What Is 1987 National Hockey League playoffs

Overview

The 1987 National Hockey League playoffs marked the postseason tournament to determine the NHL champion following the 1986–87 regular season. A total of 16 teams competed across four rounds, culminating in the Stanley Cup Finals between the Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers.

The playoffs began in April 1987 and concluded in late May, featuring high-scoring performances and dramatic series outcomes. Edmonton, led by Wayne Gretzky and coached by Glen Sather, emerged victorious, reclaiming the Cup after missing out in 1986.

• 16 teams qualified for the playoffs, with the top four from each of the four divisions advancing based on regular-season standings.
• The tournament structure followed a best-of-seven format for all four rounds, including the Division Semifinals, Division Finals, Conference Finals, and Stanley Cup Finals.
• Edmonton Oilers entered as defending champions from 1985, having lost to the Calgary Flames in the 1986 Finals.
• Philadelphia Flyers returned to the Finals for the first time since 1980, defeating the New York Islanders, Washington Capitals, and Montreal Canadiens en route.
• The series concluded on May 31, 1987, when Edmonton won Game 7 by a 3–1 score at the Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton.

Structure and Rounds

The 1987 NHL playoffs followed a standardized bracket system based on divisional alignment and seeding, with matchups determined by regular-season performance. Each round was a best-of-seven series, requiring teams to win four games to advance.

• Division Semifinals: The first round pitted divisional rivals against each other, such as the Oilers vs. Los Angeles Kings and Flyers vs. New York Rangers.
• Division Finals: Winners advanced to face division champions, with Edmonton defeating the Detroit Red Wings and Philadelphia overcoming the New York Islanders.
• Conference Finals: The Wales and Campbell Conferences determined league finalists; Edmonton beat the Chicago Blackhawks, while Philadelphia defeated the Montreal Canadiens.
• Stanley Cup Finals: The Oilers and Flyers met for the first time in the Finals, with Edmonton winning the series 4–3 after trailing 3–2.
• Wayne Gretzky led all scorers with 35 points (10 goals, 25 assists), setting a playoff record for assists in a single year.
• Mark Messier contributed 15 goals and 11 assists, playing a crucial role in Edmonton’s championship run.

Comparison at a Glance

Key statistics and outcomes from the 1987 NHL playoffs compared across critical categories:

The Oilers demonstrated superior offensive depth and goaltending, with Grant Fuhr posting a 2.81 goals-against average and .903 save percentage. Philadelphia, despite strong performances from Tim Kerr and Ron Hextall, fell short in the decisive Game 7, ending their first Finals appearance in seven years.

Why It Matters

The 1987 NHL playoffs were pivotal in shaping the league’s late-1980s legacy, reinforcing Edmonton’s dynasty and showcasing rising stars. The series also highlighted the evolving style of high-tempo, skill-based hockey.

• The Oilers' third Cup win solidified their status as a dynasty team, joining the 1970s Montreal Canadiens as elite franchises.
• Wayne Gretzky’s 35 points set a new benchmark for playoff dominance, emphasizing the value of elite playmaking.
• Goaltender Ron Hextall of Philadelphia became the first goalie to score a goal in the playoffs by shooting the puck into an empty net.
• The series featured intense physical play, with 1,248 penalty minutes recorded across all playoff games league-wide.
• Game 7 drew a national audience on CBC and ESPN, boosting NHL visibility in both Canada and the U.S.
• Edmonton’s victory marked the last Cup win before the 1988 trade of Paul Coffey, signaling a shift in team dynamics.

The 1987 playoffs remain a defining moment in NHL history, illustrating the blend of star power, team depth, and postseason resilience that defines championship success.