This was, without a doubt, in my opinion, the greatest Stanley Cup Final Ever! I must admit, I am an Islander fan, but with Gretzky, Kurri, Anderson, Tikkannen, Messier, Anderson, Nilsson, Coffey, Lowe, Huddy, and Fuhr, there was no better team ever that the NHL has ever seen!
@Potsie791 Could not agree more. This year's final was a great series, had a great goaltending performance by Thomas and also went 7 games but it STILL pales in comparison to the '87 final. I also agree the Oilers were the greatest team ever… although I think there was only one glen Anderson on that team! : P
last thing, at 0:10. were the sparklers for the national anthems or was it for something else? either way, that's got to be the most epic, awe-spiring (and chilling) way to start a stanley cup final game 7, as well as the tense conclusion to one of the most entertaining and most dramatic stanley cup finals series in NHL history (let alone any other stanley cup final that went to seven games.
@Gphazor Yes, that was something they did in the pre-game. Not sure if it was during the national anthems or not but it was part of the game. It was very cool. I believe it was not only the best Stanley Cup Final series ever played but maybe the best playoff series ever played. I had it all. Hate to use a Philly cliché' but It is the stuff movies like Rocky are made of.
@Gphazor This had been the first Stanley Cup Final since 1971 to go 7 games,so that`s why it was memorable for so many of us hockey fans.We wouldn`t get another 7 game series until 7 years later.
one thing i notice is that when there's a big scoring chance or save, the announcer often doesn't sound in awe or screaming his head off. i wonder i f most announcers were like this back then. In today's game, if any of these things happened the announcers/analysts would be whoopin and hollerin and would instantly either shower praise or scorn to the goalie/players involved. this announcer just seems o play it off like he was expecting these things to happen.
@Gphazor Gene Hart was a great announcer and is in the HOF for his work. It may be a difference in the times but I also think his tone is indicative of his team and what was going on in the game. His team was exhausted after playing the longest season in NHL history and an emotionally exhausting series. From the 2nd period on there was nothing going on for his team as they mustered only 8 total shots. 6 in the second and only 2 in the third. As the Flyer's announcer he has to reflect the Flyers.
@Halgrim Yes, seriously. Can you believe it? John Williams! What a hack of a composer HE is! As if that was not enough to ruin your day, I also used the crappy Rocky music at the end. OMG!!!! Oh the shame! Again, once you create something half as good maybe you can criticize. Till then, save it.
Thank goodness for Game 7. The Philadelphia Flyers are well-known for being the biggest fluke artists in Hockey no matter who they've had and got now.
I've seen a lot of Flyers losses in the Stanley Cup finals, but this on hurt the most. Gene Hart's call was a perfect reflection of how the Flyers fans felt, in fact it's the only time in my memory that my dad, who loves hockey's traditions, didn't watch the presentation of the cup. It was exhausting, even as a spectator.
Unbridled enthusiasm is for the winning team's broadcast, objectivity is for the national broadcast, and whatever Gene Hart feels is for the Flyers broadcast.
@MrLCLM I can only imagine what it was like to be there. After being up 3-1 in the series and having the Flyers erase THREE 2 and 3 goal leads in games 3, 5, 6 to push it to game 7, that one goal lead must not have felt very comfortable despite how bad they were outplayed in the second and third periods. After Anderson scored it must have felt like "FINALLY! It's over".
What the Flyers did to the Oiler team was remarkable considering who it was they were facing and the condition they were in.
@69chunkylover69 It is actually a variety of songs. Starts with "Duel of the Fates" from the Star Wars Episode 1 soundtrack. The second song is called "Like a Dog Chasing Cars" from the Batman Dark Knight soundtrack. The third song is called "Franklin's Tunnel" from the National Treasure 2 soundtrack. Finally, the last song is called "The Final Bell" appropriately from the Rocky soundtrack. Most of them were cut, edited and sometimes with parts repeated to fit what was going on in the game.
@DaveTV2 the feeling in the building was that the pressure was all on the Oilers to win. If the Flyers didn't win they could still say that they had a great year. But considering the team the Oilers had built, it was Cup or bust.
The series was remarkable for the Flyers' resiliency. It was also remarkable in the fact that this game was the first time the Oilers' dynasty ever won by playing defence. They only allowed 8 shots in the final two periods, and just two of those in the 3rd period.
@MrLCLM I always said that Oiler team was at it's peak in '87 The core was in their prime & well experienced. Offensively they were as great as ever and they were a solid defensive team with a great goalie. It was actually 6 shots in the last two periods of Game 7. 4 in the second and 2 in the third as you said.
I suppose you can say they won it on defense but their offense was cooking in that game. If it were not for Hextall it could have scored 5 or more. Best series ever played IMO.
@DaveTV2 are you sure about the shot totals? I always thought the shots per team were 18-12 in the first, 13-6 in the second, and 12-2 in the third, for a total game of 43-20 for Edmonton. You're right about Hextall's heroic play: and the fact that the Oilers hit 3 goalposts in that 3rd period had some people in the crowd thinking it was destiny for the Flyers. At least until Anderson scored.
@MrLCLM Your numbers are correct. I misstated that one. I think I have the info right in my video description, so I am not sure what I may have been smoking when I posted that. My apologies!
@poopshoe12 Why do you think that? Everything that led up to this game aside. It saw the Flyers for the first time in the series score the game's first goal & only their second first period goal in the entire series. It saw Hextall put on one HELL of a goaltending performance and solidifying the MVP. The game was still up for grabs at 2-1 till the closing moments of the 3rd. It is considered one of the best game 7's in history. How could you possibly not consider this game climatic?
@lothow I remember lots of people throwing stuff, mostly in the 3rd period. I was pretty young so I didn't remember a wine bottle per se, but I remembered people throwing stuff at him after he got into it with MacTavish in the 3rd period. People were still pissed that Hextall wasn't suspended for what he did to Nilsson in Game 4, but that didn't make throwing bottles at him right.
@lothow ...and people say that stuff only happens in Philly! : ) Definitely not right, especially when it was McTavish that started that whole incident by wrapping his arm around Hextall's head and not allowing him to get up. Nilsson? Didn't deserve that so much but I believe that was in retaliation for all the stick work Anderson had been doing the whole series. When Hextall saw it was him he lost it. Anderson cost them them game in game 6 by swinging at Zezel's head and taking the penalty.
Gene Hart lived and died with Flyers games. Believe me, his lack of passion in the call is either a reflection of the Flyer's play (don't get the home fans whipped up if the Flyers aren't going to deliver) or its him deliberately not trying to sound like a 'homer'. He had to deliberately squelch his passion - maybe he did a little TOO much, but trust me, those are the reasons for it. Gene Hart was the greatest; the fans adored him as much as the Flyers.
@jfq722 I agree with all you said and still say his call is right on. IMO as the home team announcer it is his job to reflect the game that is going on from the home team's perspective and that is what he was doing. They had 2 shots in the final period and only 4 in the second. They were under siege and holding on for their lives. What was he going to get excited about? If he was doing a national broadcast then I would understand the comment because he would have to come off as more neutral.
No passion from Gene Hart? My friend, you obviously aren't familiar with Gene Hart. My guess is that he was choking back tears at the end of this game along with the rest of us Flyers fans.
great series...but sorry the announcer sounds like its just another game for him to commentate....no passion...no flare....the CBC feed with Bob Cole calling the shots puts this guy to shame
@MrWestcoast45 I think Gene Hart's tone was a reflection of the play of the Flyers. With the Flyers mustering only 4 shots in the second period and a measly 2 in the third, there was little for him to be excited about as the Flyers' announcer. He was a great announcer and is in the Hall of Fame for his work.
It would not surprise me that Bob Cole might sound more excited as he is from Canada and doing a Canadian telecast. If it was the other way around would HE sound excited? Probably not!
@DaveTV2 ....actually Coley is pretty biased in his play by play....and has a great rep of making a boring 1-0 neutral zone trap style game sound like an end to end rush slaughter house....guess we'll agree to disagree
@MrWestcoast45 If I am listening to a home team announcer, I want them to call the game as it is happening from the home team's perspective. I think the tone of his should call should reflect what is happening on the ice to the point where I can close my eyes and picture it. Gene Hart was great in this regard. His call was fitting of his team having only 6 shots through the last 40 min of play in this game. Just listen to his call at the end of game 6 and tell me there is no passion!
@cesar333 without a doubt. Best all time IMO. I actually just wrote a nice article about that very subject on Bleacher Report titled "1987 Stanley Cup Finals: Was it the Best Playoff Series in NHL History" if you want to check it out. Just do a search for that title and you should find it pretty easily. Thanks for the comment!
In 1987 Edmonton Oilers had their best team ever! So many great players: Kevin Lowe, Paul Coffey, Esa Tikkanen, Jari Kurri, Wayne Gretzky, Glenn Anderson and of course the two biggest stars of all: Mark Messier and Kent Nilsson!!!
great series. I'm an Isles fan so I have to disagree that The Oilers were the best team ever. Don't forget they played in an extremely weak western conference. They were great, but not the greatest ever
I am sure as an Iles fan you would disagree that the Oilers were the best team ever but unfortunately the facts speak for themselves. It is not like they simply beat up on a "few .500 teams". They completely dominated the entire league for an extended period of time. Not to mention the fact that they had the best player ever in #99. Outside of the 87 series they lost a TOTAL of 3 games in the other 4 cup wins [finals] which were against the east. Iles do not even have as many cups in their run.
The best hockey team of all time are the Montreal Canadiens of 70's . In 76 Montreal are only 10 lost in all the season . Montreal Canadiens in the 70's win 4 straight stanley cup lead by Guy Lafleur , the big three in defence . By far the best nhl hockey team of all time .
