Edmonton Oilers Playoff History

Last Modified Oct 16, 2024 13:25 GMT
Edmonton Oilers Playoff History
Edmonton Oilers Source: Getty Images

The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They were established in 1972 as the Alberta Oilers as part of the defunct World Hockey Association (WHA). However, after just a season in play they shifted to their current name, the Edmonton Oilers in 1973 before joining the NHL in 1979 following the NHL-WHA merger. Presently, they compete in the Western Conference of the NHL as a member of the Pacific Divison.

The Oilers achieved notable success in the 1980s, winning five Stanley Cups and seven conference championships under the leadership of Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, and Mark Messier. Despite Gretzky's departure in 1988, the Oilers won another Stanley Cup in 1990 under Messier's leadership. After a period of ups and downs, including a memorable playoff run in 2005–06, the Oilers faced a playoff drought until 2016–17, when they showcased strong performances led by Connor McDavid but fell short in the postseason.

Edmonton Oilers NHL Playoff History and Appearances

Since their founding in 1972 as one of the original franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA), they've made significant playoff appearances. Led by Hall of Fame center Wayne Gretzky, they dominated the 1980s, winning five Stanley Cups and seven conference championships. Despite facing challenges and notable player departures, such as Gretzky's trade to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, the Oilers remained competitive, winning another Stanley Cup in 1990 under Mark Messier's leadership. However, they experienced periods of playoff drought but made a strong comeback in the 2005–06 postseason, reaching the Stanley Cup finals. Despite subsequent ups and downs, including a notable resurgence led by Connor McDavid in the 2016–17 season, the Oilers continue to be a significant presence in NHL playoff history, with a total of 25 playoff appearances.

A table exploring Edmonton Oilers’ playoff history and appearances is provided below:

YearRecordResult
202349–27–6Playing round second of the Conference finals against the Vancouver canucks
202350-23-9Lost Conference Semi-Finals
202249-27-6Lost Conference Finals
202135-19-2Lost First Round
202037-25-9Lost Qualifying Round
201935-38-9Missed Playoffs
201836-40-6Missed Playoffs
201747-26-9Lost Conference Semi-Finals
201631-43-8Missed Playoffs
201524-44-14Missed Playoffs
201429-44-9Missed Playoffs
201319-22-7Missed Playoffs
201232-40-10Missed Playoffs
201125-45-12Missed Playoffs
201027-47-8Missed Playoffs
200938-35-9Missed Playoffs
200841-35-6Missed Playoffs
200732-43-7Missed Playoffs
200641-28-13Lost Stanley Cup Final
2005-NHL Lockout
200436-29-12-5Missed Playoffs
200336-26-11-9Lost First Round
200238-28-12-4Missed Playoffs
200139-28-12-3Lost First Round
200032-26-16-8Lost First Round
199933-37-12Lost First Round
199835-37-10Lost Conference Semi-Finals
199736-37-9Lost Conference Semi-Finals
199630-44-8Missed Playoffs
199517-27-4Missed Playoffs
199425-45-14Missed Playoffs
199326-50-8Missed Playoffs
199236-34-10Lost Conference Finals
199137-37-6Lost Conference Finals
199038-28-14Stanley Cup Winners
198938-34-8Lost First Round
198844-25-11Stanley Cup Winners
198750-24-6Stanley Cup Winners
198656-17-7Lost Conference Semi-Finals
198549-20-11Stanley Cup Winners
198457-18-5Stanley Cup Winners
198347-21-12Lost Stanley Cup Final
198248-17-15Lost First Round
198129-35-16Lost Conference Semi-Finals
198028-39-13Lost First Round

Edmonton Oilers Conference History

The Edmonton Oilers have a rich conference history primarily within the Western Conference. Since their inception in 1972, initially in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and later joining the NHL in 1979, they've been a consistent contender in the Western Conference. Notable moments include their dominance in the 1980s, winning multiple conference championships and Stanley Cups, largely propelled by legendary players like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier. Despite facing challenges and changes over the years, including periods of playoff drought, the Oilers have remained competitive well within the Western Conference.

The seasons of 1983–84, 1984–85, and 1986–87 particularly stand out, as they not only secured the conference title but also went on to claim the Stanley Cup. However, the Oilers faced challenges in subsequent years, struggling to replicate their earlier successes. Despite periods of playoff appearances, they encountered setbacks, including several seasons of not qualifying for the playoffs. In recent years, the Oilers have shown signs of resurgence, with notable performances in the postseason, although they haven't been able to replicate their championship glory of the past.

A table exploring Edmonton Oilers' Conference History along with their results is provided below:

