On This Date in 1987
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by user Christof
May 31, 1987 was a Sunday. That evening, Game 7 of the 1987 Stanley Cup Finals was played. The 1987 Finals pitted the Edmonton Oilers against the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Oilers won the first two games of the series in Edmonton. The two teams then split the next two games in Philadelphia. Many expected the Oilers to wrap up their third Cup in Game 5 at home, however, the Flyers fought hard and won that game. The Flyers then won an emotionally charged Game 6 at the old Spectrum in Philadelphia. Hence, a single game would be required to see who would hoist Lord Stanley's Cup in 1987.
Game 7 started off fast. For the first time during the entire series, the Flyers scored the first goal. The Flyers had a golden opportunity to go ahead 2-0 in the first period, however, the Flyers missed a shot at the Oilers' open net. This would become an omen for what was to come for the Flyers organization over the next two decades.
The Oilers would then quickly tie the game at 1, and after a sweet passing attack up the ice, would take the lead, 2-1. This 2-1 score would hold until the finals minutes of the third period when the Oilers scored an insurance goal. The final score of the Game 7 was Edmonto Oilers 3, Philadelphia Flyers 1. The Oilers won the Cup yet again.
I was eight years old back in 1987. I will admit, after the game, I cried my heart out. I taped that game, and I still have that tape. I have only been able to watch it once or twice, the pain is still too great. With that said, after the game, Channel 57, which was the station that televised the game, did a tribute video for the Flyers. A few months ago, I came across in on Youtube. I am also attaching it to this article, as a way to say thanks for the memories from that special season. In reality, this game, along with the Eagles' Super Bowl have been the closest I have been to seeing a title won by a major pro sports franchise from Philadelphia.
Philly - ALWAYS had 4 sports teams,
Minny - barely kept baseball, nearly lost football, lost basketball once and lost one hockey team (so far)
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