@quebecforce111 Sorry, I have to strongly disagree. That Montreal team played in a league FILLED with bad expansion teams, tons of goons who could not play and lots of average goalies wearing much smaller equipment. The Oilers dominated equally bit did it in a much more mature league where goaltending was better and the level of competition by in large was greater. That team was also lead by a guy named Gretzky who happens to be the best ever (including Lafleur)
@DaveTV2 As I recall,the Habs ended the Broad Street Bullies dynasty during the 1976 Finals with a 4 game sweep as well as swept a Boston Bruins team the following year who some even doubted they`d beat on account of having been dominated by the Bruins during their 5 regular season meetings.Keep in mind that was the season that the Habs only lost 8 games which still stands to this day.One more thing,let`s not forget that the Bruins near upset the Habs in the 1979 semi-finals as well
@landrykkb I am not sure what that has to do with 1987. Sure upsets happen and almost did but that does not mean that the team was not a heavy underdog. You are also talking about the beginning of what some argue was the greatest team in NHL history. They changed the way the game was played from the goonery of the 70s to the skill of the 80s and really opened the door for a team like the Oilers.
At the end of the day we are talking about a team with 6 hall of famers (7 counting Sather) vs 1
@landrykkb Oh, and regarding 1976, remember that Bernie Parent was hurt most of that year. If he had been in net the outcome might have been much different than it was with Wayne Stephenson. Yes, he filled in admirably that year which also shows the strength of that Flyer team but Wayne Stephenson was NO Bernie Parent and not the difference maker Bernie was. Not saying the Flyers would have won just that it certainly would not have been a sweep. Still meaningless to what happened in 87.
i really thought the flyers were going to win this game , especially when craven scored first !!! i am still sick to this day the flyers lost this seiries !!!! on paper the oilers should have swept the flyers , but the flyers showed awsome heart to take that team to 7 games ,especially after being down 3-1. i am so happy to witness these 2 great teams battle !! but if the flyers had to lose, im glad it was against the greatest team in the history of hockey !!! hockey hasnt been the same since
Even though I wasn't even alive during this series, I can tell this looked like it was fun to watch. It's so much more fast paced then hockey post-lockout and honestly even though I didn't watch much hockey pre-lockout, videos tell me that it was ten times better. I'd love to have witnessed this first hand.
Thanks for the comment hockeyfan48. Did you watch my whole series of videos for the series or just this one? Watching all of them in order gives you about as good an indication of what a great series it was as actually watching the games themselves. Yes the game was still better than even the post lockout hockey. That said, the game IS much better not than it was in the 90's.
Great serie. And Oilers win Furr was magic man Gretzky and his partners were a hight class hockey team and Flyers were what they always be : hard to beat with there physical play and bully way ... Sweet Memories ,,Thanks for videos from Canada
Ron Hextall was very deserving of that Conn Smythe Trophy. But who would be second in your opinion? For me it would be the loose canon, Glenn Anderson. He was the best Oiler in gm 7 and the best overall during the playoffs. Remember Gretzky only had 5 goals all playoffs, Kurri had 5 goals alone in the finals, Anderson 4 goals. But Andy had a better final than Kurri. He was always causing havoc in front of Hexy's net. Messier and Coffey?
Anderson without a doubt. He had a great series. As you said, aside from what he did on the scoreboard he really did his best to get in the Flyers' heads and gave them something to think about other than Gretzky, Kurri & Messier. He had his stick in the Flyers faces the entire series. Remember it was Anderson who set Hextall off in Game 4 by slashing at him. He did also cost his team by slashing Zezel in the face which allowed them to tie it in Gm 6. Far worse than Hextall's slash on Nilson IMO.
Right on Dave! That was a great Oiler team. Do you think they had the greatest collection of offensive players? Im surprised the Oilers didnt score at least 5 goals in any of the games. I know the Flyers scored 5 goals in gm 3 but the 5th was into an empty net. So neither Hextall or Fuhr gave up more than 4 goals in any game. Thats probably the only final series that had that kind of stat. Usually theres at least one or two blowouts in a final series. Not this one! It was very close in the end.
I certainly do, I am sure there are others that would disagree and bring up the late 70s era Canadians, but I think if they take everything into consideration such as the level of competition overall, quality of goaltending, size of goalie's equipment, etc. I think the Oilers have them beat.
Af far as them not scoring 5 goals? One word... Hextall! They could have had at LEAST that in a few games. Not sure about other finals series. I know the Oilers outscored them 22-18 in that series.
Very good analysis Dave. Its matter of opinion in the end. Like I always believe the Canadiens dynasty of the late 70s was the best, better than the 80s Islanders. Quality of opponents has a lot to do with it. When you beat strong opposition, ppl will take you for real. I remember looking up the Isles opposition in the 81 and 82 playoffs. Pretty lame if you ask me. But then again, Im not saying the Isles werent great, they were GREAT. Just not as dominant as the Habs.
I just try to call it like it is and weigh in all the factors. When comparing different eras of sports you CAN'T just look at numbers. What happens if you compare the GAAs of goalies in the mid-late 90's to those in the mid - late 80's? If you were to do that without taking into consideration what was happening in the game, you would come to the conclusion that the goalies in the 90s were so much better. They weren't. I also do not disagree, I do think the 70's Habs were better than the Iles.
Youre absolutely right Dave. Your opinion is always honest and sincere. And very well informed. The league was different in the period from 86-87 through 90-91. If you look at the bad teams, they werent as bad as they were in the 70s or early 80s. No expansion in that 86 to 91 era either. The goalie equip was bigger but not overly huge like today (thats what I hate about today the goalie equip is disgustingly huge lol). You could also say that period saw the best hockey overall, esp in the final
@ULTRAPOWER1977Habs The Isles beat 2 teams(Minnesota in `81 and Vancouver in `82)for the Stanley Cup in that 4 year run that had no business being as far as they were.
I love Grant Fuhr and think he was an absolute A+ goalie but there is no way you can say he was "deserving" of the MVP that year. This not to say that he did not do his job effectively but he was not great in this series because he did not HAVE to be great. Yes he made a few great saves here and there throughout the series but the quality and quantity of chances he faced was nothing compared to Hextall. He only faced 16 shots in game 7 to Hextall's 40 to win the cup.
@DaveTV2 sure he made 16 saves, but never won a cup...grant fuhr didnt have that good of a defense so he must have been good enough...better then hextall... to win 4 cups no?
First, when did I ever say Hextall was better than Fuhr? I didn't. I just said that Fuhr did not deserve the MVP that year. Hextall did! Second you opening makes no sense. You said "sure he made 16 saves, but never won a cup" Fuhr DID win the cup making only 16 saves! That was my point. Hextall made 37 and STILL lost. Finally you are selling the D in front of Fuhr WAY too short. By 87 they were a VERY solid defensive team and STILL had the best offensive team in NHL History in front of him!
Lets not forget some of the names the Oilers had on Defense that year: Coffey (one of the best ever & a HOFer), Charlie Huddy, Kevin Lowe, Randy Gregg, Marty McSorley. Even if their D was as bad as you say, when you have a team that scores THAT much it does not matter. It MORE than makes up for it and the Oilers Defense was not that bad, Again, they held the Flyers to 2 shots in the 3rd period of gm 7. That's TWO shots!!!! That is a VERY good defensive team who can do that to anyone!
Yeah Paul Coffey was amazing. 48 goals in 85-86. 48 goals!!!
that is insane for a d-man. His career point totals for a D-man are off the charts. Messier = best leader ever and in my opinion best "all around" player of all time. Not the best ever in terms of talent and scoring obviously Gretz was but Mess could do it all. Cups and stats back that up.
Now, I don't disagree with any of that. I could not have any more respect and admiration for that Oiler team. They were the best team ever assembled which is what makes what the Flyers and Hextall did that year so much more remarkable. I just don't think that Fuhr deserved much consideration for the MVP as was asked. I do not even think he was the MVP of his team in that series. I think Anderson would have been #1 and Kurri a close #2. Neither compares to what Hextall did for his team though.
@landrykkb Of course the Oilers were known more for their offense than defense but by 87 they were a solid defensive team with a future Hall of Fame goalie in net. They finished 10th overall in goals against that year which is not bad at all. They scored more goals than anyone at 372 which was 54 more than #2. The Flyers were #4 but if you take away Kerr's 58 they drop to dead last. With Kerr they have a chance and all tings being equal they win the series. Without him they were a HUGE underdog.
DaveTV2, I remember watching this game as a kid... the picture of Hextall after the Anderson goal went in... he is totally spent... just had nothing left to give, against one of the most explosive teams in NHL history...
You are right... woulda loved Hextall if he was a Ranger... instead, hated him with a passion.
LOL Totally understand. I think that Heeeexxxxxtaaaalll chant originated in NY if I am not mistaken. They clearly hated him! So, now that you look back on him and his career what are your feelings towards him? Still hate him or do you respect him a bit more now?
Yea, his reaction to that goal is just so painful to watch. It was a shame because it was kind of a weak exclamation point on an otherwise amazing performance. He really played one of the best series I have ever seen a goalie play.
Funny thing is that if Hextall was wearing Rangers blue the NY fans (including yourself) would probably have loved him. Likewise, if he was a Ranger I probably would have hated him. He was just that kind of player where you either loved him or hated him without much room for any in between.
He was great in this game. Flyers did NOTHING for the last 2 periods basically (6 shots) and were only down by 1 till the very end.
Thank you... I remember watching this game when I was 9 years old. My whole street was outside watching the game on t.v's that people had brought out onto the walkway. Channel 10 was there filming our street for the 11 o'clock news. Such a fond memory.
