Edmonton Oilers 1984 Team

The Edmonton Oilers: The Greatest Team in NHL History

1984-85 Season in Review

401 Goals Against: A Record for the Ages

On Monday, the NHL unveiled its list of the 100 greatest teams in league history, and the 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers were crowned as the undisputed champions. This iconic team, led by the legendary Wayne Gretzky, shattered records and redefined the sport of hockey.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the Oilers' dominance was their incredible defensive prowess. They allowed a mere 401 goals against in 80 regular season games, an NHL record that still stands today. This stingy defense was anchored by Hall of Famers Paul Coffey and Kevin Lowe, as well as up-and-coming star Jari Kurri.

Offensively, the Oilers were equally unstoppable. Gretzky led the way with a staggering 208 points, shattering the previous NHL record by 39 points. He was joined by a supporting cast of future Hall of Famers, including Mark Messier, Glenn Anderson, and Kurri. Together, they created an unstoppable offensive juggernaut that terrorized opposing teams.

In the playoffs, the Oilers continued their dominance, sweeping the Calgary Flames in four games in the first round. They then faced a tough challenge in the second round against the Chicago Blackhawks, but ultimately prevailed in six games. The Oilers then faced their toughest test in the Campbell Conference Finals against the St. Louis Blues, who had won the Presidents' Trophy that season. In a thrilling seven-game series, the Oilers emerged victorious, setting up a showdown with the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup Finals.

The Flyers, led by the "Broad Street Bullies," were no match for the Oilers. Edmonton won the series in four games, capturing their first Stanley Cup championship. Gretzky hoisted the Cup, cementing his status as the greatest player in the game and solidifying the Oilers' place in NHL history.