The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. They were established in 1972 as the Alberta Oilers as part of the defunct World Hockey Association (WHA). However, after just a season in play they shifted to their current name, the Edmonton Oilers in 1973 before joining the NHL in 1979 following the NHL-WHA merger. Presently, they compete in the Western Conference of the NHL as a member of the Pacific Divison.
The Oilers achieved notable success in the 1980s, winning five Stanley Cups and seven conference championships under the leadership of Wayne Gretzky, Jari Kurri, and Mark Messier. Despite Gretzky's departure in 1988, the Oilers won another Stanley Cup in 1990 under Messier's leadership. After a period of ups and downs, including a memorable playoff run in 2005–06, the Oilers faced a playoff drought until 2016–17, when they showcased strong performances led by Connor McDavid but fell short in the postseason.
Edmonton Oilers NHL Playoff History and Appearances
Since their founding in 1972 as one of the original franchises of the World Hockey Association (WHA), they've made significant playoff appearances. Led by Hall of Fame center Wayne Gretzky, they dominated the 1980s, winning five Stanley Cups and seven conference championships. Despite facing challenges and notable player departures, such as Gretzky's trade to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988, the Oilers remained competitive, winning another Stanley Cup in 1990 under Mark Messier's leadership. However, they experienced periods of playoff drought but made a strong comeback in the 2005–06 postseason, reaching the Stanley Cup finals. Despite subsequent ups and downs, including a notable resurgence led by Connor McDavid in the 2016–17 season, the Oilers continue to be a significant presence in NHL playoff history, with a total of 25 playoff appearances.
A table exploring Edmonton Oilers’ playoff history and appearances is provided below:
| Year | Record | Result |
| 2023 | 49–27–6 | Playing round second of the Conference finals against the Vancouver canucks |
| 2023 | 50-23-9 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals |
| 2022 | 49-27-6 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 2021 | 35-19-2 | Lost First Round |
| 2020 | 37-25-9 | Lost Qualifying Round |
| 2019 | 35-38-9 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2018 | 36-40-6 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2017 | 47-26-9 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals |
| 2016 | 31-43-8 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2015 | 24-44-14 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2014 | 29-44-9 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2013 | 19-22-7 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2012 | 32-40-10 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2011 | 25-45-12 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2010 | 27-47-8 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2009 | 38-35-9 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2008 | 41-35-6 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2007 | 32-43-7 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2006 | 41-28-13 | Lost Stanley Cup Final |
| 2005 | - | NHL Lockout |
| 2004 | 36-29-12-5 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2003 | 36-26-11-9 | Lost First Round |
| 2002 | 38-28-12-4 | Missed Playoffs |
| 2001 | 39-28-12-3 | Lost First Round |
| 2000 | 32-26-16-8 | Lost First Round |
| 1999 | 33-37-12 | Lost First Round |
| 1998 | 35-37-10 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals |
| 1997 | 36-37-9 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals |
| 1996 | 30-44-8 | Missed Playoffs |
| 1995 | 17-27-4 | Missed Playoffs |
| 1994 | 25-45-14 | Missed Playoffs |
| 1993 | 26-50-8 | Missed Playoffs |
| 1992 | 36-34-10 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 1991 | 37-37-6 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 1990 | 38-28-14 | Stanley Cup Winners |
| 1989 | 38-34-8 | Lost First Round |
| 1988 | 44-25-11 | Stanley Cup Winners |
| 1987 | 50-24-6 | Stanley Cup Winners |
| 1986 | 56-17-7 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals |
| 1985 | 49-20-11 | Stanley Cup Winners |
| 1984 | 57-18-5 | Stanley Cup Winners |
| 1983 | 47-21-12 | Lost Stanley Cup Final |
| 1982 | 48-17-15 | Lost First Round |
| 1981 | 29-35-16 | Lost Conference Semi-Finals |
| 1980 | 28-39-13 | Lost First Round |
Edmonton Oilers Conference History
The Edmonton Oilers have a rich conference history primarily within the Western Conference. Since their inception in 1972, initially in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and later joining the NHL in 1979, they've been a consistent contender in the Western Conference. Notable moments include their dominance in the 1980s, winning multiple conference championships and Stanley Cups, largely propelled by legendary players like Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier. Despite facing challenges and changes over the years, including periods of playoff drought, the Oilers have remained competitive well within the Western Conference.
