | New Jersey | 1 | |
| April 26 | New Jersey | 3 | Washington | 1 | |
| April 28 | Washington | 7 | New Jersey | 2 | |
| April 30 | New Jersey | 3 | Washington | 2 |
New Jersey wins best-of-seven series 4–3
- Norris Division
St. Louis Blues vs. Detroit Red Wings
In another case of a team down 2–0 rallying to win game three, the Red Wings got aggressive, unafraid of the Blues' offence and won in five.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 19 | St. Louis | 4 | Detroit | 5 | |
| April 21 | St. Louis | 0 | Detroit | 6 | |
| April 23 | Detroit | 3 | St. Louis | 6 | |
| April 25 | Detroit | 3 | St. Louis | 1 | |
| April 27 | St. Louis | 3 | Detroit | 4 |
Detroit wins best-of-seven series 4–1
- Smythe Division
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
In the "Battle of Alberta
National Hockey League rivalries
Rivalries in the National Hockey League have occurred between many teams and cities. Rivalries have arisen for many different reasons, the primary ones including geographic proximity, familiarity with opponents, on-ice incidents , and cultural, linguistic, or national pride.The importance of...
" the Oilers would claim the first sweep of the playoffs. In Game 2, Wayne Gretzky scored a short-handed overtime goal on a brilliant slapshot while streaking down the left wing.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 19 | Edmonton | 3 | Calgary | 1 | |
| April 21 | Edmonton | 5 | Calgary | 4 | OT |
| April 23 | Calgary | 2 | Edmonton | 4 | |
| April 25 | Calgary | 4 | Edmonton | 6 |
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–0
Conference finals
- Prince of Wales Conference
New Jersey Devils vs. Boston Bruins
The Devils would take Boston to the limit, but their offence could not compete with the Bruins, who would make their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals since consecutive appearances in 1976–77 and 1977–78.
This series also featured the infamous confrontation between Devils coach Jim Schoenfeld
Jim Schoenfeld
James Grant Schoenfeld is a retired professional ice hockey player. He is currently the assistant general manager with the New York Rangers, as well as an interim assistant coach...
and referee Don Koharski
Don Koharski
Don Koharski is a retired professional ice hockey referee in the National Hockey League. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida, with his wife, together with whom he has two sons...
after Game 3, when, during an argument in the tunnel after the game, Koharski tripped and fell, accusing Schoenfield of pushing him. Schoenfield famously responded, "You tripped and fell you fat pig!" Then, he yelled "Have another doughnut! Have another doughnut!" The incident was played repeatedly on ESPN
ESPN
Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, commonly known as ESPN, is an American global cable television network focusing on sports-related programming including live and pre-taped event telecasts, sports talk shows, and other original programming....
and has since become part of NHL lore.
Schoenfeld was suspended by NHL president John Ziegler for Game 4, but the Devils received an injunction from a New Jersey court, allowing Schoenfeld to coach the fourth game. In protest, the officials scheduled to work that game in the Meadlowands refused to take the ice, forcing the NHL to scramble for amateur officials to call the contest. The injunction was lifted and Schoenfeld served his suspension during Game 5 in the Boston Garden.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 2 | New Jersey | 3 | Boston | 5 | |
| May 4 | New Jersey | 3 | Boston | 2 | (OT) |
| May 6 | Boston | 6 | New Jersey | 1 | |
| May 8 | Boston | 1 | New Jersey | 3 | |
| May 10 | New Jersey | 1 | Boston | 7 | |
| May 12 | Boston | 3 | New Jersey | 6 | |
| May 14 | New Jersey | 2 | Boston | 6 |
Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–3
- Clarence Campbell Conference
Detroit Red Wings vs. Edmonton Oilers
Steve Yzerman
Steve Yzerman
Stephen Gregory "Steve" Yzerman is a retired Canadian professional ice hockey player and current general manager of the Tampa Bay Lightning of the National Hockey League...
and the Wings were no match for the Oilers again, and were edged out in five games.
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 3 | Detroit | 1 | Edmonton | 4 | |
| May 5 | Detroit | 3 | Edmonton | 5 | |
| May 7 | Edmonton | 2 | Detroit | 5 | |
| May 9 | Edmonton | 4 | Detroit | 3 | (OT) |
| May 11 | Detroit | 4 | Edmonton | 8 |
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–1
Final
The series pitted the Oilers' offensive juggernaut against the Bruins' more balanced team. The Oilers showed their defensive prowess, surrendering just 9 goals in the four completed games. Game 4 is well-known for fog that interfered with the game and a power outage that caused its cancellation before a faceoff. This would allow the Oilers to win the Cup at home in the Northlands Coliseum and complete the "sweep" in a rescheduled Game 4.Ray Bourque
Ray Bourque
Raymond Jean "Ray" Bourque is a former Canadian professional ice hockey player. He currently holds records for most goals, assists and points by a defenceman in the National Hockey League . Bourque has become near-synonymous with the Boston Bruins franchise, for which he played 21 seasons and...
was physical in defending against Gretzky, but that wouldn't ground the Great One on his way to claiming his second Conn Smythe Trophy
Conn Smythe Trophy
The Conn Smythe Trophy is awarded annually to the player judged most valuable to his team during the National Hockey League's Stanley Cup playoffs. The Conn Smythe Trophy has been awarded 46 times to 40 players since the 1964–65 NHL season...
and setting playoff records with 31 assists in just 18 games, and 13 points in the Finals series.
Boston Bruins vs. Edmonton Oilers
| Date | Away | Score | Home | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 18 | Boston | 1 | Edmonton | 2 | |
| May 20 | Boston | 2 | Edmonton | 4 | |
| May 22 | Edmonton | 6 | Boston | 3 | |
| May 24 | Edmonton | 3 | Boston | 3 | Game cancelled at 16:37 of second period due to power failure. |
| May 26 | Boston | 3 | Edmonton | 6 |
Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–0