By Jason Bolton June 22, 2024 08:08

Photo by Jason Franson/The Canadian Press

The city of Edmonton, rich in hockey tradition and home to one of the NHL's most storied hubs for Stanley Cup playoff success, has been selected as a hub from which the league will stage 'Return To Play' games. The Edmonton Oilers are well-known in the realm of the National Hockey League and for their various excursions to the Stanley Cup Finals, which are discrepant between victories and defeats. Read on for an in-depth summary of Edmonton's NHL history, excellence, ineptitude in regular season and Stanley Cup play, and what has led to their relative success or lack thereof in capturing hockey's holy grail.

Edmonton's Legacy in the NHL

Edmonton entered the NHL for 1979-80 after the Oilers were one of four WHA teams absorbed by the league. The team of great players, led by Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, and Paul Coffey, collectively ascended to glory quickly after. Their style of play and their outrageous success and talent on the ice led to them carving out a unique spot in NHL history.

Stanley Cup Final appearances

The entire team, the Edmonton Oilers, has been highlighted for playing in various Stanley Cup Finals, reiterating that they are a strong NHL team. 

• 1983-84: The Oilers, with the game's best player in Wayne Gretzky, attained their first Stanley Cup by taking out the New York Islanders. 
• 1984-85: After their breakout season, the Oilers reiterated their standing as one of the NHL's best by winning their second straight Stanley Cup.
• 1986-87: The Oilers also successfully defended their Stanley Cup championship, but this time against the Philadelphia Flyers, winning in seven games to win their third Stanley Cup in four years.
• 1987-88: The Oilers continued to unveil story upon NHL story, hoisting their fourth Stanley Cup aloft while making a clear statement of ability and relevance not paralleled since that historic 1976 campaign.

Team Composition and Talent

The unparalleled skill that went into compiling this roster and bringing together the best goal scorers, playmakers, and defenders in professional hockey is something Edmonton's always fondly remembered for, and it served them so well while earning their Stanley Cup rings. This abundance of depth and indefatigable versatility has consistently put the team in a position to challenge for titles.

Coaching and Management

The Edmonton Oilers' leadership and coaching tactics have been instrumental in their performance during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

NHL's Competitive Landscape

The NHL is a highly competitive league that features incredibly daunting foes and elite challengers, qualities that have helped and hindered the Edmonton Oilers in their pursuit of hoisting the Stanley Cup. The competitive fervor from season to season in the league has required paragon performance and an infallible strategy evolution.

On the whole

Edmonton has a rich history in the NHL, and chasing for that ultimate prize in the Stanley Cup has always been a roller coaster with them winning, losing, and returning with even more resolve. Based on the work of legendary players, tireless coaching staff, and a genuine fan base, the team has played a significant role in Canadian hockey lore. 

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