SeasonsConferenceResults
2023-2024WesternWon in first round, 4–1 (Kings) Second round vs. Vancouver Canucks
2022–23WesternWon in First Round, 4–2 (Kings) Lost in Second Round, 2–4 (Golden Knights)
2021–22WesternWon in First Round, 4–3 (Kings) Won in Second Round, 4–1 (Flames) Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Avalanche)
2020–21Lost in First Round, 0–4 (Jets)
2019–20WesternLost in Qualifying Round, 1–3 (Blackhawks)
2018–19WesternDid not qualify
2017–18WesternDid not qualify
2016–17WesternWon in First Round, 4–2 (Sharks) Lost in Second Round, 3–4 (Ducks)
2015–16WesternDid not qualify
2014–15WesternDid not qualify
2013–14WesternDid not qualify
2012–13WesternDid not qualify
2011–12WesternDid not qualify
2010–11WesternDid not qualify
2009–10WesternDid not qualify
2008–09WesternDid not qualify
2007–08WesternDid not qualify
2006–07WesternDid not qualify
2005–06WesternWon in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Red Wings) Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Sharks) Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Mighty Ducks) Lost in Stanley Cup Finals, 3–4 (Hurricanes)
2004–05-NHL Lckout
2003–04WesternDid not qualify
2002–03WesternLost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Stars)
2001–02WesternDid not qualify
2000–01WesternLost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Stars)
1999–2000WesternLost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Stars)
1998–99WesternLost in Conference Quarterfinals, 0–4 (Stars)
1997–98WesternWon in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Avalanche) Lost in Conference Semifinals, 1–4 (Stars)
1996–97WesternWon in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Stars) Lost in Conference Semifinals, 1–4 (Avalanche)
1995–96WesternDid not qualify
1994–95WesternDid not qualify
1993–94WesternDid not qualify
1992–93CampbellDid not qualify
1991–92CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 4–2 (Kings) Won in Division Finals, 4–2 (Canucks) Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Blackhawks)
1990–91CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 4–3 (Flames) Won in Division Finals, 4–2 (Kings) Lost in Conference Finals, 1–4 (North Stars)
1989–90CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 4–3 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Kings) Won in Conference Finals, 4–2 (Blackhawks) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–1 (Bruins)
1988–89CampbellLost in Division Semifinals, 3–4 (Kings)
1987–88CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 4–1 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Flames) Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Red Wings) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–0 (Bruins)
1986–87CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 4–1 (Kings) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Jets) Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Red Wings) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–3 (Flyers)
1985–86CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Canucks) Lost in Division Finals, 3–4 (Flames)
1984–85CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Kings) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Jets) Won in Conference Finals, 4–2 (Black Hawks) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–1 (Flyers)
1983–84CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–3 (Flames) Won in Conference Finals, 4–0 (North Stars) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–1 (Islanders)
1982–83CampbellWon in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–1 (Flames) Won in Conference Finals, 4–0 (Black Hawks) Lost in Stanley Cup Finals, 0–4 (Islanders)
1981–82CampbellLost in Division Semifinals, 2–3 (Kings)
1980–81CampbellWon in preliminary round, 3–0 (Canadiens) Lost in Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Islanders)
1979–80CampbellLost in preliminary round, 0–3 (Flyers)

The Edmonton Oilers have clinched the Conference championship an impressive seven times, showcasing their dominance in the league during the seasons of 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1989–90, and 2005–06.

See more:- Edmonton Oilers stadium

Edmonton Oilers Division History

The Edmonton Oilers have a storied divisional history, primarily while competing in the Smythe Division within the Western Conference of the NHL. Since their establishment in 1972, they've been a mainstay in the Smythe, Northwest and Pacific divisions engaging in fierce rivalries with their fellow teams.

Notable periods include their dominance in the Smythe Division during the 1980s, highlighted by multiple division championships and Stanley Cup victories. Unfortunalety, they haven’t been able to replicate that succes since. The recent years have seen them face various ups and downs including changes in divisional alignments, while maintaining a competitive presence within their divisions.

A table exploring the Edmonton Oilers' division history along with their regular season records is provided below:

YearDivisionRegular season
2023Pacific50-23-9
2022Pacific49-27-6
2021North35-19-2
2020Pacific37-25-9
2019Pacific35-38-9
2018Pacific36-40-6
2017Pacific47-26-9
2016Pacific31-43-8
2015Pacific24-44-14
2014Pacific29-44-9
2013Northwest19-22-7
2012Northwest32-40-10
2011Northwest25-45-12
2010Northwest27-47-8
2009Northwest38-35-9
2008Northwest41-35-6
2007Northwest32-43-7
2006Northwest41-28-13
2005-NHL Lockout
2004Northwest36-29-12-5
2003Northwest36-26-11-9
2002Northwest38-28-12-4
2001Northwest39-28-12-3
2000Northwest32-26-16-8
1999Northwest33-37-12
1998Pacific35-37-10
1997Pacific36-37-9
1996Pacific30-44-8
1995Pacific17-27-4
1994Pacific25-45-14
1993Smythe26-50-8
1992Smythe36-34-10
1991Smythe37-37-6
1990Smythe38-28-14
1989Smythe38-34-8
1988Smythe44-25-11
1987Smythe (#1)50-24-6
1986Smythe (#1)56-17-7
1985Smythe (#1)49-20-11
1984Smythe (#1)57-18-5
1983Smythe (#1)47-21-12
1982Smythe (#1)48-17-15
1981Smythe29-35-16
1980Smythe28-39-13

The Edmonton Oilers have claimed the Division championship six times since joining the NHL, marking their triumphs in 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, and 1986–87.

Read more About:- Edmonton Oilers schedule

FAQ's On Edmonton Oilers Playoff History

A. The Edmonton Oilers have won a total of five Stanley Cups till date.

A. Daryal Katzis the owner of the Edmonton Oilers.

A. The Edmonton Oilers last won the Stanley Cup in the 1989-1990 season.

A. The Edmonton Oilers have made a total of 25 playoff appearances till date.

A. The Edmonton Oilers last finished in the Stanley Cup finals in 2006.

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