Thanks for posting these hilights! I grew up watching the Oilers in the 80's and was 10 when this series occurred. It's interesting to see it from a Flyer fan's perspective. One thing these to cities share is the passion for the game and I would absolutely love an Oilers/Flyers final again one day. The 87 finals will always be the best ever in my opinion!
yeah, i just fear it might not be the same. both teams are not what they used to be. the oilers (no offense) arent the skill packed, high scoring team with guys like gretzky, messier, and kurri, and the flyers dont really have that broad street bullies characteristic anymore. scoring has since gone done due to the moderation of goalies (no stand-up style) and the rules that bettman (damn him) put in takes away that rockem sockem part of hockey. though it would be great to see these two vs again
Totally agree. You can have the same teams in the finals today but it in no way would be the same because it was the skill (Oilers) and heart (Flyers) of the players that made that series what it was. It was one moment in time that probably would not have played out the same again even if they had met the following year. The way the game is played today would also have something to do with it as well.
In last 30 years this is the best and most evenly matched Stanley Cup Championship. I saw this game in New Jersey on Philly Tv(Channel 57 i think)visiting my aunt.
This was better series than other excellent ones in last 25-30 years ('94 Rangers-Canucks) '99 Stars-Sabres and ''01 Avs-Devils. Game 7 was a classic and i not mistaken for many years the most watched NHL game in ESPN's history.
I totally agree that it was the best Finals series in the last 30 yearsever in my opinion. I suppose you can say that the result of the series was "evenly matched" but I certainly do not think the teams were. The ONLY reason it was close was pretty much because of Hextall alone. Without him it was over in 5. Edmonton was a far superior team with 6 future HOF'ers. The Flyers had 0 and did not even have their best player in Kerr on the ice. Flyers had more MUCH more heart though!
Also not getting props and should be a canadiate for the hockey hall of fame is '87 Flyers Coach Mike Keenan. He won a stanley cup w/ the Rangers and helped take several other teams into the playoffs.
Great job DaveTV2!! I was only 5 going 6 when this series occurred. My Dad who was a flyers season ticket holder for 30 years, still talks about being at game 6 and swears the building shook that night. Too bad I wasn't old enough to remember it. Big kudos for putting together a professionally made series recap. Oh yeah....Go Flyers!!!
This was the best series I have seen as well. I remember being fixated on Hextall (I was in my 2nd year of Pee Wee Hockey and first year as a Goaltender). I remember watching Ron in the AHL against my home team Rochester Americans.
I always liked Hextall's nasty style of play.
He was brilliant in that series and certainly deserved the MVP award he received.
I finished watching the whole 7 video set, and as a matter of disclosure, I hate the Flyers with a passion as I am a Pens fan, but this was great stuff. A great series through and through, if you can't like this, you don't like the game of hockey.
Thanks for watching them all and for the comment. Best series ever in my humble opinion. It was truly an awesome effort on the Flyers part. If there was ever a team in defeat who truly deserved the cup, it was that Flyers team. Edmonton was awesome. Still think it needs to be released on DVD
As a matter of full disclosure on my end. I hate the Pens with equal passion. Funny thing is I love the Steelers with the same passion. Long story!
Gee, thanks? I grew up more of a hockey fan so as I got a bit older and got into football I realized how friggin' annoying Eagles fans are and I knew I wanted no parts of it. My older Brother jumped on the Steelers bandwagon in the 70's as a kid and stayed with them. I was watching with him in like 91 -92, loved Cower, Kevin Greene and co and just stuck with them since. They way I saw it is that they have very similar pasts / reputations that were both created in the 70's.
As far as my hatred for the Penguins, most of that has to do with Crosby. I have tremendous respect for his skill but ZERO respect for him as a player and even less for the league who clearly does not think the rules apply to him. They protect and coddle him like a china doll while he runs around without fear of either getting a penalty or having to fight his own battles. I lost what little respect I had when I saw him punching another player in the groin from behind multiple times. He's a punk.
Game 6 was the greatest Flyers game I ever watched. We did not have Prism so I was fortunate to get invited to a friends house to watch the game. When JJ scored the game winner you could hear the entire neighboorhood celebrate. The Spectrum roof almost blew off. I still get chills watching that goal. Gene Hart made it to our school the next day and said "There will be no parade in Edmonton today!" What an unbelievable series. That Flyers team was special.
Thanks for the comment and the great story. It was indeed a great game and memory.
That said, what I still can't figure out is why game 6 is held in higher regard than game 3. To me Game 3 was a better game because they came back from the dead in similar fashion in both games but in game 3 there were down by a 3-0 lead as opposed to a 2-0 deficit in game 6. Game 3 was quite literally the greatest comeback in Stanley Cup Finals history! No team had done that before.
I believe its because Game 6 was an elimination game. Granted 3-0 in a way was an elimination game as well. If the Flyers lost that game and won game 4 instead by lets say the 4-1 score the Oilers beat us by, it would just be another win. Thats my theory on it.
I totally get the fact game 6 was an elimination game with going to game 7 on the line makes it more of a do or die situation and probably why people hold it in higher regard. It just puzzles me that game 3 is hardly mentioned and is a more remarkable comeback. As you said if they went down 3-0 it was over. Just think of what it took to pick themselves up at that point. By game 6 they had already proven to themselves they COULD comeback but to comeback in game 3 down by 2 games and 3 goals?
You're right about that Isles team laying down in front of him in 94. His biggest problem might've been doing so well right away that anything he did afterwards paled in comparison. Like Orson Welles with Citizen Kane. He was not bad with Quebec. The first goal he gave up to Messier in Game 1 in 94 was an awful goal. In any event this kind of hockey does not exist today even with their being a more "wide-open", less clutching-and grabbing kind of NHL. Today's players ARE NOT more talented.
I try to look at the big picture like the circumstances and the team around him. Hextall played on mostly bad or mediocre teams throughout his career. That Flyer team fell apart after 89 and was horrible for the rest of his 1st stay. He played well in Quebec and made them much better leading them to the playoffs for the first time in years and was quickly made the scapegoat. The Iles were just a bad team, then it was not till 95-96 that the Flyers were really competitive again.
But you are right as well, he set the bar VERY high his rookie year. Especially in the playoffs and finals where few if ANY goalies have EVER played a series like that. It is truly one of the greatest goaltending performances ever in a series when you think of the barrage and quality of shots he faced game in and game out. He was simply amazing and is a lot to ask of any goalie to play like that year after year.
Hey DaveTV2, love the footage, i just had a question for ya..Tom McMurchy is a good friend of mine and he was trying to find game footage from SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH 1987, the oilers were @MSG where tom was awarded first star. Hockey Night in Canada wanted OR it could of been some MSG broadcasters, not to sure but, Sather denied the interview live on T.V...Anyways, would you know where i could get that vintage game ?
Sorry to say I have no clue. All the footage I have I taped myself so I am my own source really. Most of that footage is limited to the Flyers. I would suggest searching the net. I have come across some pages of people swapping games but I have no clue what the URLs were at this point.
This was a very entertaining series of posts...thank you..
The old uniforms are great. The lighting is great, I love how you can see the fans reactions from both the Northlands Coliseum (Rexall Place my a**) or the Spectrum (f... the F.U. Center). This is how sports should be presented. Excellent excellent post, too bad the Flyers fell short, but excellent excellent hockey. Thanks
Not sure which song you are referring to so I will give you all of them. The song that is playing during the closing moments of the actual video footage is "The Final Bell". The song that plays during the text frames at the very end is "Rocky's Reward" both of them are from the original Rocky soundtrack by Bill Conti. The last song that fades in at the VERY end is "Still the One" by Orleans. It was the Oilers theme song that year. They played it at home after they scored.
Thanks, glad you enjoyed them. I really can't stand that song because it gives me such bad memories of all the goals they scored on the Flyers. I felt like I had to do it out of respect. The Oilers were such an awesome team to watch. Never be one like that again.
just remember they did it to just about everyone! I'm not exactly an Oilers fan, but I've fallen in love with their 80s teams, just so dominate and good for the game.
Very nice video here. What a game it used to be! This ten-minute clip here contains more highlights than the entire upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs will. Great commentary on Hextall's performance. He played like a madman in this Finals.
Thank you! All such great comments! I have said it before but I am always so happy to hear comments such as these from hometown Edmonton fans. Lets me know I did them right.
Good question about Anderson. He really was great in that series as was Kurri. I am sure if he was named MVP there would not be any argument but I think the challenge facing Hextall was greater and the fact that if it were nor for him it would have been over in 5 made him an appropriate choice. Anderson got the cup!
Thanks for the comment. Technically it is "Duel of the Fates" from the Phantom Menace but who is keeping track? That song was about the best thing that came from that movie. For some reason that was all I could think of with that footage of all the Oiler Fans holding those sparklers. So damn dramatic it just seemed to fit perfectly.
Yea, I agree If Tim Kerr was in that series the outcome might have been different.
Thanks, I didn't know the name of the song. That gloomy sound when Glenn Anderson beats Hextall with the slapper: Is that part of the song? It fit the part perfectly.
Actually no, the Star Wars score really only encompasses the first period. The second period is "Like a Dog Chasing Cars" from Batman: The Dark Knight and the third period including the part you mentioned is "Franklin's Tunnel" from National Treasure 2. It did take some editing to get that part of the song to fall at that particular moment. The end of course is the music from Rocky which seemed all too appropriate not to use.
Thank Dave. Great stuff. As i grew up in edmonton this brings back that feeling i had in my gut after the flyers scored early. Wish all finals could match this one.
I love and totally respect Fuhr but in no way did he have to be as brilliant as Hextall and nor was he. Especially in this game 7. He had a good first period but the Flyers only managed a total of six shots in the last two periods combined. Don't get me wrong, Fuhr was good when he had to be but did not face NEAR the same caliber of chances over the course of this series as Hextall did. If he did or was as "brilliant" he surely would have won the MVP being on the winning team.
