1988 Stanley Cup playoffs
The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs of the National Hockey League (NHL) were the championship tournament of the league's 1987–88 season, beginning on April 6, 1988, and concluding on May 26, 1988, with the defending champion Edmonton Oilers defeating the Boston Bruins four games to none in the Stanley Cup Final to claim their fourth championship in five seasons.[1][2] The playoffs featured 16 teams in a best-of-seven format across four rounds: division semifinals, division finals, conference finals, and the Stanley Cup Final, with the top four teams from each of the league's four divisions qualifying based on regular-season performance.[1] In the Smythe Division of the Campbell Conference, the Oilers advanced by defeating the Winnipeg Jets 4–1 in the semifinals and sweeping the Calgary Flames 4–0 in the finals, before overcoming the Detroit Red Wings 4–1 in the conference finals.[1] Meanwhile, in the Wales Conference's Adams Division, the Bruins progressed past the Buffalo Sabres 4–2 in the semifinals and the Montreal Canadiens 4–1 in the finals, then edged the New Jersey Devils 4–3 in a seven-game conference finals series to reach the Final.[1] The Oilers' dominant run was powered by Wayne Gretzky, who earned the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP with 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists) in 18 games—the total playoff games played by Edmonton—while teammate Jari Kurri led all players in goals with 14.[1][3] Notable aspects included the Oilers' .868 winning percentage across 19 games, the highest in playoff history at the time, and their league-leading 87 goals scored during the postseason, underscoring the peak of their dynasty era under coach Glen Sather.[1] The Bruins' appearance marked their first Final since 1978, highlighted by goaltender Andy Moog's strong play despite the sweep, and the series featured intense physicality, including overtime drama in earlier rounds such as Kurri's game-winning goal in the conference finals against Detroit.[1] Overall, the playoffs showcased high-scoring offense and rivalries, with Edmonton solidifying its status as the era's premier team by securing back-to-back titles; after their Game 4 clincher, Wayne Gretzky started the tradition of the Cup-winning team taking an on-ice group photo with the Stanley Cup, followed by every champion since.[4]Background
Regular Season Context
The 1987–88 NHL regular season featured 21 teams competing in an 80-game schedule across four divisions, with the Calgary Flames emerging as the top team overall by earning 105 points and winning the Smythe Division.[5] The Montreal Canadiens led the Adams Division with 103 points, the Detroit Red Wings topped the Norris Division with 93 points, and the New York Islanders claimed the Patrick Division with 88 points.[5] Edmonton Oilers finished second overall with 99 points, setting the stage for a competitive postseason among the league's elite.[5] Key storylines included the Edmonton Oilers' effort to defend their 1987 Stanley Cup title, bolstered by stars like Wayne Gretzky, who led the league with 109 assists despite Mario Lemieux ending Gretzky's eight-year Hart Trophy streak by winning the award with 168 points.[6][7] The Detroit Red Wings marked a significant rise under coach Jacques Demers, improving from 78 points the prior season to 93 points and securing their first division title since 1964–65, driven by captain Steve Yzerman's 155-point performance.[8] The New Jersey Devils achieved a breakthrough by posting their first winning record (38–36–6) and clinching their initial playoff berth since relocating from Colorado, a marked improvement from 61 points in 1986–87.[9] Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers struggled with injuries, notably star forward Tim Kerr missing nearly the entire season due to a shoulder issue, contributing to a late-season slump of 4–11–2 that dropped them to third in the Patrick Division with 85 points.[10][11] A highlight was Philadelphia goaltender Ron Hextall becoming the first NHL goalie to score by shooting the puck into an empty net on December 8, 1987, against the Boston Bruins.[12]Playoff Format and Qualification
The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs followed the NHL's established 16-team postseason structure, which had been in use since the 1981–82 season. Under this format, the top four teams from each of the league's four divisions—Adams, Patrick, Norris, and Smythe—qualified based on their regular-season performance, resulting in eight teams per conference without any wild card provisions. This divisional qualification emphasized intra-division rivalries, as the early rounds were confined strictly to divisional matchups, with winners advancing to face other division champions within their conference.[13] Seeding within each division was determined by regular-season points totals, with the top team designated as the first seed, followed by the second, third, and fourth seeds. Initial matchups in the division semifinals paired the first seed against the fourth and the second against the third, ensuring that the strongest divisional teams faced off early while preserving competitive balance. Tie-breaking procedures for seeding resolved any points equalities through criteria such as head-to-head records between tied teams and overall goals for minus goals against, prioritizing direct competition and overall performance metrics.[14] All playoff series, from the division semifinals through the Stanley Cup Final, were conducted in a best-of-seven games format. The higher-seeded team in each matchup received home-ice advantage under a 2-2-1-1-1 schedule, hosting Games 1 and 2, as well as Games 5 and 7 if necessary, to leverage their regular-season standing. This system, consistent across the tournament, aimed to reward superior regular-season play while allowing for extended series to determine conference and league champions.[13]Seeds
Prince of Wales Conference
The Prince of Wales Conference for the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs was determined by the regular season standings of the 1987–88 NHL season, with the top four teams from each of its two divisions—the Adams and Patrick—advancing to the postseason.[5] These seedings reflected strong performances across the conference, setting the stage for intra-divisional matchups in the division semifinals. In the Adams Division, the Montreal Canadiens earned the first seed with 103 points from a 45–22–13 record, driven by a balanced offensive attack that featured multiple contributors scoring over 70 points, including Bobby Smith (93 points), Mats Naslund (83 points), and Stephane Richer (78 points).[5][15] The Boston Bruins secured second place with 94 points (44–30–6), followed by the Buffalo Sabres in third at 85 points (37–32–11), and the Hartford Whalers in fourth with 77 points (35–38–7).[5] The Patrick Division saw the New York Islanders take the top seed with 88 points (39–31–10).[5] The Washington Capitals and Philadelphia Flyers both finished with 85 points (38–33–9 records), but Washington claimed second place via the tiebreaker, while Philadelphia took third; the Capitals' season was marked by defensive solidity from a core including Scott Stevens and Larry Murphy, allowing just 249 goals against the entire year.[5][16] The New Jersey Devils completed the playoff qualifiers in fourth with 82 points (38–36–6).[5] These alignments created lopsided potential matchups for the top seeds, such as the Canadiens facing the Whalers, where Montreal's dominant regular-season form positioned them as heavy favorites.[5]Clarence Campbell Conference
