Oilers’ ’84-85 team had bumps in the road to success, says Gretzky
TORONTO — Even the greatest team in NHL history as selected by fans had doubt casted their way before eventually proving themselves.
The Wayne Gretzky-led 1984-85 Edmonton Oilers were chosen as the greatest NHL team of all-time through a fan vote during the 2017 Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Oilers downed the Philadelphia Flyers in the Stanley Cup final that season to win their second-straight championship. Along with Gretzky, the team’s roster was stacked with Hall of Famers including Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey and goaltender Grant Fuhr.
Gretzky produced 208 points and took home numerous awards, including his sixth straight Hart Trophy as league MVP. Coffey earned the Norris as top defencemen while Kurri won the Lady Byng for sportsmanship. Eight players in all were named an all-star, but critics still wondered at the time if the Oilers could win with their style of play.