Besides this series hextall was avg throughout the rest of his career.
Grant Fuhr on the other years had few more good years with the oilers i thought was good on toronto even though he was on a bad team, then he also had a few bad years being bounced around until he regained his championship form and put in good 4-5 years with st louis.
• More wins in LESS games than NHL HOF Goalie Bernie Parent
• Lead league in GAA in 95-96 with a 2.17 and then matched that number again in 97-98.
• Arguably the best skating and puck handling goalie in history.
And most of this is excluding 87 and ALL if it done while spending half his career on VERY average teams.
Yea, sure he was very "average". Right! Is he in the company of Roy, Brodeur, Hasek, etc? No, but he certainly had a much better than "average" career.
Agreed. I watched every minute of this Stanley Cup final and the only one I can remember coming close in quality was when the Sabres played the Stars a decade or so ago (can't remember the year). Too bad Hextall couldn't be as good the rest of his career as he was that season.
Yea, but they ended up winning the Cup again in 1990. The Oilers won the Cup in 84,85,87,88, and 90...yet, they probably could have won in '86 and 89 (even without Gretzky...they were a special team).
This definitely was the best Stanley Cup Finals ever played. The Edmonton Oilers, the best team ever assembled, versus an injury-riddled Flyers' team, without their best player Tim Kerr. I believe Kerr scored 58 goals that year. And yet, the Flyers were able to push the Dynastic Oilers to the brink in 1987. It's one of the series that you just think, "Man, if only the Flyers were healthier.."
It's cool to see Gretzky give his respect to Hextall, who enabled the Flyers to keep it close.
They have this complete game 7 on a DVD collection called something like "Greatest Game 7's". Also look out for the top 10 Oiler Games DVD coming out next week. This game 7 is also there. I have my copy pre ordered. Also included is the game 5 of the 85 final between the same two teams.
Thanks for posting this... I have watched this game dozens of times, but had lost the VHS tape at some point...so this was really great to see... not the whole game, but still put a smile on my face :)
Wow. I just watched the entire series from your video clips, and I was almost in tears at the end when I could sense the anguish in Gene Hart's voice. I was born in '88, so I never experienced it fully, but at least now I can just sense the pain some of the older fans felt when the Flyers didn't win, but the pride they felt in their team for putting up such an amazing fight. Excellent use of music too, especially at the end.
Thanks so much for the comments. This was why I decided to put them together. So people such as yourself who may have only heard about it could get a better idea what a great series it truly was and what a heroic effort the Flyers put forth. The heart of that team was just remarkable. If ever there were a year when the Cup should have been shared and both teams called champions, that was it. I am glad you were able to appreciate it. Please share with anyone else you think will appreciate it!
LOL. That might be overstating it just a LITTLE bit. In my opinion it was a great game but not a GREAT game if you know what I mean. Surely a GREAT goaltending performance and a great example of how good the Oilers could be defensively. But all in all the Flyers had only what? 6 total shots in both the second and third periods with only 2 in the third! That does not make for a "great" game. Just a GREAT performance by Hextall and great theater. Depends on how you look at it and define "great".
I agree with you that they should make a 1987 Oilers-Flyers final. That was an unreal series. I own the 1976 Canada Cup DVD set but another set they should come out with as well is the 1987 Canada Cup. To me next to the 1972 Summit Series it was the greatest International Tournament ever. I vote yes on the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals on DVD
teh 5 overtime game was Ron Tugnutt's greatest moment along with March 21,1991 his 70 save game vs Boston. I sorta collect Tugnutt stuff. Oh by the way I own a Flyers Coffey jersey and get sorta booed til they see it is a Coffey shirt
You know Dave I enjoy talking hockey with you. I have seen my fair share of great games I own the Flyers best 10 games on DVD as well as the Penguins as well and the 1976 Canada Cup DVD. What is your take on the 5 overtime game vs Tugnutt n the Pens I actually have a jersey of teh Tugger when he played here.
Same here. That 5 OT game was amazing although I think I fell asleep somewhere in the 4th OT. I woke up when they scored.
I was actually a little disappointed with some of the games they put in that DVD set. I think without a doubt that Game 3 of the 87 Finals should have been in there. It was a better comeback and had greater historical significance on both a league and team level than game 6. Game 6 was great too though. They probably should have included both!
I would say it is very close keep in mind vancouver was not supposed to beat Toronto but they did. Flyers did miss a key ingredient to the team which was one of the greatest trash goal scorers ever in Tim Kerr. Goaltending I give the edge to Hextall over McLean
This was, without a doubt, in my opinion, the greatest Stanley Cup Final Ever! I must admit, I am an Islander fan, but with Gretzky, Kurri, Anderson, Tikkannen, Messier, Anderson, Nilsson, Coffey, Lowe, Huddy, and Fuhr, there was no better team ever that the NHL has ever seen!
Potsie791 7 months ago
@Potsie791 Could not agree more. This year's final was a great series, had a great goaltending performance by Thomas and also went 7 games but it STILL pales in comparison to the '87 final. I also agree the Oilers were the greatest team ever… although I think there was only one glen Anderson on that team! : P
DaveTV2 7 months ago
last thing, at 0:10. were the sparklers for the national anthems or was it for something else? either way, that's got to be the most epic, awe-spiring (and chilling) way to start a stanley cup final game 7, as well as the tense conclusion to one of the most entertaining and most dramatic stanley cup finals series in NHL history (let alone any other stanley cup final that went to seven games.
Gphazor 7 months ago
@Gphazor Yes, that was something they did in the pre-game. Not sure if it was during the national anthems or not but it was part of the game. It was very cool. I believe it was not only the best Stanley Cup Final series ever played but maybe the best playoff series ever played. I had it all. Hate to use a Philly cliché' but It is the stuff movies like Rocky are made of.
DaveTV2 7 months ago
@Gphazor This had been the first Stanley Cup Final since 1971 to go 7 games,so that`s why it was memorable for so many of us hockey fans.We wouldn`t get another 7 game series until 7 years later.
landrykkb 4 days ago
one thing i notice is that when there's a big scoring chance or save, the announcer often doesn't sound in awe or screaming his head off. i wonder i f most announcers were like this back then. In today's game, if any of these things happened the announcers/analysts would be whoopin and hollerin and would instantly either shower praise or scorn to the goalie/players involved. this announcer just seems o play it off like he was expecting these things to happen.
Gphazor 7 months ago
@Gphazor Gene Hart was a great announcer and is in the HOF for his work. It may be a difference in the times but I also think his tone is indicative of his team and what was going on in the game. His team was exhausted after playing the longest season in NHL history and an emotionally exhausting series. From the 2nd period on there was nothing going on for his team as they mustered only 8 total shots. 6 in the second and only 2 in the third. As the Flyer's announcer he has to reflect the Flyers.
DaveTV2 7 months ago
I miss Hextall he was the best!
IceWarrior101 9 months ago 2
Greatest team Ever.... Lovin that highlight reel.
Sombody should post Boys On The Bus and The Boys Are Back.
Go Oil Baby
719sikora 9 months ago
Dave, great stuff well done! Good night good hockey....
defeodome2 11 months ago
The Star Wars crappy episodes music. Seriously?
Halgrim 11 months ago
@Halgrim Yes, seriously. Can you believe it? John Williams! What a hack of a composer HE is! As if that was not enough to ruin your day, I also used the crappy Rocky music at the end. OMG!!!! Oh the shame! Again, once you create something half as good maybe you can criticize. Till then, save it.
DaveTV2 11 months ago 2
@DaveTV2 sweet music and video man
theman1819 9 months ago
@theman1819 Thanks. Some people criticized the music. Did you watch the rest of the series of videos I made?
DaveTV2 9 months ago
this music makes it way more epic
reidharr35 1 year ago
@reidharr35 Thanks for the comment. Did you get chance to watch the others? Each one has a different soundtrack but all have the same "epic" effect.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
Thank goodness for Game 7. The Philadelphia Flyers are well-known for being the biggest fluke artists in Hockey no matter who they've had and got now.
BreastsInspector 1 year ago
@BreastsInspector Not sure I follow your point. Can you elaborate?
DaveTV2 1 year ago
FLYERS FOR LIFE
krockllewellyn 1 year ago
Oilers for the win
xXGreatCanadianXx 1 year ago
This should've been the best outta twenty one!
hornetsnest001 1 year ago
R.I.P. Gene Hart
TimFrith24 1 year ago
Glen Anderson is one dirty POS.
steeles21 1 year ago
the Flyers deserved this more than Payne in the asstzky
QuelDanas 1 year ago
DaveTV2, thanks for posting these 1987 Stanley Cup finals videos. This one still hurts.
23djmix 1 year ago
I've seen a lot of Flyers losses in the Stanley Cup finals, but this on hurt the most. Gene Hart's call was a perfect reflection of how the Flyers fans felt, in fact it's the only time in my memory that my dad, who loves hockey's traditions, didn't watch the presentation of the cup. It was exhausting, even as a spectator.
Unbridled enthusiasm is for the winning team's broadcast, objectivity is for the national broadcast, and whatever Gene Hart feels is for the Flyers broadcast.
23djmix 1 year ago
This was one of the best series I ever saw,especially with Philadelphia battling back to at least force a 7th game.
landrykkb 1 year ago
I wish there were highlights like this for the playoff rounds leading up to this series...for both teams...
ECWnWWF 1 year ago
nice video love hextall and hated him too thx
cogsandgags 1 year ago
I was privileged to be at this game. The fans went crazy when Anderson scored that 3rd goal. Great series and both teams deserved a lot of respect.