The Clarence Campbell Conference in the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs included teams from the Norris and Smythe Divisions, with seeding determined by regular-season points within each division, as per the playoff qualification criteria. All four teams from each division advanced, setting up intradivisional matchups in the opening round. In the Norris Division, the Detroit Red Wings earned the top seed with 93 points, marking a significant improvement driven by an offensive output of 322 goals, the third-highest in the league, led by captain Steve Yzerman's 50 goals (third in the league) and 102 points in 64 games.[8][17] The St. Louis Blues secured second place with 76 points, followed by the Chicago Blackhawks in third at 69 points. The Toronto Maple Leafs rounded out the qualifiers in fourth with a league-low 52 points among playoff teams, positioning them as heavy underdogs against the higher-seeded Norris clubs. The Smythe Division showcased intense competition, highlighted by the high-powered rivalry between its top two teams, the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers, which intensified the Battle of Alberta during the regular season. Calgary claimed first place with a conference-best 105 points, while Edmonton finished a close second at 99 points, both teams boasting potent offenses that averaged over four goals per game. Winnipeg Jets took third with 77 points, and the Los Angeles Kings fourth at 68 points, adding depth to a division known for its scoring prowess.Playoff Bracket
Bracket Overview
The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs featured a 16-team format divided into two conferences: the Prince of Wales Conference, comprising the Adams and Patrick Divisions, and the Clarence Campbell Conference, consisting of the Norris and Smythe Divisions.[1] Each conference sent four teams to the playoffs based on regular-season performance within their divisions, with seeding determined by points earned. The bracket progressed through best-of-seven series: division semifinals pitting the top four teams in each division against one another, followed by division finals between the semifinal winners, conference finals between the division champions of each conference, and culminating in the Stanley Cup Final between the conference champions.[1] In the division semifinals, matchups followed a standard format where the first-seeded team faced the fourth seed, and the second seed opposed the third seed, ensuring intra-divisional competition before advancing to cross-divisional play within the conference. This structure maintained divisional rivalries in the early rounds while building toward inter-conference clashes. The overall bracket flowed linearly from the eight division semifinal series to four division finals, two conference finals, and one final series, with no byes or preliminary rounds.[1] Home-ice advantage was awarded to the higher-seeded team in each series, granting them hosting duties for Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 in the standard 2-2-1-1-1 format. All series were conducted entirely on home-and-away basis, with no neutral-site games scheduled.[1]Text-Based Bracket Representation
Prince of Wales Conference- Adams Division Semifinals:
- Adams Division Final: Winner vs. Winner
- Patrick Division Semifinals:
- Patrick Division Final: Winner vs. Winner
- Conference Final: Adams Winner vs. Patrick Winner
- Norris Division Semifinals:
- Norris Division Final: Winner vs. Winner
- Smythe Division Semifinals:
- Smythe Division Final: Winner vs. Winner
- Conference Final: Norris Winner vs. Smythe Winner
Paths to the Finals
The Boston Bruins earned their berth in the Stanley Cup Final by navigating a challenging path through the Prince of Wales Conference bracket, defeating three successive opponents in 18 games total. In the Adams Division semifinals, the second-seeded Bruins overcame the third-seeded Buffalo Sabres in six games, prevailing 4-2 to advance after a competitive series that highlighted their defensive resilience.[1] Moving to the division finals, Boston pulled off a significant upset against the top-seeded Montreal Canadiens, dispatching them 4-1 in five games and capitalizing on strong goaltending to limit a potent Canadiens offense.[1] The conference finals pitted the Bruins against the Patrick Division champion New Jersey Devils, where Boston rallied from a 3-2 deficit to win the series 4-3 in seven games, securing their finals appearance with a dramatic comeback victory in Game 7.[1] In contrast, the Edmonton Oilers charted a more dominant course through the Clarence Campbell Conference, reaching the Stanley Cup Final in just 14 games while losing only twice along the way. As the second seed in the Smythe Division, Edmonton eliminated the third-seeded Winnipeg Jets 4-1 in the semifinals, using their high-powered attack led by Wayne Gretzky to control the series early.[1] The Oilers then delivered a stunning sweep of their provincial rivals, the Calgary Flames, in the division finals with a 4-0 victory that underscored their superiority in speed and skill.[1] Facing the Norris Division winner Detroit Red Wings in the conference finals, Edmonton prevailed 4-1 in five games, maintaining momentum with efficient wins that minimized wear and tear heading into the championship round.[1] Edmonton's overall journey to the Stanley Cup victory required only 18 games—a record low for the fewest games played by a champion in the NHL's expansion era (post-1967), reflecting their unparalleled efficiency in dispatching opponents with minimal resistance.[1]Division Semifinals
Montreal Canadiens vs. Hartford Whalers
