For the first time in a decade, the Oilers might finally be a legitimate contender.
They were once the premier franchise of the NHL.
In the 1980s, they won the Stanley Cup five times, reached the Final six times, and won the Presidents’ Trophy twice. Five players from that era are enshrined in the Hockey Hall of Fame, and their retired numbers include hockey greats Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Grant Fuhr, and Paul Coffey.
But, the story of the Edmonton Oilers has changed dramatically since the golden years. They haven’t been above NHL .500 in seven years, and haven’t qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs in ten seasons.