MrLCLM 1 year ago 4
@MrLCLM I can only imagine what it was like to be there. After being up 3-1 in the series and having the Flyers erase THREE 2 and 3 goal leads in games 3, 5, 6 to push it to game 7, that one goal lead must not have felt very comfortable despite how bad they were outplayed in the second and third periods. After Anderson scored it must have felt like "FINALLY! It's over".
What the Flyers did to the Oiler team was remarkable considering who it was they were facing and the condition they were in.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
@DaveTV2 It sure looked in Game 3 like the Oilers were going to sweep,that's for sure.
landrykkb 1 year ago
@DaveTV2 What's the song?
69chunkylover69 1 year ago
@69chunkylover69 It is actually a variety of songs. Starts with "Duel of the Fates" from the Star Wars Episode 1 soundtrack. The second song is called "Like a Dog Chasing Cars" from the Batman Dark Knight soundtrack. The third song is called "Franklin's Tunnel" from the National Treasure 2 soundtrack. Finally, the last song is called "The Final Bell" appropriately from the Rocky soundtrack. Most of them were cut, edited and sometimes with parts repeated to fit what was going on in the game.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
@DaveTV2 the feeling in the building was that the pressure was all on the Oilers to win. If the Flyers didn't win they could still say that they had a great year. But considering the team the Oilers had built, it was Cup or bust.
The series was remarkable for the Flyers' resiliency. It was also remarkable in the fact that this game was the first time the Oilers' dynasty ever won by playing defence. They only allowed 8 shots in the final two periods, and just two of those in the 3rd period.
MrLCLM 1 year ago
@MrLCLM I always said that Oiler team was at it's peak in '87 The core was in their prime & well experienced. Offensively they were as great as ever and they were a solid defensive team with a great goalie. It was actually 6 shots in the last two periods of Game 7. 4 in the second and 2 in the third as you said.
I suppose you can say they won it on defense but their offense was cooking in that game. If it were not for Hextall it could have scored 5 or more. Best series ever played IMO.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
@DaveTV2 are you sure about the shot totals? I always thought the shots per team were 18-12 in the first, 13-6 in the second, and 12-2 in the third, for a total game of 43-20 for Edmonton. You're right about Hextall's heroic play: and the fact that the Oilers hit 3 goalposts in that 3rd period had some people in the crowd thinking it was destiny for the Flyers. At least until Anderson scored.
MrLCLM 5 months ago
@MrLCLM Your numbers are correct. I misstated that one. I think I have the info right in my video description, so I am not sure what I may have been smoking when I posted that. My apologies!
DaveTV2 5 months ago
@dave conclusion= not atypical or climactic. the series was exciting tho
poopshoe12 1 year ago
@poopshoe12 Why do you think that? Everything that led up to this game aside. It saw the Flyers for the first time in the series score the game's first goal & only their second first period goal in the entire series. It saw Hextall put on one HELL of a goaltending performance and solidifying the MVP. The game was still up for grabs at 2-1 till the closing moments of the 3rd. It is considered one of the best game 7's in history. How could you possibly not consider this game climatic?
DaveTV2 1 year ago
@MrLCLM I was at it as well! Do you remember a wine bottle almost killing Hextall? Some wang threw one at him.
lothow 1 year ago
@lothow I remember lots of people throwing stuff, mostly in the 3rd period. I was pretty young so I didn't remember a wine bottle per se, but I remembered people throwing stuff at him after he got into it with MacTavish in the 3rd period. People were still pissed that Hextall wasn't suspended for what he did to Nilsson in Game 4, but that didn't make throwing bottles at him right.
MrLCLM 1 year ago
@lothow ...and people say that stuff only happens in Philly! : ) Definitely not right, especially when it was McTavish that started that whole incident by wrapping his arm around Hextall's head and not allowing him to get up. Nilsson? Didn't deserve that so much but I believe that was in retaliation for all the stick work Anderson had been doing the whole series. When Hextall saw it was him he lost it. Anderson cost them them game in game 6 by swinging at Zezel's head and taking the penalty.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
@DaveTV2 haha you dont think maybe McTavish wrapped his arm in the head in retaliation to to Hextall punching him in the head 2 seconds prior?
83Oil88ers89 9 months ago
@83Oil88ers89 nope.
DaveTV2 9 months ago
Gene Hart lived and died with Flyers games. Believe me, his lack of passion in the call is either a reflection of the Flyer's play (don't get the home fans whipped up if the Flyers aren't going to deliver) or its him deliberately not trying to sound like a 'homer'. He had to deliberately squelch his passion - maybe he did a little TOO much, but trust me, those are the reasons for it. Gene Hart was the greatest; the fans adored him as much as the Flyers.
jfq722 1 year ago
@jfq722 I agree with all you said and still say his call is right on. IMO as the home team announcer it is his job to reflect the game that is going on from the home team's perspective and that is what he was doing. They had 2 shots in the final period and only 4 in the second. They were under siege and holding on for their lives. What was he going to get excited about? If he was doing a national broadcast then I would understand the comment because he would have to come off as more neutral.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
I know Mark Howe played in this game, but didn't he miss the majority of the playoffs?
trulysarcastic 1 year ago
@trulysarcastic Actually no. Howe did not miss a playoff game that year playing in all 26 games.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
No passion from Gene Hart? My friend, you obviously aren't familiar with Gene Hart. My guess is that he was choking back tears at the end of this game along with the rest of us Flyers fans.
dorianlondon 1 year ago
great series...but sorry the announcer sounds like its just another game for him to commentate....no passion...no flare....the CBC feed with Bob Cole calling the shots puts this guy to shame
MrWestcoast45 1 year ago
@MrWestcoast45 I think Gene Hart's tone was a reflection of the play of the Flyers. With the Flyers mustering only 4 shots in the second period and a measly 2 in the third, there was little for him to be excited about as the Flyers' announcer. He was a great announcer and is in the Hall of Fame for his work.
It would not surprise me that Bob Cole might sound more excited as he is from Canada and doing a Canadian telecast. If it was the other way around would HE sound excited? Probably not!
DaveTV2 1 year ago
@DaveTV2 ....actually Coley is pretty biased in his play by play....and has a great rep of making a boring 1-0 neutral zone trap style game sound like an end to end rush slaughter house....guess we'll agree to disagree
MrWestcoast45 1 year ago
@MrWestcoast45 If I am listening to a home team announcer, I want them to call the game as it is happening from the home team's perspective. I think the tone of his should call should reflect what is happening on the ice to the point where I can close my eyes and picture it. Gene Hart was great in this regard. His call was fitting of his team having only 6 shots through the last 40 min of play in this game. Just listen to his call at the end of game 6 and tell me there is no passion!
DaveTV2 1 year ago
Wow what a great series.
cesar333 1 year ago
@cesar333 without a doubt. Best all time IMO. I actually just wrote a nice article about that very subject on Bleacher Report titled "1987 Stanley Cup Finals: Was it the Best Playoff Series in NHL History" if you want to check it out. Just do a search for that title and you should find it pretty easily. Thanks for the comment!
DaveTV2 1 year ago
In 1987 Edmonton Oilers had their best team ever! So many great players: Kevin Lowe, Paul Coffey, Esa Tikkanen, Jari Kurri, Wayne Gretzky, Glenn Anderson and of course the two biggest stars of all: Mark Messier and Kent Nilsson!!!
AndreasCarlsson82 1 year ago
great series. I'm an Isles fan so I have to disagree that The Oilers were the best team ever. Don't forget they played in an extremely weak western conference. They were great, but not the greatest ever
trulysarcastic 1 year ago
I am sure as an Iles fan you would disagree that the Oilers were the best team ever but unfortunately the facts speak for themselves. It is not like they simply beat up on a "few .500 teams". They completely dominated the entire league for an extended period of time. Not to mention the fact that they had the best player ever in #99. Outside of the 87 series they lost a TOTAL of 3 games in the other 4 cup wins [finals] which were against the east. Iles do not even have as many cups in their run.
DaveTV2 1 year ago
The best hockey team of all time are the Montreal Canadiens of 70's . In 76 Montreal are only 10 lost in all the season . Montreal Canadiens in the 70's win 4 straight stanley cup lead by Guy Lafleur , the big three in defence . By far the best nhl hockey team of all time .
quebecforce111 1 year ago
@quebecforce111 Sorry, I have to strongly disagree. That Montreal team played in a league FILLED with bad expansion teams, tons of goons who could not play and lots of average goalies wearing much smaller equipment. The Oilers dominated equally bit did it in a much more mature league where goaltending was better and the level of competition by in large was greater. That team was also lead by a guy named Gretzky who happens to be the best ever (including Lafleur)
DaveTV2 1 year ago
@DaveTV2 As I recall,the Habs ended the Broad Street Bullies dynasty during the 1976 Finals with a 4 game sweep as well as swept a Boston Bruins team the following year who some even doubted they`d beat on account of having been dominated by the Bruins during their 5 regular season meetings.Keep in mind that was the season that the Habs only lost 8 games which still stands to this day.One more thing,let`s not forget that the Bruins near upset the Habs in the 1979 semi-finals as well
.
landrykkb 4 days ago
@landrykkb I am not sure what that has to do with 1987. Sure upsets happen and almost did but that does not mean that the team was not a heavy underdog. You are also talking about the beginning of what some argue was the greatest team in NHL history. They changed the way the game was played from the goonery of the 70s to the skill of the 80s and really opened the door for a team like the Oilers.
At the end of the day we are talking about a team with 6 hall of famers (7 counting Sather) vs 1
DaveTV2 4 days ago
@landrykkb Oh, and regarding 1976, remember that Bernie Parent was hurt most of that year. If he had been in net the outcome might have been much different than it was with Wayne Stephenson. Yes, he filled in admirably that year which also shows the strength of that Flyer team but Wayne Stephenson was NO Bernie Parent and not the difference maker Bernie was. Not saying the Flyers would have won just that it certainly would not have been a sweep. Still meaningless to what happened in 87.