The Montreal Canadiens, the top seed in the Adams Division with 45 wins in the regular season, faced the fourth-seeded Hartford Whalers, who had qualified with 35 wins, in the best-of-seven Adams Division semifinal series of the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs.[18][19] The series, which began on April 6 at the Montreal Forum, showcased Montreal's offensive depth against Hartford's resilient play, ultimately resulting in a 4-2 victory for the Canadiens after six games.[20] Montreal took an early 3-0 lead in the series. In Game 1 on April 6, the Canadiens rallied from a 3-1 deficit to win 4-3, with goals from Claude Lemieux, Bobby Smith, Shayne Corson, and Mike McPhee sealing the comeback in the third period.[21] Game 2 on April 7 saw Montreal dominate with a 7-3 rout, powered by a hat trick from Stéphane Richer and additional scoring from Ryan Walter, Bobby Smith, and others, highlighting the Canadiens' balanced attack.[20] The series shifted to Hartford's Hartford Civic Center for Game 3 on April 9, where Montreal edged out a 4-3 victory behind goals from Richer, Walter, and two from Gilles Thibaudeau, extending their streak to three wins. Hartford mounted a comeback in Games 4 and 5 to force a decisive sixth game. On April 10 in Game 4, the Whalers exploded for a 7-5 upset win, with Dave Babych scoring twice and Ron Francis contributing a goal and two assists, while goaltender Mike Liut made 26 saves despite allowing five goals. Game 5 returned to Montreal on April 12, where Hartford secured a 3-1 victory behind strong goaltending from backup Richard Brodeur, who stopped 29 of 30 shots for a near-shutout performance, and goals from Dean Evason, Dave Tippett, and Ron Ferraro to tie the series at 3-2.[22] The series concluded in Game 6 on April 14 in Hartford, where Montreal clinched the win 2-1 in regulation time. Stéphane Richer scored both Canadiens goals in the first period—his fifth and sixth of the playoffs—to give Montreal a lead it never relinquished, while Ron Ferraro's second-period tally was the lone response for Hartford.[23] Brian Hayward made 19 saves in net for Montreal, and the victory advanced the Canadiens to the division finals.[20] In terms of standout performances, Richer led all scorers in the series with 11 points (6 goals, 5 assists), followed by Mats Näslund with 7 assists for Montreal.[20] Ryan Walter contributed 5 points (2 goals, 3 assists) for the Canadiens, including key goals in Games 1 and 3. For Hartford, forward Kevin Dineen topped the team with 8 points (4 goals, 4 assists), while Ron Francis added 7 points (2 goals, 5 assists) in a losing effort. Goaltending was pivotal in Hartford's wins, with Liut posting a 1-1 record and .866 save percentage across three games, and Brodeur going 1-2 with a .938 save percentage in two appearances.[20] Overall, Montreal outscored Hartford 23-20 in the series, demonstrating their edge in high-scoring affairs.[1]Boston Bruins vs. Buffalo Sabres
The Boston Bruins, seeded second in the Adams Division, faced the third-seeded Buffalo Sabres in the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs division semifinals, a best-of-seven series that showcased explosive offense from both sides.[1] The Bruins, fresh off a strong regular season finish, relied on their depth and home-ice advantage at the Boston Garden to prevail 4 games to 2, advancing to the division finals against Montreal.[24] Despite the loss, Buffalo demonstrated upset potential by splitting the first four games and forcing a decisive sixth contest, highlighting their resilient attack led by young stars.[25] The series opened with Boston dominating at home, as the Bruins erupted for a 7-3 victory in Game 1 on April 6, powered by multi-point efforts from Ray Bourque and Ken Linseman.[26] They followed with a 4-1 shutout win in Game 2 the next day, April 7, where goaltender Réjean Lemelin made 28 saves to stifle Buffalo's offense. The action shifted to Buffalo's Memorial Auditorium for Game 3 on April 9, where the Sabres responded forcefully, routing Boston 6-2 behind John Tucker's two goals and strong play from Tom Barrasso in net.[27] Game 4 on April 10 turned into a thriller, with Buffalo erasing a two-goal deficit in the third period before John Tucker scored the game-winner on a power play 5:32 into overtime for a 6-5 Sabres victory.[28] Returning to Boston for Game 5 on April 12, the Bruins edged Buffalo 5-4 in a tense affair, with Rick Middleton's goal proving decisive amid a barrage of 38 combined shots. The series concluded in Game 6 on April 14 in Buffalo, where Boston sealed the win 5-2, thanks to Ken Linseman's two goals, including an empty-netter, and solid relief goaltending from Andy Moog.[29] Across the six games, the teams combined for 50 goals—28 for Boston and 22 for Buffalo—underscoring the offensive fireworks that defined the matchup, while goaltending duels featured Lemelin's 3-1 record for the Bruins against Barrasso's efforts in Buffalo's net.[24]New York Islanders vs. New Jersey Devils
The New York Islanders, as the top seed in the Patrick Division with 88 points, faced the fourth-seeded New Jersey Devils, who had qualified with 82 points, in the best-of-seven Patrick Division semifinals of the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs.[30][9] The Devils, in their first playoff appearance since entering the NHL in 1982, entered as underdogs against the Islanders, a franchise still clinging to echoes of their 1980s dynasty that included four consecutive Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983. This matchup marked a rivalry heating up in the Meadowlands and Long Island area, with the Devils seeking to break through against their more established neighbors. The series went to six games, with the Devils upsetting the Islanders 4 games to 2, securing their first-ever playoff series victory.[31] In Game 1 on April 6 at Nassau Coliseum, the Islanders prevailed 4-3 in overtime on Pat LaFontaine's game-winning goal at 8:55 of the extra frame, despite strong play from Devils rookie goaltender Sean Burke, who made 29 saves including several key stops in overtime to keep his team in contention.[32][33] The Devils responded forcefully in Game 2 on April 7, winning 3-2 behind Bob Sauvé's 24 saves in net, as Mark Johnson scored the decisive power-play goal late in the third period to snap New Jersey's 0-12-1 road skid at the Coliseum dating back to 1984.[34][35] New Jersey took a 2-1 series lead with a dominant 3-0 shutout in Game 3 on April 9 at Brendan Byrne Arena, where Sauvé again starred with 23 saves, including a crucial stop on LaFontaine during a shorthanded breakaway, while Patrik Sundström and Kirk Müller provided the offense.[36] The Islanders fought back in Game 4 on April 10, erasing a 4-2 deficit with three third-period goals to force overtime, then winning 5-4 on Dave Volek's tip-in at 7:16 of extra time, evening the series at 2-2 and showcasing their veteran resilience.[37] The Devils regained momentum in Game 5 on April 12 at home, cruising to a 4-2 victory with goals from Aaron Broten, Tommy Albelin, Pat Verbeek, and Doug Brown, as Burke returned to the net and stopped 33 of 35 shots, many of them high-quality chances.[38] In Game 6 on April 14 back at Nassau Coliseum, the Islanders mounted a furious comeback, erasing a 5-2 Devils lead with three third-period goals from Brent Sutter, Gary Mylund, and Mikko Malkamäki to pull within one, but New Jersey held on for a 6-5 clincher on Kirk Müller's empty-net goal, ending the Islanders' postseason run and their hopes of reviving dynasty-era glory.[39] This upset propelled the Devils forward while highlighting their breakout under coach Jim Schoenfeld, built on balanced scoring from 10 different goal-scorers in the series and timely goaltending that limited the Islanders to just 16 goals across six games.[31] The victory symbolized a shifting balance in the Patrick Division, as the Devils transitioned from perennial also-rans to legitimate contenders.[40]Washington Capitals vs. Philadelphia Flyers
