Is Oilers’ Cup Finals Loss Similar to Playoff Turning Point in 1981?

Longtime Edmonton Oilers fans will remember 1981. It was the season the Oilers took a historic step forward, marking their arrival as a force in the NHL with their first playoff series victory. It was a clash of eras, as the young and hungry Oilers faced the Montreal Canadiens, a team just two years removed from their dynasty that had won four consecutive Stanley Cups.

Last night, during the Oilers and Canadiens hockey game, Mark Messier reflected on that pivotal series. In doing so, Messier captured the youthful energy and determination of the Oilers at the time. “We were a young team trying to win a Stanley Cup, and we knew with Wayne [Gretzky] on our team, it was only a matter of time,” Messier shared.

The Oilers were brimming with talent and speed but lacked playoff experience. Still, their belief in Gretzky’s game-changing ability and their collective potential drove them forward.

Perhaps, it’s not unlike the Oilers of today. Suffering a brutal and emotional loss in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final, the team is struggling this season, but there’s an unwavering belief in the ability of Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl to bring the team to glory.

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Gretzky vs. Lafleur: A Clash of Generations

The series also symbolized a transition in hockey’s landscape. Coming off a remarkable regular season, Wayne Gretzky represented the future, while Montreal’s Guy Lafleur epitomized the Canadiens’ decorated past. Despite being the underdogs, Edmonton shocked the hockey world by dominating the Canadiens.

The Oilers showed what was to come by demonstrating their offensive firepower and resilience by turning a 3-1 deficit in Game 1 into a stunning 6-3 victory. Messier recalled this performance as a defining moment for the Oilers as a team.

Though inexperienced, the Oilers displayed extraordinary poise. Their victory was a testament to their skill and an opportunity to learn from a championship-caliber opponent. Messier reflected on his respect for the Canadiens’ legacy and how their experience helped shape the Oilers’ future success.

“They taught us what a championship team looks like,” Messier admitted, emphasizing how Montreal’s dominance set the standard the Oilers aimed to emulate.

1981 Was a Turning Point for Edmonton

This victory was a turning point for Edmonton. It proved they could compete with and defeat NHL powerhouses, setting the stage for their own dynasty later in the 1980s. As the Oilers celebrated their first playoff triumph, they also laid the groundwork for the sustained excellence that would soon make them one of hockey’s most legendary teams.

The 1981 playoff win wasn’t just a series victory. It became a symbolic passing of the torch. For a city like Edmonton, it was a dream come true and the beginning of a hockey legacy that would inspire future generations.

Related: 3 Takeaways from Oilers’ Disheartening 3-0 Loss to the Canadiens