DaveTV2 4 days ago
AMEN!!!
jaygotti1978 2 years ago
i really thought the flyers were going to win this game , especially when craven scored first !!! i am still sick to this day the flyers lost this seiries !!!! on paper the oilers should have swept the flyers , but the flyers showed awsome heart to take that team to 7 games ,especially after being down 3-1. i am so happy to witness these 2 great teams battle !! but if the flyers had to lose, im glad it was against the greatest team in the history of hockey !!! hockey hasnt been the same since
phillyguy672 2 years ago 2
Amazing series, too bad there has to be a loser, both teams played great, love both teams to this day.
jaygotti1978 2 years ago 2
i would give 300000 thumbs up if i could !!!!!
phillyguy672 2 years ago
Even though I wasn't even alive during this series, I can tell this looked like it was fun to watch. It's so much more fast paced then hockey post-lockout and honestly even though I didn't watch much hockey pre-lockout, videos tell me that it was ten times better. I'd love to have witnessed this first hand.
hockeyfan48 2 years ago
Thanks for the comment hockeyfan48. Did you watch my whole series of videos for the series or just this one? Watching all of them in order gives you about as good an indication of what a great series it was as actually watching the games themselves. Yes the game was still better than even the post lockout hockey. That said, the game IS much better not than it was in the 90's.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
I haven't had a chance to watch the series but I will get around to it tonight. Thanks for the reminder to watch the rest of them.
hockeyfan48 2 years ago
Great serie. And Oilers win Furr was magic man Gretzky and his partners were a hight class hockey team and Flyers were what they always be : hard to beat with there physical play and bully way ... Sweet Memories ,,Thanks for videos from Canada
MrCanadianPride 2 years ago
Man Hextall was just nuts! Just wow. this was the year I was born, good to see its being shared. Great times in Hockey guys. Just amazing.
mbe102 2 years ago
RIP Gene Hart. He was amazing.
Julius121081 2 years ago 2
GWG by Kurri!! Nice!
leftykeware 2 years ago
what's the name of that goal song used?
fanatic4hockey 2 years ago
Ron Hextall was very deserving of that Conn Smythe Trophy. But who would be second in your opinion? For me it would be the loose canon, Glenn Anderson. He was the best Oiler in gm 7 and the best overall during the playoffs. Remember Gretzky only had 5 goals all playoffs, Kurri had 5 goals alone in the finals, Anderson 4 goals. But Andy had a better final than Kurri. He was always causing havoc in front of Hexy's net. Messier and Coffey?
They were mostly invisible in the series.
ULTRAPOWER1977Habs 2 years ago
Anderson without a doubt. He had a great series. As you said, aside from what he did on the scoreboard he really did his best to get in the Flyers' heads and gave them something to think about other than Gretzky, Kurri & Messier. He had his stick in the Flyers faces the entire series. Remember it was Anderson who set Hextall off in Game 4 by slashing at him. He did also cost his team by slashing Zezel in the face which allowed them to tie it in Gm 6. Far worse than Hextall's slash on Nilson IMO.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Right on Dave! That was a great Oiler team. Do you think they had the greatest collection of offensive players? Im surprised the Oilers didnt score at least 5 goals in any of the games. I know the Flyers scored 5 goals in gm 3 but the 5th was into an empty net. So neither Hextall or Fuhr gave up more than 4 goals in any game. Thats probably the only final series that had that kind of stat. Usually theres at least one or two blowouts in a final series. Not this one! It was very close in the end.
ULTRAPOWER1977Habs 2 years ago
I certainly do, I am sure there are others that would disagree and bring up the late 70s era Canadians, but I think if they take everything into consideration such as the level of competition overall, quality of goaltending, size of goalie's equipment, etc. I think the Oilers have them beat.
Af far as them not scoring 5 goals? One word... Hextall! They could have had at LEAST that in a few games. Not sure about other finals series. I know the Oilers outscored them 22-18 in that series.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Very good analysis Dave. Its matter of opinion in the end. Like I always believe the Canadiens dynasty of the late 70s was the best, better than the 80s Islanders. Quality of opponents has a lot to do with it. When you beat strong opposition, ppl will take you for real. I remember looking up the Isles opposition in the 81 and 82 playoffs. Pretty lame if you ask me. But then again, Im not saying the Isles werent great, they were GREAT. Just not as dominant as the Habs.
ULTRAPOWER1977Habs 2 years ago
I just try to call it like it is and weigh in all the factors. When comparing different eras of sports you CAN'T just look at numbers. What happens if you compare the GAAs of goalies in the mid-late 90's to those in the mid - late 80's? If you were to do that without taking into consideration what was happening in the game, you would come to the conclusion that the goalies in the 90s were so much better. They weren't. I also do not disagree, I do think the 70's Habs were better than the Iles.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Youre absolutely right Dave. Your opinion is always honest and sincere. And very well informed. The league was different in the period from 86-87 through 90-91. If you look at the bad teams, they werent as bad as they were in the 70s or early 80s. No expansion in that 86 to 91 era either. The goalie equip was bigger but not overly huge like today (thats what I hate about today the goalie equip is disgustingly huge lol). You could also say that period saw the best hockey overall, esp in the final
ULTRAPOWER1977Habs 2 years ago
@ULTRAPOWER1977Habs The Isles beat 2 teams(Minnesota in `81 and Vancouver in `82)for the Stanley Cup in that 4 year run that had no business being as far as they were.
landrykkb 4 days ago
@ULTRAPOWER1977Habs how about Grant Fuhr that year he was deserving too!!!
jshkendra 2 years ago
I love Grant Fuhr and think he was an absolute A+ goalie but there is no way you can say he was "deserving" of the MVP that year. This not to say that he did not do his job effectively but he was not great in this series because he did not HAVE to be great. Yes he made a few great saves here and there throughout the series but the quality and quantity of chances he faced was nothing compared to Hextall. He only faced 16 shots in game 7 to Hextall's 40 to win the cup.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
@DaveTV2 sure he made 16 saves, but never won a cup...grant fuhr didnt have that good of a defense so he must have been good enough...better then hextall... to win 4 cups no?
nba2020 2 years ago
First, when did I ever say Hextall was better than Fuhr? I didn't. I just said that Fuhr did not deserve the MVP that year. Hextall did! Second you opening makes no sense. You said "sure he made 16 saves, but never won a cup" Fuhr DID win the cup making only 16 saves! That was my point. Hextall made 37 and STILL lost. Finally you are selling the D in front of Fuhr WAY too short. By 87 they were a VERY solid defensive team and STILL had the best offensive team in NHL History in front of him!
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Lets not forget some of the names the Oilers had on Defense that year: Coffey (one of the best ever & a HOFer), Charlie Huddy, Kevin Lowe, Randy Gregg, Marty McSorley. Even if their D was as bad as you say, when you have a team that scores THAT much it does not matter. It MORE than makes up for it and the Oilers Defense was not that bad, Again, they held the Flyers to 2 shots in the 3rd period of gm 7. That's TWO shots!!!! That is a VERY good defensive team who can do that to anyone!
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Yeah Paul Coffey was amazing. 48 goals in 85-86. 48 goals!!!
that is insane for a d-man. His career point totals for a D-man are off the charts. Messier = best leader ever and in my opinion best "all around" player of all time. Not the best ever in terms of talent and scoring obviously Gretz was but Mess could do it all. Cups and stats back that up.
ChromaBlonde 2 years ago
Now, I don't disagree with any of that. I could not have any more respect and admiration for that Oiler team. They were the best team ever assembled which is what makes what the Flyers and Hextall did that year so much more remarkable. I just don't think that Fuhr deserved much consideration for the MVP as was asked. I do not even think he was the MVP of his team in that series. I think Anderson would have been #1 and Kurri a close #2. Neither compares to what Hextall did for his team though.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
@DaveTV2 The Oilers were otherwise not as noted for their defence as other teams.
landrykkb 4 days ago
@landrykkb Of course the Oilers were known more for their offense than defense but by 87 they were a solid defensive team with a future Hall of Fame goalie in net. They finished 10th overall in goals against that year which is not bad at all. They scored more goals than anyone at 372 which was 54 more than #2. The Flyers were #4 but if you take away Kerr's 58 they drop to dead last. With Kerr they have a chance and all tings being equal they win the series. Without him they were a HUGE underdog.
DaveTV2 4 days ago
hextall=one of the best goalie ever on nhl imo
momonic 2 years ago
DaveTV2, I remember watching this game as a kid... the picture of Hextall after the Anderson goal went in... he is totally spent... just had nothing left to give, against one of the most explosive teams in NHL history...
You are right... woulda loved Hextall if he was a Ranger... instead, hated him with a passion.
mnagi23 2 years ago
LOL Totally understand. I think that Heeeexxxxxtaaaalll chant originated in NY if I am not mistaken. They clearly hated him! So, now that you look back on him and his career what are your feelings towards him? Still hate him or do you respect him a bit more now?
Yea, his reaction to that goal is just so painful to watch. It was a shame because it was kind of a weak exclamation point on an otherwise amazing performance. He really played one of the best series I have ever seen a goalie play.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Hated Hextall as a Ranges fan... but he stood on his head in his prime... in this game Hextall was the main reason they only lost 3-1, not 10-1
mnagi23 2 years ago
Funny thing is that if Hextall was wearing Rangers blue the NY fans (including yourself) would probably have loved him. Likewise, if he was a Ranger I probably would have hated him. He was just that kind of player where you either loved him or hated him without much room for any in between.