The Washington Capitals faced the Philadelphia Flyers in the Patrick Division semifinals of the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, a best-of-seven series marked by high physicality and dramatic finishes. As the second seed in the Patrick Division with a 38-33-9 regular-season record, the Capitals held home-ice advantage over the third-seeded Flyers, who finished 38-33-9 after winning a tiebreaker over the New Jersey Devils based on head-to-head record. The series went the full seven games, with Washington prevailing 4-3 to advance, showcasing the Capitals' resilience against Philadelphia's aggressive forechecking and tough defense.[41][16][11] The series featured two overtime thrillers amid a backdrop of intense rivalry play, with the Flyers' physical style—led by enforcers like Dave Brown and Tim Kerr—clashing against Washington's balanced attack anchored by Mike Gartner and Dale Hunter. Philadelphia struck first in Game 1 on April 6 at the Capital Centre, winning 4-2 behind goals from Rick Tocchet and Murray Craven. Washington evened the series in Game 2 the next day with a 5-4 victory, as Gartner scored twice in a high-scoring affair. The Flyers responded in Game 3 on April 9 at the Spectrum, edging out a 4-3 win to take a 2-1 lead. Game 4 on April 10 saw Philadelphia rally from a 4-1 deficit to force overtime, where Craven netted the winner at 2:43 of the extra frame for a 5-4 triumph and a 3-1 series edge.[42][43][44] Trailing 3-1, the Capitals mounted a stunning comeback, winning Game 5 on April 12 by 5-2 and Game 6 on April 14 by 7-2 at the Spectrum, where Hunter recorded a hat trick in the blowout to force a decisive Game 7. In the clincher on April 16 back in Landover, Philadelphia built a 3-0 lead, but Washington stormed back with four third-period goals to tie it at 4-4. The game extended to overtime, where Hunter sealed the series with a breakaway goal at 5:57, assisted by Larry Murphy and Scott Stevens, sending the Capitals to the division finals for the first time since 1984. The matchup highlighted the growing East Coast intensity between the franchises, with five total power-play goals across the overtimes underscoring the physical toll.[45][46][47]| Game | Date | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 6 | Philadelphia 4, Washington 2 | Flyers take 1-0 lead |
| 2 | April 7 | Washington 5, Philadelphia 4 | Capitals even series 1-1 |
| 3 | April 9 | Philadelphia 4, Washington 3 | Flyers lead 2-1 |
| 4 | April 10 | Philadelphia 5, Washington 4 (OT) | Craven OT goal; Flyers up 3-1 |
| 5 | April 12 | Washington 5, Philadelphia 2 | Capitals cut deficit to 3-2 |
| 6 | April 14 | Washington 7, Philadelphia 2 | Hunter hat trick; series tied 3-3 |
| 7 | April 16 | Washington 5, Philadelphia 4 (OT) | Hunter OT winner at 5:57 |
Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
The 1988 Norris Division semifinal series pitted the top-seeded Detroit Red Wings, who had finished the regular season with a 41-28-11 record and 93 points, against the fourth-seeded Toronto Maple Leafs, who struggled through a 21-49-10 campaign yielding just 52 points but qualified for the playoffs due to the weak Norris Division. The Red Wings, emerging as a powerhouse under coach Jacques Demers with stars like Steve Yzerman leading the offense, dominated the series overall, showcasing their depth and speed against a rebuilding Maple Leafs squad hampered by inconsistent goaltending and defensive lapses. Toronto, coached by John Brophy, relied on veterans like Börje Salming and newcomers such as Eddie Olczyk to mount occasional resistance, but ultimately fell 4-2 to Detroit in a best-of-seven matchup that highlighted the Red Wings' playoff readiness. The series began with Toronto stealing Game 1 on April 6 at Joe Louis Arena, winning 6-2 behind Olczyk's hat trick and strong contributions from Salming, who recorded two assists.[48] Detroit rebounded decisively in Game 2 the next day, also at home, with a 6-2 victory fueled by goals from six different scorers, including Adam Oates and Petr Klíma, evening the series at 1-1. The Red Wings then took a 2-1 lead in Game 3 on April 9 at Maple Leaf Gardens, edging Toronto 6-3 in a high-scoring affair where Yzerman and Gerard Gallant provided key offense for Detroit.| Game | Date | Location | Score | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 6 | Joe Louis Arena | Toronto 6–2 Detroit | Olczyk hat trick for TOR |
| 2 | April 7 | Joe Louis Arena | Detroit 6–2 Toronto | Detroit evens series |
| 3 | April 9 | Maple Leaf Gardens | Detroit 6–3 Toronto | Red Wings take 2-1 lead |
| 4 | April 10 | Maple Leaf Gardens | Detroit 8–0 Toronto | Shutout by Greg Stefan |
| 5 | April 12 | Joe Louis Arena | Toronto 6–5 (OT) Detroit | Olczyk's OT winner |
| 6 | April 14 | Maple Leaf Gardens | Detroit 5–3 Toronto | Red Wings advance |
St. Louis Blues vs. Chicago Blackhawks
The St. Louis Blues faced the Chicago Blackhawks in the Norris Division semifinals of the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, a best-of-seven series that highlighted the Blues' disciplined play and goaltending strength. As the second seed in the Norris Division, the Blues entered with a slight edge over the fourth-seeded Blackhawks, who had finished eight points behind in the regular season standings.[55] St. Louis swept the first two games at home, defeating Chicago 4-1 on April 6 and 3-2 on April 7, with goaltender Greg Millen stopping 61 of 64 shots across those contests to establish early momentum.[56] The series shifted to Chicago for Games 3 and 4, where the Blackhawks claimed their only victory in Game 3, a 6-3 win on April 9 powered by Denis Savard's hat trick that fueled a decisive offensive outburst.[57] However, St. Louis responded forcefully in Game 4 on April 10, rallying for a 6-5 road victory in a high-scoring affair that clinched their series advancement. Tony Hrkac delivered the game-winning goal at 17:52 of the third period, his fourth of the match, while Millen earned the win despite allowing five goals on 34 shots.[58] With the series lead restored at 3-1, the Blues closed out the Blackhawks 5-3 in Game 5 back at home on April 12, securing a 4-1 series triumph and advancing to the Norris Division finals. Throughout the matchup, St. Louis outscored Chicago 23-17, with Millen's 4-1 record, 3.40 goals-against average, and .872 save percentage underscoring the team's defensive edge that limited Chicago's potent attack led by Rick Vaive's six goals.[55] This steady progression marked the Blues' first Norris semifinal win since 1982, setting the stage for their deeper playoff run.[59]Calgary Flames vs. Los Angeles Kings