The seasons of 1983–84, 1984–85, and 1986–87 particularly stand out, as they not only secured the conference title but also went on to claim the Stanley Cup. However, the Oilers faced challenges in subsequent years, struggling to replicate their earlier successes. Despite periods of playoff appearances, they encountered setbacks, including several seasons of not qualifying for the playoffs. In recent years, the Oilers have shown signs of resurgence, with notable performances in the postseason, although they haven't been able to replicate their championship glory of the past.
A table exploring Edmonton Oilers' Conference History along with their results is provided below:
| Seasons | Conference | Results |
| 2023-2024 | Western | Won in first round, 4–1 (Kings) Second round vs. Vancouver Canucks |
| 2022–23 | Western | Won in First Round, 4–2 (Kings) Lost in Second Round, 2–4 (Golden Knights) |
| 2021–22 | Western | Won in First Round, 4–3 (Kings) Won in Second Round, 4–1 (Flames) Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Avalanche) |
| 2020–21 | — | Lost in First Round, 0–4 (Jets) |
| 2019–20 | Western | Lost in Qualifying Round, 1–3 (Blackhawks) |
| 2018–19 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2017–18 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2016–17 | Western | Won in First Round, 4–2 (Sharks) Lost in Second Round, 3–4 (Ducks) |
| 2015–16 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2014–15 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2013–14 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2012–13 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2011–12 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2010–11 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2009–10 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2008–09 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2007–08 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2006–07 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2005–06 | Western | Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Red Wings) Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Sharks) Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Mighty Ducks) Lost in Stanley Cup Finals, 3–4 (Hurricanes) |
| 2004–05 | - | NHL Lckout |
| 2003–04 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2002–03 | Western | Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Stars) |
| 2001–02 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 2000–01 | Western | Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Stars) |
| 1999–2000 | Western | Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Stars) |
| 1998–99 | Western | Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 0–4 (Stars) |
| 1997–98 | Western | Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Avalanche) Lost in Conference Semifinals, 1–4 (Stars) |
| 1996–97 | Western | Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Stars) Lost in Conference Semifinals, 1–4 (Avalanche) |
| 1995–96 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 1994–95 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 1993–94 | Western | Did not qualify |
| 1992–93 | Campbell | Did not qualify |
| 1991–92 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 4–2 (Kings) Won in Division Finals, 4–2 (Canucks) Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Blackhawks) |
| 1990–91 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 4–3 (Flames) Won in Division Finals, 4–2 (Kings) Lost in Conference Finals, 1–4 (North Stars) |
| 1989–90 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 4–3 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Kings) Won in Conference Finals, 4–2 (Blackhawks) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–1 (Bruins) |
| 1988–89 | Campbell | Lost in Division Semifinals, 3–4 (Kings) |
| 1987–88 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 4–1 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Flames) Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Red Wings) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–0 (Bruins) |
| 1986–87 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 4–1 (Kings) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Jets) Won in Conference Finals, 4–1 (Red Wings) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–3 (Flyers) |
| 1985–86 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Canucks) Lost in Division Finals, 3–4 (Flames) |
| 1984–85 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Kings) Won in Division Finals, 4–0 (Jets) Won in Conference Finals, 4–2 (Black Hawks) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–1 (Flyers) |
| 1983–84 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–3 (Flames) Won in Conference Finals, 4–0 (North Stars) Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–1 (Islanders) |
| 1982–83 | Campbell | Won in Division Semifinals, 3–0 (Jets) Won in Division Finals, 4–1 (Flames) Won in Conference Finals, 4–0 (Black Hawks) Lost in Stanley Cup Finals, 0–4 (Islanders) |
| 1981–82 | Campbell | Lost in Division Semifinals, 2–3 (Kings) |
| 1980–81 | Campbell | Won in preliminary round, 3–0 (Canadiens) Lost in Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Islanders) |
| 1979–80 | Campbell | Lost in preliminary round, 0–3 (Flyers) |
The Edmonton Oilers have clinched the Conference championship an impressive seven times, showcasing their dominance in the league during the seasons of 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1986–87, 1987–88, 1989–90, and 2005–06.
