Oilers History: The Reijo Ruotsalainen Years

There has never been a player in the Edmonton Oilers storied history quite like Reijo Ruotsalainen. The talented blueliner suited up in just 26 regular season games for the organization but still managed to leave a mark on the 1987 and 1990 Stanley Cup winning clubs. Not too shabby for a player who was here for a brief cup of coffee and one that Glen Sather ultimately stole from the New York Rangers.

RIP Dave Semenko

For a certain vintage of Edmonton Oilers fan, the name Dave Semenko has and always will hold a special place in their hearts.  With that said, no one held the former second-round pick in higher regard than the men who played with him during his time in the Alberta capital. Not surprisingly, all of Oil Country was taken aback by Thursday morning’s stunning announcement of his sudden passing, after he lost his battle with cancer at the age of 59.

Oilers History: The Paul Coffey Years

Unless you were fortunate enough to be around to witness Paul Coffey play during his prime, it is unlikely you can comprehend how important he was to the success of the Edmonton Oilers. Anyone can look at his stat line and be impressed by the eye-popping totals. However, those numbers do not tell us just how integral his role was in helping those teams find their identity and become arguably the greatest team in NHL history.

Oilers History: All-Star Memories

Today will mark another first of sorts for Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid. A broken collarbone forced the 2015 first overall pick from taking part in his first NHL All-Star Game during his rookie campaign but that will change this afternoon in Los Angeles. As the league’s leading scorer and most dynamic player in the game today, there is a chance the 20-year old phenom could end up playing a starring role in the 62nd mid-season classic. As a precursor to what may well end up being a moment to remember for Oilers fans everywhere, we give you the Top Three Moments in Edmonton Oilers All-Star Game history.

Schultz continues to show signs of improvement

Justin Schultz is no different than the vast majority of players who have pulled on an Edmonton Oilers jersey during the 2013-14 campaign. Much like the team itself, the talented blueliner’s sophomore season hasn’t gone according to plan.

1987 Canada Cup: CCCP vs Canada (Game Two)

After dropping the opening game of the 1987 Canada Cup Final to the Soviet Union, Team Canada were left facing a do or die scenario heading into Game Two. It was pretty simple. Win and they would force a third game. Lose and they would have to watch the Russians celebrate another Canada Cup championship, just as they did back in 1981.

1987 Canada Cup: CCCP vs Canada (Game One)

Today marks the 25th Anniversary of the 1987 Canada Cup Final. In what many still feel to be the best series of games ever played on a sheet of ice, Team Canada and the Soviet Union squared off at the Montreal Forum, in Game One of this classic series.

Canucks and Maple Leafs both fall short, Schultz signs with the Oilers

It has been a pretty hectic week for Justin Schultz and a handful of NHL organizations. The youngster was being pitched right, left and centre by teams hoping to convince the twenty-one year old defenceman, that they would be the best fit for him. In the end, he made a surprising choice but it was ultimately the correct one, agreeing to terms with the Edmonton Oilers. As far as opportunity and potential to be the guy on the blueline, Edmonton was the obvious choice but one that was surely not easy to make.

Lidstrom retires as one of the best to have ever played

When most people talk about the career of Detroit Red Wings defenceman Nicklas Lidstrom, more often then not, he is mentioned along the absolute elite blueliners to have ever graced a National Hockey League sheet of ice. The names you hear most often mentioned with the talented Swedish defenceman are those of Bobby Orr, Doug Harvey and Eddie Shore. Those three are widely considered to be the best three men to ever play the position in the history of the game...impressive indeed.

Game 51: Edmonton 8 Chicago 4

Over the last couple of seasons, Sam Gagner has become somewhat of a forgotten man in these parts. With the additions of Jordan Eberle, Taylor Hall and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins into the Oilers ranks, very little attention has been paid to the former sixth overall selection. After the show Sam put on last night at Rexall Place, I have a feeling that will no longer be the case..