The Calgary Flames, the top seed in the NHL and winners of the Presidents' Trophy for the best regular-season record, faced the fourth-seeded Los Angeles Kings in the Smythe Division Semifinals of the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs.[1] The best-of-seven series, held primarily at the Flames' Olympic Saddledome in Calgary and the Kings' Forum in Inglewood, showcased the Flames' offensive prowess against a Kings team led by emerging stars like Luc Robitaille and Bernie Nicholls.[60] Calgary ultimately prevailed 4–1, outscoring Los Angeles 30–18 across the five games and advancing to the division finals.[61] The series opened on April 6 in Calgary with a dominant 9–2 victory for the Flames, setting an explosive tone early.[62] Seven different Calgary players contributed goals, including two each from Håkan Loob and Joel Otto, while singles came from Al MacInnis, Lanny McDonald, Joe Mullen, Joe Nieuwendyk, and Gary Roberts, highlighting the team's scoring depth beyond its top lines.[62] Goaltender Mike Vernon made 15 saves on 17 shots for the win, as the Flames fired 50 shots on Kings netminder Roland Melanson, who allowed nine goals.[62] Game 2 on April 7 remained in Calgary, where the Flames again triumphed 6–4, with Nieuwendyk and Roberts each scoring twice to build a 2–0 series lead.[61] Shifting to Los Angeles for Game 3 on April 9, the Kings staved off elimination with a 5–2 upset win, their only victory in the series.[63] Luc Robitaille netted the game-winning goal on a power play, while Jimmy Carson added two goals and Bernie Nicholls recorded one goal and three assists to fuel the comeback effort.[63] Glenn Healy turned aside 28 of 30 shots in net for Los Angeles, providing the defensive stability needed to cut the series deficit to 2–1.[63] However, Calgary rebounded decisively in Game 4 on April 10, routing the Kings 7–3 behind a balanced attack that included three goals from Loob.[64] The Flames sealed the series in Game 5 on April 12 back in Calgary, winning 6–4 as Doug Gilmour and others contributed to the offensive onslaught.[61] Throughout the matchup, Calgary's depth scoring proved decisive, with 10 different Flames players recording multiple points and the team averaging six goals per game.[61] This offensive dominance, exemplified by the Game 1 explosion, underscored the Flames' status as Smythe Division favorites and propelled them toward a deeper playoff run.[60]Edmonton Oilers vs. Winnipeg Jets
The Edmonton Oilers entered the 1988 Smythe Division Semifinals as the defending Stanley Cup champions and second-place finishers in the division, facing off against the third-seeded Winnipeg Jets in a best-of-seven series.[65] The Oilers' offensive firepower, led by Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri, proved overwhelming against the Jets' speed-oriented game, resulting in a 4-1 series victory for Edmonton.[65] Gretzky contributed 11 points (1 goal, 10 assists), Messier added 13 points (4 goals, 9 assists), and Kurri tallied 8 points (5 goals, 3 assists), while Jets captain Dale Hawerchuk led his team with 7 points (3 goals, 4 assists).[65] The series opened in Edmonton with the Oilers securing a 7-4 win in Game 1 on April 6, exploding for six third-period goals after trailing 2-1, highlighted by Glenn Anderson's hat trick.[66] Edmonton followed with a 3-2 victory in Game 2 on April 7, holding off a late Jets rally with Craig Simpson's game-winning goal in the final minute.[67] The series shifted to Winnipeg for Game 3 on April 9, where the Jets earned their first-ever playoff win against the Oilers—a 6-4 upset that snapped Edmonton's 16-game playoff winning streak over Winnipeg—fueled by Hawerchuk's leadership and a physical game that saw 150 penalty minutes.[68][69] Edmonton responded decisively in Game 4 on April 10, rallying from a 3-0 deficit to win 5-3 behind two goals from Kurri and strong play from goaltender Grant Fuhr.[70] The Oilers clinched the series in Game 5 on April 12 with a dominant 6-2 victory back in Edmonton, where Messier scored twice on the power play and Gretzky added a goal to seal the advancement to the division finals.[71]| Game | Date | Score | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 6 | Winnipeg 4 – Edmonton 7 | Northlands Coliseum |
| 2 | April 7 | Winnipeg 2 – Edmonton 3 | Northlands Coliseum |
| 3 | April 9 | Edmonton 4 – Winnipeg 6 | Winnipeg Arena |
| 4 | April 10 | Edmonton 5 – Winnipeg 3 | Winnipeg Arena |
| 5 | April 12 | Winnipeg 2 – Edmonton 6 | Northlands Coliseum |
Division Finals
Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens
The Boston Bruins met the [Montreal Canadiens](/page/Montreal Canadiens) in the Adams Division Finals of the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, reigniting one of the NHL's most storied rivalries. Both teams had advanced through the division semifinals, with Boston defeating the Buffalo Sabres 4-2 and Montreal overcoming the Hartford Whalers 4-2. Despite Montreal holding the edge in the regular season with four wins in seven head-to-head games against the top-seeded Bruins, Boston entered the series motivated to reverse that trend and end a long playoff drought against their archrivals, having lost 18 straight postseason series to the Canadiens dating back to 1943.[72][73] The best-of-seven series concluded with Boston prevailing 4-1, marking their first playoff series victory over Montreal in 45 years. Game 1 on April 18 in Montreal ended in a 5-2 Canadiens win, setting an early tone. However, in Game 2 on April 20 at the Boston Garden, Montreal seized a 3-2 lead midway through the contest, only for the Bruins to mount a comeback with two late goals for a 4-3 victory that evened the series. Boston then took a 2-1 series lead in Game 3 on April 22 with a 3-1 road win in Montreal. The Bruins extended their advantage in Game 4 on April 24, securing a 2-0 shutout behind goaltender Réjean Lemelin's 22 saves, which gave them a decisive 3-1 series lead. The Bruins closed out the series in Game 5 on April 26 in Montreal, winning 4-1 to advance to the conference finals.[73] Central to Boston's success was the defensive prowess of Ray Bourque, whose shutdown play limited Montreal's offensive opportunities, particularly in the later games where he logged heavy minutes and neutralized breakouts. The shutout in Game 4 proved pivotal, as Lemelin's performance stifled a Canadiens team that had relied on timely scoring earlier in the playoffs, while the Game 2 rally highlighted Boston's resilience in high-stakes moments against a historic foe. This series victory avenged the regular-season setbacks and propelled the Bruins forward in their deepest playoff run since 1974.[74][73]New Jersey Devils vs. Washington Capitals