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Edmonton Oilers Division History
The Edmonton Oilers have a storied divisional history, primarily while competing in the Smythe Division within the Western Conference of the NHL. Since their establishment in 1972, they've been a mainstay in the Smythe, Northwest and Pacific divisions engaging in fierce rivalries with their fellow teams.
Notable periods include their dominance in the Smythe Division during the 1980s, highlighted by multiple division championships and Stanley Cup victories. Unfortunalety, they haven’t been able to replicate that succes since. The recent years have seen them face various ups and downs including changes in divisional alignments, while maintaining a competitive presence within their divisions.
A table exploring the Edmonton Oilers' division history along with their regular season records is provided below:
| Year | Division | Regular season |
| 2023 | Pacific | 50-23-9 |
| 2022 | Pacific | 49-27-6 |
| 2021 | North | 35-19-2 |
| 2020 | Pacific | 37-25-9 |
| 2019 | Pacific | 35-38-9 |
| 2018 | Pacific | 36-40-6 |
| 2017 | Pacific | 47-26-9 |
| 2016 | Pacific | 31-43-8 |
| 2015 | Pacific | 24-44-14 |
| 2014 | Pacific | 29-44-9 |
| 2013 | Northwest | 19-22-7 |
| 2012 | Northwest | 32-40-10 |
| 2011 | Northwest | 25-45-12 |
| 2010 | Northwest | 27-47-8 |
| 2009 | Northwest | 38-35-9 |
| 2008 | Northwest | 41-35-6 |
| 2007 | Northwest | 32-43-7 |
| 2006 | Northwest | 41-28-13 |
| 2005 | - | NHL Lockout |
| 2004 | Northwest | 36-29-12-5 |
| 2003 | Northwest | 36-26-11-9 |
| 2002 | Northwest | 38-28-12-4 |
| 2001 | Northwest | 39-28-12-3 |
| 2000 | Northwest | 32-26-16-8 |
| 1999 | Northwest | 33-37-12 |
| 1998 | Pacific | 35-37-10 |
| 1997 | Pacific | 36-37-9 |
| 1996 | Pacific | 30-44-8 |
| 1995 | Pacific | 17-27-4 |
| 1994 | Pacific | 25-45-14 |
| 1993 | Smythe | 26-50-8 |
| 1992 | Smythe | 36-34-10 |
| 1991 | Smythe | 37-37-6 |
| 1990 | Smythe | 38-28-14 |
| 1989 | Smythe | 38-34-8 |
| 1988 | Smythe | 44-25-11 |
| 1987 | Smythe (#1) | 50-24-6 |
| 1986 | Smythe (#1) | 56-17-7 |
| 1985 | Smythe (#1) | 49-20-11 |
| 1984 | Smythe (#1) | 57-18-5 |
| 1983 | Smythe (#1) | 47-21-12 |
| 1982 | Smythe (#1) | 48-17-15 |
| 1981 | Smythe | 29-35-16 |
| 1980 | Smythe | 28-39-13 |
The Edmonton Oilers have claimed the Division championship six times since joining the NHL, marking their triumphs in 1981–82, 1982–83, 1983–84, 1984–85, 1985–86, and 1986–87.
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FAQ's On Edmonton Oilers Playoff History
A. The Edmonton Oilers have won a total of five Stanley Cups till date.
A. Daryal Katzis the owner of the Edmonton Oilers.
A. The Edmonton Oilers last won the Stanley Cup in the 1989-1990 season.
A. The Edmonton Oilers have made a total of 25 playoff appearances till date.
A. The Edmonton Oilers last finished in the Stanley Cup finals in 2006.
