The Edmonton Oilers are one of the most storied franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL), with a rich history of success that stretches back to their inception in 1972. One of the most striking statistics in their playoff history is the Oilers’ remarkable ability to maintain a strong grip on playoff series once they take a 2-0 lead. Over the course of their history, the Oilers have taken a 2-0 series lead 20 times and have won the series in 19 of those instances. This extraordinary track record of 19-1 reflects not only the talent and depth of the team but also highlights their consistent dominance in key moments of playoff series. The story of the Edmonton Oilers’ playoff resilience, particularly in series where they take a 2-0 lead, is both a testament to their historical greatness and a critical component of their legacy in the NHL.
In NHL playoff series, the first two games are often the most pivotal in determining the outcome of the series. A team that takes a 2-0 lead has a significant advantage because they have already secured two victories on the opponent’s home ice (if they are the visiting team in the first two games), which makes their road to winning the series much easier. Historically, in the NHL, a 2-0 series lead has been an indicator of success, with teams in that position often advancing to the next round.
Taking a 2-0 lead gives a team a cushion, but it also carries the psychological advantage of having the momentum on their side. The confidence boost gained from winning two games, especially on the road, is significant, and the psychological toll on the opponent can be profound. Losing both of the first two games at home, especially in a best-of-seven series, leaves a team in a situation where they must win four of the next five games to advance—a steep uphill climb.
For the Edmonton Oilers, this trend of success after taking a 2-0 series lead can be traced to several key factors: team talent, leadership, coaching, and the overall culture of winning that has defined the franchise throughout its history.
The Edmonton Oilers began as a member of the World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1972, but their true rise to prominence came after the team entered the NHL in 1979. It was during this era, the 1980s, when the Oilers became an unstoppable force in the league. With the arrival of Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Jari Kurri, Paul Coffey, and other Hall of Fame-caliber players, the Oilers went on to dominate the NHL, winning five Stanley Cups in a seven-year period from 1984 to 1990.
In these early years of success, the Oilers showed their ability to take control of playoff series quickly. The first two games of a series often set the tone, and the Oilers excelled at putting pressure on their opponents early. Their offensive firepower was unmatched, led by Gretzky and Messier, but their depth and defensive stability under coach Glen Sather allowed them to thrive in a variety of situations.
One of the most famous examples of the Oilers taking a 2-0 lead and then cruising to victory came in the 1984 Stanley Cup Final against the heavily favored New York Islanders. The Islanders, who had won four consecutive championships, were considered the team to beat. However, the Oilers took a commanding 2-0 series lead on the road, winning the first two games in Long Island, which proved to be a critical step toward their eventual triumph. Despite the Islanders’ formidable legacy, the Oilers never looked back, eventually winning the series in five games and claiming their first-ever Stanley Cup.
A significant part of the Oilers’ success in playoff series after a 2-0 lead is tied to their leadership on the ice. The team’s most iconic figure, Wayne Gretzky, was the catalyst for much of their success in the 1980s. Known for his vision, hockey IQ, and ability to elevate the play of those around him, Gretzky’s leadership helped the Oilers perform well under pressure. His leadership was crucial in maintaining a 2-0 series lead, as his ability to control the tempo of the game and produce when it mattered most was unparalleled.
However, as much as Gretzky was the face of the franchise, Mark Messier’s leadership was equally essential, especially in critical playoff situations. Messier, who was the captain of the Oilers after Gretzky’s departure in 1988, was known for his ability to step up in key moments. His leadership was especially important in instances where the Oilers had built a 2-0 series lead. Messier’s ability to rise to the occasion and inspire his teammates made the Oilers a dangerous team, and his willingness to take on the burden of leadership in high-pressure situations made him one of the most respected figures in hockey.
Even though the Oilers faced strong opponents, such as the Islanders, Calgary Flames, and Boston Bruins, their leadership trio of Gretzky, Messier, and Kurri was often enough to ensure that they could close out series efficiently once they had a 2-0 lead.
Glen Sather, the long-time head coach of the Edmonton Oilers, played a huge role in the team’s success in the 1980s and beyond. Known for his fiery competitiveness and sharp tactical mind, Sather’s ability to keep the Oilers focused and disciplined was key to maintaining their momentum in playoff series. Sather was known for his “offense first” philosophy, but he also understood the importance of defense and special teams in the postseason.
A key component of the Oilers’ playoff success under Sather was their ability to adjust when necessary. While they were a high-scoring team, Sather’s emphasis on team defense in the postseason allowed the Oilers to grind out victories in low-scoring games, a crucial skill when the intensity of playoff hockey ramped up. The ability to win in a variety of styles and adapt to different opponents gave the Oilers a significant edge, especially when they took a 2-0 series lead and could dictate the terms of the series.
Following their dominance in the 1980s, the Oilers’ success began to taper off in the 1990s, especially after the departure of Wayne Gretzky in 1988. Despite this, the franchise remained competitive, making regular playoff appearances and continuing to build a culture of success. Even as the team evolved, the Oilers’ ability to hold onto a 2-0 series lead remained a key factor in their playoff success.
A notable example of this came in the 2006 Stanley Cup playoffs when the Oilers, under head coach Craig MacTavish, reached the finals against the Carolina Hurricanes. Despite being an underdog, the Oilers were resilient throughout the playoffs, and when they took a 2-0 lead in the Cup Final, they seemed poised to capture their sixth Stanley Cup. Though they ultimately lost the series in seven games, the Oilers’ run was a reminder that even without their previous stars, they were still a formidable playoff team capable of holding leads and maintaining control.
The key to the Oilers’ success when holding a 2-0 series lead is their consistency. The Oilers’ organizational structure, from their front office to their coaching staff to their players, is built on the principle of sustaining success. Their approach to team-building, emphasizing skill, work ethic, and leadership, has allowed them to weather the highs and lows of the NHL season and perform at their best when it matters most.
One of the more recent examples of this trend came in the 2022-2023 NHL season, when the Oilers secured a 2-0 series lead over the Los Angeles Kings in the first round of the playoffs. With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl leading the charge, the Oilers showcased their offensive firepower while also demonstrating the defensive depth required to keep their lead intact. The team ultimately advanced to the next round, continuing the tradition of dominating after a 2-0 series lead.
The Edmonton Oilers’ 19-1 record when taking a 2-0 series lead in the playoffs is a testament to the franchise’s excellence. Whether it was in the 1980s, when they were led by the likes of Gretzky, Messier, and Kurri, or in more recent years with McDavid and Draisaitl at the helm, the Oilers have proven time and time again that they know how to finish what they start in the postseason. The Oilers’ ability to capitalize on early leads is a key part of their playoff identity, and it’s this consistency that has earned them a place among the NHL’s elite teams.
The legacy of the Edmonton Oilers is one of dominance, skill, and resilience. Their remarkable record of success when taking a 2-0 series lead is a reflection of the franchise’s ability to rise to the occasion and perform under pressure. As they look to the future, the Oilers continue to build on this rich history, and fans can rest assured that the team’s championship aspirations remain as strong as ever.