The 1988 Patrick Division Finals pitted the fourth-seeded New Jersey Devils against the top-seeded Washington Capitals in a best-of-seven series, marking the Devils' first appearance in a division final after upsetting the New York Islanders in the semifinals.[1] The Capitals, who had finished the regular season with a 41-29-10 record and the Patrick Division title, entered as heavy favorites with a strong defensive core led by goaltender Pete Peeters and defenseman Larry Murphy.[16] In contrast, the Devils, in just their sixth NHL season since relocating from Colorado, had clinched a playoff spot on the final day of the regular season and were considered underdogs with a 38-36-6 record.[9] The series, played from April 18 to April 30, showcased the Devils' offensive breakout potential against Washington's balanced attack, ultimately resulting in a stunning 4-3 series victory for New Jersey, advancing them to the Wales Conference Finals for the first time in franchise history.[75] The series opened in Washington with the Capitals taking Game 1 on April 18 by a 3-1 score, as goals from Bengt Gustafsson, Dave Christian, and Kelly Miller gave them an early edge despite New Jersey's resilient play.[76] The Devils responded forcefully in Game 2 on April 20, exploding for a 5-2 win with contributions from Kirk Muller and Aaron Broten to even the series at 1-1.[77] Game 3 on April 22 at the Meadowlands Arena became a defining moment, as New Jersey routed Washington 10-4 in a playoff-record performance; Patrik Sundström tallied 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points, surpassing Wayne Gretzky's previous single-game playoff mark and powering a Devils offense that overwhelmed Capitals goaltender Mike Liut.[78] This blowout gave New Jersey a 2-1 series lead and highlighted their transition game led by Sundström and Tommy Albelin. Washington fought back in Game 4 on April 24, defeating the Devils 4-1 behind two goals from Dale Hunter and strong penalty killing to tie the series at 2-2.[79] New Jersey then retook the lead in Game 5 on April 26 in Washington with a 3-1 victory, putting them up 3-2 in the series.[80] Washington evened the series in Game 6 on April 28 at New Jersey with a dominant 7-2 win, as Scott Stevens and Dale Hunter each scored twice, forcing a decisive Game 7.[81] In the clincher on April 30 back in Washington, the Devils prevailed 3-2, with Kirk Muller scoring just 14 seconds into the game to set the tone and John MacLean deflecting in the game-winner at 13:49 of the third period to secure the upset.[82] Goaltender Sean Burke's 21 saves in Game 7 anchored New Jersey's defense, capping a remarkable run that defied preseason expectations.[83]Detroit Red Wings vs. St. Louis Blues
The Norris Division Final pitted the Detroit Red Wings, who had finished first in the division with 93 points during the regular season, against the St. Louis Blues, the second-seeded team that had advanced by upsetting the Chicago Blackhawks in six games.[8] Following their semifinal dominance over the Toronto Maple Leafs in six games, the Red Wings showcased their offensive depth against the Blues. The series, played from April 19 to April 27, highlighted Detroit's ability to control play at home while overcoming St. Louis's resilience on the road. Detroit won the best-of-seven series 4–1, advancing to the Campbell Conference Final for the first time since reaching the 1966 Stanley Cup Final.[84][85] The Red Wings' victory was marked by strong goaltending from Greg Stefan and a balanced attack, outscoring the Blues 21–14 overall.[86] Key to their success was captain Steve Yzerman, who tallied 10 points (4 goals and 6 assists) in the five games, leading all Detroit skaters and providing crucial playmaking.[84]| Game | Date | Location | Score | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | April 19 | Detroit | 5–4 (DET) | Red Wings |
| 2 | April 21 | Detroit | 6–0 (DET) | Red Wings |
| 3 | April 23 | St. Louis | 3–6 (STL) | Blues |
| 4 | April 25 | St. Louis | 3–1 (DET) | Red Wings |
| 5 | April 27 | Detroit | 4–3 (DET) | Red Wings |
Edmonton Oilers vs. Calgary Flames
The 1988 Smythe Division Final pitted the defending Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers against the Calgary Flames, reigniting the fierce Battle of Alberta rivalry that had defined NHL postseason drama throughout the 1980s. The Flames entered as the league's top seed after capturing the Presidents' Trophy with a 48-21-11 regular-season record, having outscored Edmonton 366-325 while winning 10 of 16 head-to-head matchups. Despite this edge, the Oilers, motivated by their repeat aspirations and led by stars like Wayne Gretzky and Jari Kurri, swept the best-of-seven series 4-0, outscoring Calgary 18-11 and advancing to the Campbell Conference Final. Goaltender Grant Fuhr anchored Edmonton's defense with a 4-0-0 record, allowing just 11 goals on 114 shots for a .904 save percentage, frustrating Calgary's high-powered offense that featured Joe Nieuwendyk and Hakan Loob.[90][91][90] In Game 1 on April 19 at Calgary's Olympic Saddledome, Edmonton jumped to a 3-1 victory behind two goals from Kurri and one from Gretzky, who combined for three points; Fuhr stopped 26 of 27 shots to secure the early lead. Game 2 on April 21 remained tied 4-4 through regulation before Gretzky scored a shorthanded overtime goal at 7:54, assisted by Kurri, on a breakaway slapshot past Mike Vernon, giving the Oilers a 5-4 win and a commanding 2-0 series edge. The series shifted to Edmonton for Game 3 on April 23, where Mark Messier recorded three assists in a 4-2 triumph, with the Oilers' balanced attack overwhelming Calgary's defense.[92][93][94] Game 4 on April 25 at Northlands Coliseum saw Edmonton clinch the sweep with a 6-4 victory, highlighted by Gretzky's game-winning goal that sealed Edmonton's dominance; post-game tensions boiled over as Flames forward Tim Hunter slashed Fuhr in frustration, drawing a game misconduct. Kurri led the Oilers with 9 points (3 goals, 6 assists) in the series, while Messier added 7 (3 goals, 4 assists) and Gretzky contributed 6 (4 goals, 2 assists), underscoring their offensive synergy in thwarting Calgary's upset bid. The sweep not only avenged prior playoff losses to the Flames but propelled Edmonton toward their fourth Cup in five years.[95][96][90]Conference Finals
Boston Bruins vs. New Jersey Devils
