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Today in Hockey History: 1987-88 Edmonton Oilers Establish Tradition

During the NHL’s hiatus, we at the Last Word on Hockey are going to look back at each date’s historical significance to the game. We’ll remember the moments that shaped the sport of hockey that happened on this day. Here’s our look at this date in hockey history for May 26th, featuring the 1987-88 Edmonton Oilers.

Today in Hockey History

1987-88 Edmonton Oilers First to Take Team Photo with Stanley Cup

1988: Wayne Gretzky gets a goal and two assists as the Oilers take Game 5 over the Boston Bruins. The Oilers beat the Bruins, 6-3, to clinch the Cup. Edmonton wins the series four games to zero after Game 4 is not counted after a power outage. Gretzky is the first player to get 250 post-season points.

Edmonton is the first team to win 11 home games in one playoff year. The Oilers establish a new tradition by taking a team photo with the Stanley Cup. That tradition quickly spreads soon after.

Other Notable Events

1977: The Quebec Nordiques beat the Winnipeg Jets, 8-2, to win win the AVCO World Trophy. Quebec wins its only World Hockey Association championship with the Game 7 win.

1992: The Pittsburgh Penguins rally from three goals down to beat the Chicago Blackhawks, 5-4. Mario Lemieux scores twice in Game 1 of the final to end Chicago’s 11-game playoff winning streak.

Brian Burke was named as the new General Manager of the Hartford Whalers replacing Ed Johnston.

1995: Neal Broten scores 18:36 of overtime as the New Jersey Devils beat Pittsburgh, 2-1, in Game 4 of the Eastern semifinals.

2001: Patrick Roy gets his 18th playoff shutout and Joe Sakic scores twice in the Colorado Avalanche‘s Game 1 win. Colorado blanks New Jersey, 5-0, in the opening game of the Stanley Cup Final.

2009: Pittsburgh sweeps the Carolina Hurricanes with a 4-1 win in the Eastern final. Marc-Andre Fleury makes 30 saves to reach the Cup final for the second straight year.

2015: Derick Brassard‘s hat trick helps the New York Rangers force Game 7 with a 7-3 victory. Rick Nash and J.T. Miller each get a goal and three assists in the win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

2016: Bryan Rust scores twice as Pittsburgh beats Tampa Bay, 2-1, in Game 7 of the Eastern final. Matt Murray makes 16 saves for the Penguins in the victory.