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.

Oilers History: Gretzky Trade marked the end of an era in Edmonton and the NHL

Today marks the 25th anniversary of the day the Edmonton Oilers decided to trade Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings. To this day, most refer to it as a sale as opposed to trade but in the end, the distinction really doesn't matter. Regardless of how or why, trading away the greatest player in the history of team sports, signalled the end of the line for one of the finest groups of players to have ever been assembled.

Oilers History: 1988 Stanley Cup Final - Edmonton vs Boston (Game Two)

Despite playing far from their best hockey during Game One of the 1988 Stanley Cup Final, the Edmonton Oilers still found a way to jump out to an early 1-0 series lead over the Boston Bruins. While the B’s were coming off an emotional seven game series win over the New Jersey Devils, Edmonton had lost just two games through the the first three rounds of the playoffs.

Oilers History: Battle of Alberta - 1988 Smythe Division Final (Game Four)

With the Edmonton Oilers heading into Game Four of their 1988 Smythe Division Final against the Calgary Flames with a commanding 3-0 lead, it was no longer a question of whether or not they could avenge their heart-breaking Game Seven loss from 1986. The question was could Wayne Gretzky and company pull off the four game sweep of the President Trophy winners?

Oilers History: Battle of Alberta - 1988 Smythe Division Final (Game Three)

To say the Calgary Flames were behind the eight ball heading into Game Three of the 1988 Smythe Division Final, was an understatement. After dropping the first two games of the series on home ice, they now were facing the near impossible task of having to take four of the next five against the Edmonton Oilers. To make matters worse, they would have to accomplish the feat by winning at least three of those games at Northlands Coliseum. 

Oilers History: Battle of Alberta - 1988 Smythe Division Final (Game Two)

After riding the stellar performance of netminder Grant Fuhr to a 3-1 victory in the series opener, the Edmonton Oilers were looking to make it two in a row and head back home to Northlands Coliseum with a commanding 2-0 series lead. Easier said than done, especially with the Calgary Flames knowing full well that dropping two straight at the Saddledome, would all but seal their fate.

Oilers History: Battle of Alberta - 1988 Smythe Division Final (Game One)

There have been a number of great "Battle of Alberta" playoff games throughout the years between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames. While the 1991 seven game classic, which Edmonton won on a seeing-eye slap shot from Esa Tikkanen, likely sits atop the list as the best of the bunch, it was the1988 series that holds a special spot in the hearts of many Oiler fans. The dismantling of the President Trophy winning Flames, during their second round series, ranks among the most satisfying victories in the storied history of the Edmonton Oilers franchise.

Nugent-Hopkins best Oilers rookie since Gretzky

Back in 1979, the Edmonton Oilers broke into the NHL and had a kid by the name of Wayne Gretzky on their roster. While the then eighteen year old rookie dominated the league from day one, he was inexcusably not considered a "rookie" because he had played the previous season in the WHA and was deemed ineligible as the league's top rookie. This despite finishing the season in a tie for the league scoring title with Los Angeles Kings star centre Marcel Dionne, at 137 points. Since then, the only Edmonton Oilers who has come close to winning the Calder Trophy, was Hall of Fame netminder Grant Fuhr. While one could make the argument that Fuhr deserved the Calder in 1981-82, he ultimately lost out to Winnipeg's Dale Hawerchuk. No one has come close since but that is all about to change. It is far from a guarantee that rookie centre Ryan Nugent-Hopkins will take home the award this season but one thing is certain...the kid has been the best rookie to wear an Oilers jersey since the Great One.