The 1988 Prince of Wales Conference final pitted the battle-tested Boston Bruins against the upstart New Jersey Devils in a best-of-seven series that highlighted the Devils' improbable playoff journey against the Bruins' veteran poise. The Bruins, having ousted the defending champion Montreal Canadiens in five games in the division finals, entered as favorites with stars like Ray Bourque and Cam Neely leading the charge. The Devils, making their first postseason appearance since moving from Colorado six years earlier, had already stunned the hockey world by sweeping the New York Islanders and defeating the Washington Capitals in seven games, earning widespread acclaim as a Cinderella story. Boston ultimately prevailed 4-3, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final, but not without the Devils demonstrating remarkable resilience through a back-and-forth battle marked by high-scoring games and controversy.[97][98] The series schedule and results unfolded as follows:| Game | Date | Score | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | May 2 | BOS 5, NJD 3 | Boston | Bruins take early lead |
| 2 | May 4 | NJD 3, BOS 2 (OT) | Boston | Devils even series |
| 3 | May 6 | BOS 6, NJD 1 | New Jersey | Bruins dominate on road |
| 4 | May 8 | NJD 3, BOS 1 | New Jersey | Devils tie series |
| 5 | May 10 | BOS 7, NJD 1 | Boston | Bruins blowout |
| 6 | May 12 | NJD 6, BOS 3 | New Jersey | Devils force Game 7 |
| 7 | May 14 | BOS 6, NJD 2 | Boston | Bruins clinch series |
Edmonton Oilers vs. Detroit Red Wings
The 1988 Clarence Campbell Conference Final pitted the defending Stanley Cup champion Edmonton Oilers against the Detroit Red Wings, marking the first playoff matchup between the two franchises.[105] The Oilers, led by Wayne Gretzky and a deep veteran roster including Mark Messier and Jari Kurri, entered after sweeping the Calgary Flames in the Smythe Division Final, while the Red Wings advanced by defeating the St. Louis Blues 4-1 in the Norris Division Final.[1] Edmonton's experience from multiple recent Cup runs provided a clear edge over Detroit's up-and-coming squad captained by Steve Yzerman, emphasizing the Oilers' superior depth and playoff poise throughout the series.[106] The best-of-seven series, hosted alternately starting in Edmonton, concluded with the Oilers winning 4-1. Game 1 on May 3 saw Edmonton take a 4-1 victory, powered by goals from Glenn Anderson, Craig Simpson, and two from Esa Tikkanen. In Game 2 on May 5, the Oilers trailed 3-1 after two periods but mounted a comeback with four third-period goals, including tallies from Kurri, Simpson, and Messier, securing a 5-3 win and a 2-0 series lead.[107] Detroit responded in Game 3 on May 7 with a 5-2 triumph at home, fueled by two goals from Brent Ashton and singles from Bob Probert, Dave Barr, and Mel Bridgman.[108] Game 4 on May 9 went to overtime, where Kurri scored at 11:02 of the extra frame, assisted by Tikkanen, to give Edmonton a 4-3 victory and a 3-1 advantage.[109] The Oilers closed out the series in Game 5 on May 11 with an 8-4 rout, highlighted by two goals each from Simpson and Mike Krushelnyski, along with contributions from Gretzky, Messier, and others.[110] Key moments underscored Edmonton's resilience and balanced attack. The third-period surge in Game 2 exemplified the Oilers' ability to leverage their depth, with goaltender Grant Fuhr stopping 27 of 30 shots after a shaky start.[106] In Game 4, Kurri's overtime winner came during a defensive battle where Edmonton outshot Detroit 39-28, highlighting the veteran forwards' clutch performance despite Gretzky's three assists in regulation.[109] Detroit's lone win in Game 3 kept their hopes alive briefly, but Edmonton's overall dominance—outscoring the Red Wings 23-16 across the series—propelled them to the Stanley Cup Final, affirming their status as the conference's top team through superior experience and multi-line scoring.[105]Stanley Cup Finals
Series Overview
The 1988 Stanley Cup Finals pitted the defending champion Edmonton Oilers, representing the Campbell Conference, against the Boston Bruins of the Wales Conference in their first-ever playoff matchup.[1] The Oilers, who had captured the previous year's title, entered as heavy favorites due to their offensive firepower led by Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, while the Bruins arrived with underdog momentum from a pair of hard-fought upsets en route to their first Finals appearance since 1979.[111] Edmonton secured home-ice advantage based on their superior regular-season performance, finishing with 99 points compared to Boston's 94, setting up a best-of-seven series that began in Northlands Coliseum. The matchup highlighted contrasting styles: Edmonton's high-scoring attack against Boston's rugged, defense-first approach anchored by Ray Bourque.[111] At stake was not only the Stanley Cup but also the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the most valuable player across the entire playoffs, adding further prestige to the proceedings.Game Summaries and Key Moments
The 1988 Stanley Cup Finals featured the Edmonton Oilers sweeping the Boston Bruins in four games, with scores of 2–1, 4–2, 6–3, and 6–3, marking Edmonton's fourth championship in five years. The series showcased the Oilers' offensive depth, led by Wayne Gretzky's 13 points (three goals and 10 assists), while the Bruins relied on defensive resilience but struggled to contain Edmonton's speed. In Game 1 on May 18 at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton, the Oilers edged the Bruins 2–1 in a tight defensive battle. Gretzky opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 1:56 of the second period, assisted by Jerry Semplar and Jari Kurri. Cam Neely tied it for Boston at 13:15 of the second, with assists from Craig Janney and Greg Kluzak. Keith Acton provided the game-winner at 1:15 of the third, assisted by Semplar and Kevin McClelland, as Edmonton goaltender Grant Fuhr made 21 saves to Bill Ranford's 20 for Boston.[112] The Oilers outshot the Bruins 22–14, setting a tone of control despite the close margin.[112] Game 2 on May 20 at Northlands Coliseum saw Edmonton pull ahead 4–2, extending their series lead. Glenn Anderson scored a power-play goal at 15:57 of the first, assisted by Gretzky and Esa Tikkanen, followed by Mark Messier's power-play tally at 19:30, with assists from Gretzky and Kurri, giving Edmonton a 2–0 edge. Boston rallied in the third with goals from Bob Joyce at 0:35 (assists: Janney, Neely) and Ken Linseman at 3:16 (assists: Moe Lemay, Keith Crowder) to tie it at 2–2. Gretzky reclaimed the lead at 11:21 of the third, assisted by Tikkanen, and Kurri added an empty-netter at 19:53, assisted by Mike Krushelnyski. Fuhr stopped 30 of 32 shots, while Rejean Lemelin faced 32 shots and allowed four goals.[113] Edmonton's power play converted 2 of 9 opportunities, exploiting Boston's 39 penalty minutes.