1985-86 NHL Regular Season Points Record
Third straight Stanley Cup, cementing the Oilers' dynasty status in Edmonton.
The 1985-86 NHL season represents the apex of the Edmonton Oilers' first dynasty run, securing their third consecutive Stanley Cup championship. This campaign is historically significant for its regular season dominance, where the team established a franchise benchmark in points accumulation that highlighted their offensive firepower and defensive resilience under coach Glen Sather.
- Season
- 1985-86
- Regular Season Record
- 48 Wins - 20 Losses - 12 Ties
- Division Standing
- Smythe Division Champions
- Stanley Cup Result
- Champions (3rd Consecutive)
- Captain
- Wayne Gretzky
Lore & Background
During the mid-1980s, the Edmonton Oilers were not just a team; they were an unstoppable force reshaping the NHL landscape. The 1985-86 season was pivotal because it proved their success was no fluke following the lockout-shortened year prior. They navigated a grueling schedule to top the Smythe Division, relying on a core that included Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey, and Jari Kurri. Their regular season points total set a new standard for excellence within the franchise, demonstrating consistency against fierce rivals like the Calgary Flames. The atmosphere in Edmonton during this era was electric, with Northlands Coliseum serving as a fortress. The team's ability to score at will while maintaining competitive discipline allowed them to control their destiny heading into the playoffs. This season is remembered not just for the trophy, but for the statement it made: the Oilers were built for longevity. The rivalry with Calgary intensified during this period, adding stakes to every regular-season matchup that felt like a playoff preview.
In Their Own Story
The ice at Northlands Coliseum crackled under the skates of the dynasty squad. It was late March, and the air smelled of popcorn and anticipation. Wayne Gretzky circled the faceoff dot, jersey number 99 gleaming under the arena lights. The crowd roared as the puck dropped, a sound that had become familiar to Edmontonians over three straight championship years. This wasn't just another game; it was the final stretch of a regular season destined for the record books.
Reader's Guide
The achievement centers on the Oilers' franchise-record points total during the 1985-86 regular season, finishing with an impressive 48-20-12 record. This performance secured them first place in the Smythe Division and positioned them as heavy favorites for another Cup run. This dominance was significant because it followed a lockout-shortened previous year, proving their consistency remained intact despite scheduling challenges. The team's offensive depth allowed them to rack up points even when star players were rested or injured. Ultimately, the regular season success laid the groundwork for defeating the Calgary Flames in the Stanley Cup Finals. It remains a benchmark for future Oilers teams to measure their own dominance against.
Did You Know?
- The Oilers won this championship without losing a single game at home during the playoffs.
- Wayne Gretzky was named the NHL's Most Valuable Player for this season.
- This victory marked the third consecutive Stanley Cup, establishing the first true dynasty of the modern era.
- Paul Coffey became the first defenseman to win the Norris Trophy and a Stanley Cup in the same year.