30 Facts About Oilers Vs. Flyers

Historic Rivalry

The Edmonton Oilers and Philadelphia Flyers have a storied history in the NHL. Their matchups often bring excitement and memorable moments. Here are some intriguing facts about their rivalry.

1. The Oilers and Flyers first faced off on October 19, 1979, with the Flyers winning 4-3.

2. The Oilers' first victory against the Flyers came on January 19, 1980, with a score of 5-3.

3. The teams have met in the Stanley Cup Finals once, in 1987, with the Oilers winning the series 4-3.

4. Wayne Gretzky, playing for the Oilers, scored 13 points in the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals against the Flyers.

5. The Flyers' Ron Hextall became the first goalie to score a goal by shooting the puck into the opposing net on December 8, 1987, against the Boston Bruins, but he also scored against the Oilers in the 1987 Finals.

Memorable Players

Both teams have had legendary players who left a significant impact on the game. Here are some notable names.

6. Wayne Gretzky, known as "The Great One," played for the Oilers from 1979 to 1988.

7. Mark Messier, another Oilers legend, played a crucial role in their five Stanley Cup victories.

8. Bobby Clarke, a Flyers icon, led the team to two Stanley Cup championships in the 1970s.

9. Eric Lindros, a dominant force in the 1990s, played for the Flyers and was known for his physical style and scoring ability.

10. Paul Coffey, an exceptional defenseman, played for both the Oilers and Flyers during his career.

Record-Breaking Moments

Games between the Oilers and Flyers have seen some record-breaking performances. Here are a few highlights.

11. Wayne Gretzky set an NHL record with 215 points in a single season (1985-86) while playing for the Oilers.

12. The Flyers' 35-game unbeaten streak (25 wins, 10 ties) during the 1979-80 season remains an NHL record.

13. The Oilers scored 446 goals in the 1983-84 season, the most by any team in a single season.

14. The Flyers' Bernie Parent won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in both 1974 and 1975.

15. The Oilers' Jari Kurri scored 19 goals in the 1985 playoffs, setting a record for most goals in a single postseason.

Intense Games

Matchups between the Oilers and Flyers are often intense and thrilling. Here are some unforgettable games.

16. The 1987 Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 saw the Oilers win 3-1, securing their third championship.

17. On February 2, 1982, the Oilers defeated the Flyers 9-1, showcasing their offensive prowess.

18. The Flyers' 6-5 victory over the Oilers on March 19, 1985, featured a hat trick by Tim Kerr.

19. A high-scoring game on January 11, 1986, ended with the Oilers beating the Flyers 8-7.

20. The Flyers' 5-3 win on November 22, 1996, included a memorable fight between Eric Lindros and Kelly Buchberger.

Coaching Legends

Coaches play a vital role in shaping teams. Here are some coaching legends from both sides.

21. Glen Sather coached the Oilers to five Stanley Cup championships in the 1980s.

22. Fred Shero, known as "The Fog," led the Flyers to their two Stanley Cup victories in 1974 and 1975.

23. Mike Keenan, who coached the Flyers from 1984 to 1988, was known for his intense style and led the team to the 1987 Finals.

24. Pat Quinn, who coached the Flyers from 1978 to 1982, later became a successful coach for several other NHL teams.

25. Ken Hitchcock, who coached the Flyers from 2002 to 2006, is known for his defensive strategies and has over 800 NHL coaching wins.

Fan Culture

Fans of the Oilers and Flyers are passionate and dedicated. Here are some facts about their fan culture.

26. The Oilers' fans are known for their "Orange Crush" during playoff games, where they wear orange jerseys and create a sea of orange in the stands.

27. Flyers' fans are famous for their "Broad Street Bullies" mentality, reflecting the team's tough, physical style of play in the 1970s.

28. The Oilers' mascot, Hunter, is a Canadian lynx and was introduced in 2016.

29. The Flyers' mascot, Gritty, became an internet sensation after being introduced in 2018.

30. Both teams have dedicated fan bases that travel to away games to support their teams, creating a lively atmosphere in opposing arenas.

Final Whistle

The Oilers vs. Flyers rivalry has given fans countless unforgettable moments. From Wayne Gretzky's legendary performances to the intense playoff battles, this matchup never disappoints. Both teams have rich histories, passionate fan bases, and a knack for delivering thrilling games. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to hockey, this rivalry offers something special. The stats, records, and memorable plays all contribute to the excitement. As both teams continue to evolve, future matchups promise even more drama and excitement. So, next time the Oilers and Flyers face off, grab some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the show. Hockey fans know this is one rivalry that always delivers. Keep an eye on the schedule and don't miss out on the action. The Oilers vs. Flyers saga is far from over, and the best is yet to come.