[113] Shifting to Boston Garden for Game 3 on May 22, the Oilers dominated with a 6–3 victory, moving within one win of the Cup. Randy Burridge gave the Bruins a 1–0 lead at 2:46 of the first, assisted by Ray Sweeney. Kevin McClelland tied it at 16:18, assisted by Gretzky and Krushelnyski. In the second, Tikkanen scored a power-play goal at 10:25 (assists: Gretzky, Anderson) for a 2–1 lead, followed by Anderson's goal at 12:57 (assist: Craig Simpson) to make it 3–1. Tikkanen added another at 1:32 of the third (assists: Gretzky, Randy Gregg), pushing it to 4–1. Lemay pulled Boston within two at 4:19 (assists: Linseman, Bourque), but Simpson extended the lead to 5–2 at 10:28 (assists: Anderson, Messier). Neely scored a power-play goal at 14:02 (assists: Joyce, Glen Wesley), but Tikkanen sealed it with an empty-netter at 19:40 (assists: Gretzky, Anderson). Fuhr made 25 saves on 28 shots, while Ranford allowed six goals on 25 shots.[114] Edmonton's three power-play chances yielded one goal, but their even-strength play overwhelmed Boston.[114] Game 4 was originally scheduled for May 24 at Boston Garden but became infamous due to a power outage caused by a transformer fire, which created excessive heat and fog in the un-air-conditioned arena, suspending play at 16:37 of the second period with the score tied 3–3.[115] NHL President John Ziegler ruled that the game would be replayed in full on May 26 at Northlands Coliseum in Edmonton to avoid further delays. In the replayed game, Edmonton defeated Boston 6–3 to complete the sweep. Steve Kasper opened scoring for Boston at 0:43 of the first (assists: Randy Burridge, Bourque) for a 1–0 lead. Normand Lacombe tied it at 6:07 (assists: Steve Muni, Kevin Lowe). Linseman added a power-play goal at 9:44 (assist: Bourque) for 2–1 Boston. Tikkanen equalized on the power play at 15:03 (assists: Kurri, Gretzky) to make it 2–2. In the second, Krushelnyski gave Edmonton a 3–2 lead at 6:38 (assists: McClelland, Lowe), followed by Gretzky's power-play goal at 9:44 (assists: Tikkanen, Steve Smith) for 4–2. Simpson extended it to 5–2 at 19:58 (assists: Gretzky, Gregg). Tikkanen added his third at 1:21 of the third (assists: Kurri, Gregg) for 6–2, and Kasper scored Boston's final goal at 6:35 (assists: Greg Johnston, Wesley) to make it 6–3. Fuhr finished with 16 saves on 19 shots overall, while Ranford allowed six goals on 26 shots.[116] Edmonton's two power-play conversions out of five opportunities contributed to their dominance, as they outshot Boston 26–19. Messier's leadership proved pivotal in the clincher.[116] The venue change and full replay did not alter the series outcome, affirming the Oilers' dominance.[115]Player Statistics
Leading Skaters
The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs featured exceptional offensive performances, particularly from the Edmonton Oilers' stars, who dominated the scoring charts. Wayne Gretzky led all skaters with 43 points (12 goals and 31 assists) in 19 games, earning him the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.[1] Mark Messier followed with 34 points (11 goals and 23 assists) in 19 games, while Jari Kurri tallied 31 points (14 goals and 17 assists) in 19 games, showcasing the Oilers' depth in offensive contributions.[117] The following table lists the top 10 skaters by points in the 1988 playoffs:| Rank | Player | Team | GP | G | A | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | EDM | 19 | 12 | 31 | 43 |
| 2 | Mark Messier | EDM | 19 | 11 | 23 | 34 |
| 3 | Jari Kurri | EDM | 19 | 14 | 17 | 31 |
| 4 | Esa Tikkanen | EDM | 19 | 10 | 17 | 27 |
| 5 | Ken Linseman | BOS | 23 | 11 | 14 | 25 |
| 6 | Glenn Anderson | EDM | 19 | 9 | 16 | 25 |
| 7 | Bob Probert | DET | 16 | 8 | 13 | 21 |
| 8 | Ray Bourque | BOS | 23 | 3 | 18 | 21 |
| 9 | Adam Oates | DET | 16 | 8 | 12 | 20 |
| 10 | Patrik Sundström | NJD | 18 | 7 | 13 | 20 |
| Rank | Player | Team | GP | G |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jari Kurri | EDM | 19 | 14 |
| 2 | Wayne Gretzky | EDM | 19 | 12 |
| 3 | Mark Messier | EDM | 19 | 11 |
| 4 | Ken Linseman | BOS | 23 | 11 |
| 5 | Esa Tikkanen | EDM | 19 | 10 |
| 6 | Petr Klíma | DET | 12 | 10 |
| 7 | Glenn Anderson | EDM | 19 | 9 |
| 8 | Bob Probert | DET | 16 | 8 |
| 9 | Adam Oates | DET | 16 | 8 |
| 10 | Håkan Loob | CGY | 9 | 8 |
| Rank | Player | Team | GP | A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Wayne Gretzky | EDM | 19 | 31 |
| 2 | Mark Messier | EDM | 19 | 23 |
| 3 | Ray Bourque | BOS | 23 | 18 |
| 4 | Jari Kurri | EDM | 19 | 17 |
| 5 | Esa Tikkanen | EDM | 19 | 17 |
| 6 | Glenn Anderson | EDM | 19 | 16 |
| 7 | John Chabot | DET | 16 | 15 |
| 8 | Ken Linseman | BOS | 23 | 14 |
| 9 | Doug Gilmour | STL | 10 | 14 |
| 10 | Bob Probert | DET | 16 | 13 |
Leading Goaltenders
The leading goaltenders in the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs were highlighted by strong performances from those who played significant minutes, with Réjean Lemelin of the Boston Bruins posting the lowest goals-against average (GAA) among qualifiers with at least five games played.[118] Lemelin appeared in 17 games, recording 11 wins, a 2.64 GAA, and a .895 save percentage (SV%), along with one shutout, anchoring Boston's run to the Stanley Cup Final.[118] Grant Fuhr of the Edmonton Oilers led all goaltenders with 16 wins across 19 games, contributing a 3.00 GAA and .883 SV% en route to the championship.[118] Other notable performers included Sean Burke of the New Jersey Devils, who logged 17 games with nine wins, a 3.42 GAA, .889 SV%, and one shutout during New Jersey's surprise run to the conference finals.[118] Pete Peeters of the Washington Capitals started 12 games, securing seven wins with a 3.12 GAA and .895 SV%.[118] Fuhr's heavy workload underscored Edmonton's success, as he started nearly every game in their playoff march.[118] The following tables summarize the top performers in key categories (minimum five games played for GAA and wins; all games for shutouts).Top 5 Goaltenders by GAA
| Rank | Goaltender | Team | GP | W | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Réjean Lemelin | BOS | 17 | 11 | 2.64 | .895 | 1 |
| 2 | Grant Fuhr | EDM | 19 | 16 | 3.00 | .883 | 0 |
| 3 | Glen Hanlon | DET | 8 | 4 | 3.07 | .871 | 1 |
| 4 | Pete Peeters | WSH | 12 | 7 | 3.12 | .895 | 0 |
| 5 | Sean Burke | NJD | 17 | 9 | 3.42 | .889 | 1 |
Top 5 Goaltenders by Wins
| Rank | Goaltender | Team | GP | W | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Grant Fuhr | EDM | 19 | 16 | 3.00 | .883 | 0 |
| 2 | Réjean Lemelin | BOS | 17 | 11 | 2.64 | .895 | 1 |
| 3 | Sean Burke | NJD | 17 | 9 | 3.42 | .889 | 1 |
| 4 | Pete Peeters | WSH | 12 | 7 | 3.12 | .895 | 0 |
| 5 | Greg Millen | STL | 10 | 5 | 3.81 | .849 | 0 |
Goaltenders with Shutouts (Tied at 1)
| Goaltender | Team | GP | W | GAA | SV% | SO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Réjean Lemelin | BOS | 17 | 11 | 2.64 | .895 | 1 |
| Sean Burke | NJD | 17 | 9 | 3.42 | .889 | 1 |
| Glen Hanlon | DET | 8 | 4 | 3.07 | .871 | 1 |
| Greg Stefan | DET | 10 | 5 | 3.64 | .864 | 1 |