He was great in this game. Flyers did NOTHING for the last 2 periods basically (6 shots) and were only down by 1 till the very end.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Thank you... I remember watching this game when I was 9 years old. My whole street was outside watching the game on t.v's that people had brought out onto the walkway. Channel 10 was there filming our street for the 11 o'clock news. Such a fond memory.
sgtpeppr778 2 years ago
Thanks for posting these hilights! I grew up watching the Oilers in the 80's and was 10 when this series occurred. It's interesting to see it from a Flyer fan's perspective. One thing these to cities share is the passion for the game and I would absolutely love an Oilers/Flyers final again one day. The 87 finals will always be the best ever in my opinion!
guyvonjon 2 years ago
yeah, i just fear it might not be the same. both teams are not what they used to be. the oilers (no offense) arent the skill packed, high scoring team with guys like gretzky, messier, and kurri, and the flyers dont really have that broad street bullies characteristic anymore. scoring has since gone done due to the moderation of goalies (no stand-up style) and the rules that bettman (damn him) put in takes away that rockem sockem part of hockey. though it would be great to see these two vs again
hockeyman134 2 years ago 2
Totally agree. You can have the same teams in the finals today but it in no way would be the same because it was the skill (Oilers) and heart (Flyers) of the players that made that series what it was. It was one moment in time that probably would not have played out the same again even if they had met the following year. The way the game is played today would also have something to do with it as well.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
In last 30 years this is the best and most evenly matched Stanley Cup Championship. I saw this game in New Jersey on Philly Tv(Channel 57 i think)visiting my aunt.
This was better series than other excellent ones in last 25-30 years ('94 Rangers-Canucks) '99 Stars-Sabres and ''01 Avs-Devils. Game 7 was a classic and i not mistaken for many years the most watched NHL game in ESPN's history.
Still amazing to watch the Gretzt/Messier team.
USAGiant 2 years ago
I totally agree that it was the best Finals series in the last 30 yearsever in my opinion. I suppose you can say that the result of the series was "evenly matched" but I certainly do not think the teams were. The ONLY reason it was close was pretty much because of Hextall alone. Without him it was over in 5. Edmonton was a far superior team with 6 future HOF'ers. The Flyers had 0 and did not even have their best player in Kerr on the ice. Flyers had more MUCH more heart though!
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Also not getting props and should be a canadiate for the hockey hall of fame is '87 Flyers Coach Mike Keenan. He won a stanley cup w/ the Rangers and helped take several other teams into the playoffs.
USAGiant 2 years ago
agreed!
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Great job DaveTV2!! I was only 5 going 6 when this series occurred. My Dad who was a flyers season ticket holder for 30 years, still talks about being at game 6 and swears the building shook that night. Too bad I wasn't old enough to remember it. Big kudos for putting together a professionally made series recap. Oh yeah....Go Flyers!!!
PhillyFlyGuys 2 years ago
Thank you!
DaveTV2 2 years ago
This was the best series I have seen as well. I remember being fixated on Hextall (I was in my 2nd year of Pee Wee Hockey and first year as a Goaltender). I remember watching Ron in the AHL against my home team Rochester Americans.
I always liked Hextall's nasty style of play.
He was brilliant in that series and certainly deserved the MVP award he received.
Great post and excellent editing job!
rooster5500 2 years ago
I finished watching the whole 7 video set, and as a matter of disclosure, I hate the Flyers with a passion as I am a Pens fan, but this was great stuff. A great series through and through, if you can't like this, you don't like the game of hockey.
bucklesisfake 2 years ago
Thanks for watching them all and for the comment. Best series ever in my humble opinion. It was truly an awesome effort on the Flyers part. If there was ever a team in defeat who truly deserved the cup, it was that Flyers team. Edmonton was awesome. Still think it needs to be released on DVD
As a matter of full disclosure on my end. I hate the Pens with equal passion. Funny thing is I love the Steelers with the same passion. Long story!
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Sounds like you are one confused man, haha. But I greet a fellow member of Steeler Nation warmly, dispite the whole rooting for the Flyers thing.
bucklesisfake 2 years ago
Gee, thanks? I grew up more of a hockey fan so as I got a bit older and got into football I realized how friggin' annoying Eagles fans are and I knew I wanted no parts of it. My older Brother jumped on the Steelers bandwagon in the 70's as a kid and stayed with them. I was watching with him in like 91 -92, loved Cower, Kevin Greene and co and just stuck with them since. They way I saw it is that they have very similar pasts / reputations that were both created in the 70's.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
As far as my hatred for the Penguins, most of that has to do with Crosby. I have tremendous respect for his skill but ZERO respect for him as a player and even less for the league who clearly does not think the rules apply to him. They protect and coddle him like a china doll while he runs around without fear of either getting a penalty or having to fight his own battles. I lost what little respect I had when I saw him punching another player in the groin from behind multiple times. He's a punk.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Game 6 was the greatest Flyers game I ever watched. We did not have Prism so I was fortunate to get invited to a friends house to watch the game. When JJ scored the game winner you could hear the entire neighboorhood celebrate. The Spectrum roof almost blew off. I still get chills watching that goal. Gene Hart made it to our school the next day and said "There will be no parade in Edmonton today!" What an unbelievable series. That Flyers team was special.
filinuk 2 years ago
Thanks for the comment and the great story. It was indeed a great game and memory.
That said, what I still can't figure out is why game 6 is held in higher regard than game 3. To me Game 3 was a better game because they came back from the dead in similar fashion in both games but in game 3 there were down by a 3-0 lead as opposed to a 2-0 deficit in game 6. Game 3 was quite literally the greatest comeback in Stanley Cup Finals history! No team had done that before.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Dave,
I believe its because Game 6 was an elimination game. Granted 3-0 in a way was an elimination game as well. If the Flyers lost that game and won game 4 instead by lets say the 4-1 score the Oilers beat us by, it would just be another win. Thats my theory on it.
EHLShakes 2 years ago
I totally get the fact game 6 was an elimination game with going to game 7 on the line makes it more of a do or die situation and probably why people hold it in higher regard. It just puzzles me that game 3 is hardly mentioned and is a more remarkable comeback. As you said if they went down 3-0 it was over. Just think of what it took to pick themselves up at that point. By game 6 they had already proven to themselves they COULD comeback but to comeback in game 3 down by 2 games and 3 goals?
DaveTV2 2 years ago
You're right about that Isles team laying down in front of him in 94. His biggest problem might've been doing so well right away that anything he did afterwards paled in comparison. Like Orson Welles with Citizen Kane. He was not bad with Quebec. The first goal he gave up to Messier in Game 1 in 94 was an awful goal. In any event this kind of hockey does not exist today even with their being a more "wide-open", less clutching-and grabbing kind of NHL. Today's players ARE NOT more talented.
dzanier 2 years ago
I try to look at the big picture like the circumstances and the team around him. Hextall played on mostly bad or mediocre teams throughout his career. That Flyer team fell apart after 89 and was horrible for the rest of his 1st stay. He played well in Quebec and made them much better leading them to the playoffs for the first time in years and was quickly made the scapegoat. The Iles were just a bad team, then it was not till 95-96 that the Flyers were really competitive again.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
But you are right as well, he set the bar VERY high his rookie year. Especially in the playoffs and finals where few if ANY goalies have EVER played a series like that. It is truly one of the greatest goaltending performances ever in a series when you think of the barrage and quality of shots he faced game in and game out. He was simply amazing and is a lot to ask of any goalie to play like that year after year.
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Hey DaveTV2, love the footage, i just had a question for ya..Tom McMurchy is a good friend of mine and he was trying to find game footage from SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 12TH 1987, the oilers were @MSG where tom was awarded first star. Hockey Night in Canada wanted OR it could of been some MSG broadcasters, not to sure but, Sather denied the interview live on T.V...Anyways, would you know where i could get that vintage game ?
eggy65 2 years ago
Sorry to say I have no clue. All the footage I have I taped myself so I am my own source really. Most of that footage is limited to the Flyers. I would suggest searching the net. I have come across some pages of people swapping games but I have no clue what the URLs were at this point.
Sorry I could not be more help!
D
DaveTV2 2 years ago
Excellent, just finished watching all the finals again. The last time I saw this was when I was 7 years old. Thanks man!!!!
grnmle 2 years ago 2
Nice post man go flyers
brasque3 2 years ago
This was a very entertaining series of posts...thank you..
The old uniforms are great. The lighting is great, I love how you can see the fans reactions from both the Northlands Coliseum (Rexall Place my a**) or the Spectrum (f... the F.U. Center). This is how sports should be presented. Excellent excellent post, too bad the Flyers fell short, but excellent excellent hockey. Thanks
ECWnWWF 3 years ago
You are very welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting! Glad you liked them.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
gives me goosebumps. btw what's the song at the end?
selannetheduck 3 years ago
Not sure which song you are referring to so I will give you all of them. The song that is playing during the closing moments of the actual video footage is "The Final Bell". The song that plays during the text frames at the very end is "Rocky's Reward" both of them are from the original Rocky soundtrack by Bill Conti. The last song that fades in at the VERY end is "Still the One" by Orleans. It was the Oilers theme song that year. They played it at home after they scored.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
'Still the one' was the song i was on about, thanks dave. and great video again, i've watched the whole series like 3 times now!
selannetheduck 3 years ago
Thanks, glad you enjoyed them. I really can't stand that song because it gives me such bad memories of all the goals they scored on the Flyers. I felt like I had to do it out of respect. The Oilers were such an awesome team to watch. Never be one like that again.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
just remember they did it to just about everyone! I'm not exactly an Oilers fan, but I've fallen in love with their 80s teams, just so dominate and good for the game.
selannetheduck 3 years ago
*dominant
selannetheduck 3 years ago
Very nice video here. What a game it used to be! This ten-minute clip here contains more highlights than the entire upcoming Stanley Cup Playoffs will. Great commentary on Hextall's performance. He played like a madman in this Finals.
