The Edmonton Oilers have one of the most successful playoff histories in the NHL, winning five Stanley Cup championships in seven seasons between 1984 and 1990. Led by legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, the Oilers established a dynasty that still resonates in hockey lore today.
Edmonton Oilers Playoff Record
In their 44 seasons in the NHL, the Oilers have made the playoffs 25 times. Their all-time playoff record stands at 174-126, for a 0.580 winning percentage.
The Oilers had their greatest playoff success during the Gretzky era in the 1980s. From 1983 to 1990, they won five Stanley Cups and lost in the Finals once. Their playoff record over that span was a remarkable 94-34.
Some key Edmonton Oilers playoff stats and records:
- 5 Stanley Cup wins (1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, 1990)
- 7 Stanley Cup Finals appearances
- 16 straight playoff series wins from 1983-1988
- 29 playoff series wins overall
Edmonton Oilers Stanley Cup Championships
The Oilers dynastic run in the 1980s produced five Stanley Cup titles:
1984: Wayne Gretzky and the Oilers defeated the New York Islanders in five games, winning their first-ever championship. Gretzky scored a playoff-record 47 points in just 18 games.
1985: Edmonton won its second straight Cup, beating the Philadelphia Flyers in five games. Gretzky tallied a record 17 goals in the playoffs.
1987: The Oilers won a thrilling seven-game series over the Flyers, rallying from a 3-1 deficit. Gretzky registered a record-setting 21 assists.
1988: Edmonton won its fourth title in five years, sweeping the Boston Bruins in the Finals as Gretzky took home the Conn Smythe Trophy.
1990: After trading Gretzky in 1988, the Oilers proved they could still win, defeating Boston for their fifth championship. Petr Klima scored the Cup-clinching goal in triple overtime of Game 1.
The Oilers also reached the Stanley Cup Finals in 1983 and 2006, losing both times. Their 2006 run as the eighth seed remains the deepest playoff push by any team seeded that low.
Edmonton Oilers Playoff Heroes
While Gretzky stands out as the Oilers’ brightest star, Edmonton’s playoff success was a total team effort. Other Edmonton playoff heroes include:
The Oilers dynasty of the 1980s was powered by several Hall of Fame players:
- Wayne Gretzky: The Great One was simply sensational in the playoffs, tallying a record 382 career points. His 47 points in 1985 and 43 points in 1988 are the most ever in a single playoff run. He won the Conn Smythe Trophy twice.
- Mark Messier: One of hockey’s greatest leaders, Messier had 186 playoff points as an Oiler, including 35 game-winning goals.
- Jari Kurri: Gretzky’s wingman was a force in his own right, with 106 postseason goals. His 19 tallies in 1985 remains a record for right wingers.
- Grant Fuhr: The acrobatic goaltender compiled a 92-50 playoff record for Edmonton, including a remarkable 75-12 mark from 1983-1988.
- Paul Coffey: The offensive defenseman scored 59 playoff goals in his Edmonton career. He tallied 37 points in 18 games during the 1985 Cup run.
- Glenn Anderson: A fast skater with a knack for overtime magic, Anderson ranks fourth in franchise playoff scoring with 107 goals and 231 points.
Recent Oilers playoff Runs
The Oilers have made the playoffs 5 times in the last 10 seasons, including most recently in the 2022-23 NHL season. They are currently occupying a playoff spot in the 2024 NHL PLayoff Bracket.
| Season | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|
| 2023 | TBD (Season in progress or not started) |
| 2022 | Eliminated in the Conference Finals |
| 2021 | Eliminated in the First Round |
| 2020 | Eliminated in the Qualifying Round |
| 2019 | Did not qualify |
| 2018 | Did not qualify |
| 2017 | Eliminated in the Second Round |
| 2016 | Did not qualify |
| 2015 | Did not qualify |
| 2014 | Did not qualify |
After missing the playoffs for 10 straight seasons between 2007-2016, the Oilers returned to the postseason in 2017 behind Connor McDavid’s league-leading 100 points. They defeated the San Jose Sharks in 6 games before losing to the Anaheim Ducks in a tough 7-game series. Since then, the Oilers have steadily improved their playoff results each season:
McDavid has led the way offensively, recording 75 points in 49 career playoff games. Goaltender Mike Smith had a .927 save percentage during the 2022 run to the Conference Finals at age 40. The Oilers hope their incremental playoff progress will culminate in another deep run and potentially their first Stanley Cup since 1990.
Verdict on Oilers Playoff History
The Edmonton Oilers built a playoff juggernaut during the Gretzky years that produced one of hockey’s great dynasties. Though those championship teams are now the stuff of legend, the Oilers remain hungry to add to their storied playoff history.
Gretzy, Messier and Kurri formed the core that led the Oilers to their 5 championships. Connor McDavid is currently leading a new generation of Oilers stars trying to bring more playoff success back to Edmonton.
The Oilers have one of the greatest playoff histories in the NHL. With McDavid entering his prime, the Oilers hope more deep playoff runs and championships could be on the horizon.