MNWildfan72 3 years ago
Thank you! All such great comments! I have said it before but I am always so happy to hear comments such as these from hometown Edmonton fans. Lets me know I did them right.
Good question about Anderson. He really was great in that series as was Kurri. I am sure if he was named MVP there would not be any argument but I think the challenge facing Hextall was greater and the fact that if it were nor for him it would have been over in 5 made him an appropriate choice. Anderson got the cup!
DaveTV2 3 years ago
You really encapsulated the excitement of this series. Well done!
wetjam 3 years ago
Thanks! I appreciate that.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
Excellent use of the Revenge of the Sith theme. It really added another dimension to the whole thing.
If only Tim Kerr had been healthy that series. If only the Flyers weren't completely gassed in that 3rd period...
philluso 3 years ago
Thanks for the comment. Technically it is "Duel of the Fates" from the Phantom Menace but who is keeping track? That song was about the best thing that came from that movie. For some reason that was all I could think of with that footage of all the Oiler Fans holding those sparklers. So damn dramatic it just seemed to fit perfectly.
Yea, I agree If Tim Kerr was in that series the outcome might have been different.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
Thanks, I didn't know the name of the song. That gloomy sound when Glenn Anderson beats Hextall with the slapper: Is that part of the song? It fit the part perfectly.
philluso 3 years ago
Actually no, the Star Wars score really only encompasses the first period. The second period is "Like a Dog Chasing Cars" from Batman: The Dark Knight and the third period including the part you mentioned is "Franklin's Tunnel" from National Treasure 2. It did take some editing to get that part of the song to fall at that particular moment. The end of course is the music from Rocky which seemed all too appropriate not to use.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
Thank Dave. Great stuff. As i grew up in edmonton this brings back that feeling i had in my gut after the flyers scored early. Wish all finals could match this one.
dirtypolac 3 years ago
You're welcome. Thanks for the comment. I love to hear positive comments from Edmonton fans. It lets me know I did them fairly.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
This was basically the only playoff series that the Oilers were even challenged and pushed to their limits.
Crawford1987 3 years ago
@Crawford1987 I do recall the Flames pushing them to 7 games in `84 and even upsetting them in `86 in 7 games.
landrykkb 4 days ago
i have to say, Fuhr was almost equally brilliant as Hextall
tihlor 3 years ago
I love and totally respect Fuhr but in no way did he have to be as brilliant as Hextall and nor was he. Especially in this game 7. He had a good first period but the Flyers only managed a total of six shots in the last two periods combined. Don't get me wrong, Fuhr was good when he had to be but did not face NEAR the same caliber of chances over the course of this series as Hextall did. If he did or was as "brilliant" he surely would have won the MVP being on the winning team.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
Besides this series hextall was avg throughout the rest of his career.
Grant Fuhr on the other years had few more good years with the oilers i thought was good on toronto even though he was on a bad team, then he also had a few bad years being bounced around until he regained his championship form and put in good 4-5 years with st louis.
raj2007ca 3 years ago
My intent was not to compare Hextall and Fuhr or say that Hextall was overall a better goalie. Only that he was better in this series.
That said "average"? LOL You tell me if these numbers are simply "average".
• 296 Career Wins (23rd all time only 5 behind Mike Richter (22) in 58 LESS GP)
• Career GAA of 2.98 & SP OF .895 with half his career spent in a league where goal scoring was about 1G higher than through the 90s
• 47 career PO wins with a SP of .897
• 2 Goals scored
Cont.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
• More wins in LESS games than NHL HOF Goalie Bernie Parent
• Lead league in GAA in 95-96 with a 2.17 and then matched that number again in 97-98.
• Arguably the best skating and puck handling goalie in history.
And most of this is excluding 87 and ALL if it done while spending half his career on VERY average teams.
Yea, sure he was very "average". Right! Is he in the company of Roy, Brodeur, Hasek, etc? No, but he certainly had a much better than "average" career.
DaveTV2 3 years ago
Excellent use of Star Wars in this epic Stanley Cup Finals!
dbadefense1990 3 years ago
Agreed. I watched every minute of this Stanley Cup final and the only one I can remember coming close in quality was when the Sabres played the Stars a decade or so ago (can't remember the year). Too bad Hextall couldn't be as good the rest of his career as he was that season.
pqshindelus 3 years ago
Just a few months later Edmonton would experience 'Black Friday' a big tornado, and then the following season, they lost Gretzky.
dalriada 3 years ago
Yea, but they ended up winning the Cup again in 1990. The Oilers won the Cup in 84,85,87,88, and 90...yet, they probably could have won in '86 and 89 (even without Gretzky...they were a special team).
Crawford1987 3 years ago
This definitely was the best Stanley Cup Finals ever played. The Edmonton Oilers, the best team ever assembled, versus an injury-riddled Flyers' team, without their best player Tim Kerr. I believe Kerr scored 58 goals that year. And yet, the Flyers were able to push the Dynastic Oilers to the brink in 1987. It's one of the series that you just think, "Man, if only the Flyers were healthier.."
It's cool to see Gretzky give his respect to Hextall, who enabled the Flyers to keep it close.
Crawford1987 3 years ago
They have this complete game 7 on a DVD collection called something like "Greatest Game 7's". Also look out for the top 10 Oiler Games DVD coming out next week. This game 7 is also there. I have my copy pre ordered. Also included is the game 5 of the 85 final between the same two teams.
OilersCanadasTeam 3 years ago
great series. thank you sir
donions 3 years ago
Kurri-Tikkanen-Gretzky was a great line those days. I am a Bruins fan, and I hope that we will face Oilers in the playoffs this season!
MacGovernor 3 years ago
Thanks for posting this... I have watched this game dozens of times, but had lost the VHS tape at some point...so this was really great to see... not the whole game, but still put a smile on my face :)
fiveholekevin 3 years ago
Thanks for the comment. Did you get to watch the rest of the series I posted?
DaveTV2 3 years ago
not yet, but I will!
fiveholekevin 3 years ago
Wow. I just watched the entire series from your video clips, and I was almost in tears at the end when I could sense the anguish in Gene Hart's voice. I was born in '88, so I never experienced it fully, but at least now I can just sense the pain some of the older fans felt when the Flyers didn't win, but the pride they felt in their team for putting up such an amazing fight. Excellent use of music too, especially at the end.
flapjackrabbit 3 years ago
Thanks so much for the comments. This was why I decided to put them together. So people such as yourself who may have only heard about it could get a better idea what a great series it truly was and what a heroic effort the Flyers put forth. The heart of that team was just remarkable. If ever there were a year when the Cup should have been shared and both teams called champions, that was it. I am glad you were able to appreciate it. Please share with anyone else you think will appreciate it!
DaveTV2 3 years ago
This is the greatest game in the history of hockey. Period. Hey Dave, do you think there will ever be another great game 7 like this?
These are the best game sevens ever (in my opinion):
1) 1987-Flyers and Oilers
2) 1971-Blackhawks and Canadiens
3) 1993-Maple Leafs and Kings
4) 1994-Canucks and Rangers
5) 1954-Red Wings anc Canadiens
I didn't include game 7 between Flames and Oilers in 1986 because of the ugly ending-Steve Smith putting the puck into his own net.
OilersCanadasTeam 3 years ago
LOL. That might be overstating it just a LITTLE bit. In my opinion it was a great game but not a GREAT game if you know what I mean. Surely a GREAT goaltending performance and a great example of how good the Oilers could be defensively. But all in all the Flyers had only what? 6 total shots in both the second and third periods with only 2 in the third! That does not make for a "great" game. Just a GREAT performance by Hextall and great theater. Depends on how you look at it and define "great".
DaveTV2 3 years ago
hello Dave
I agree with you that they should make a 1987 Oilers-Flyers final. That was an unreal series. I own the 1976 Canada Cup DVD set but another set they should come out with as well is the 1987 Canada Cup. To me next to the 1972 Summit Series it was the greatest International Tournament ever. I vote yes on the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals on DVD
waggeo99 3 years ago
Thanks for the vote! Not sure anyone is listening but it can't hurt! We can only hope!
DaveTV2 3 years ago
teh 5 overtime game was Ron Tugnutt's greatest moment along with March 21,1991 his 70 save game vs Boston. I sorta collect Tugnutt stuff. Oh by the way I own a Flyers Coffey jersey and get sorta booed til they see it is a Coffey shirt
waggeo99 3 years ago
So I take it you are a Penguins Fan? Coffey was awesome just not while he played with the Flyers!
DaveTV2 3 years ago
You know Dave I enjoy talking hockey with you. I have seen my fair share of great games I own the Flyers best 10 games on DVD as well as the Penguins as well and the 1976 Canada Cup DVD. What is your take on the 5 overtime game vs Tugnutt n the Pens I actually have a jersey of teh Tugger when he played here.
waggeo99 3 years ago
Same here. That 5 OT game was amazing although I think I fell asleep somewhere in the 4th OT. I woke up when they scored.
I was actually a little disappointed with some of the games they put in that DVD set. I think without a doubt that Game 3 of the 87 Finals should have been in there. It was a better comeback and had greater historical significance on both a league and team level than game 6. Game 6 was great too though. They probably should have included both!
DaveTV2 3 years ago
hello dave
I would say it is very close keep in mind vancouver was not supposed to beat Toronto but they did. Flyers did miss a key ingredient to the team which was one of the greatest trash goal scorers ever in Tim Kerr. Goaltending I give the edge to Hextall over McLean
waggeo99 3 years ago