Best NHL hockey team post-WHA

[dash]

Essentially since 1980 then - One of the guys selected the '89 Flames (that was a killer team that was led by Doug 'Killer' Gilmour to Stanley Cup glory)

87 Oilers
02 Wings
82 Isles

are also strong contenders

Let the debate begin...

Talking Hockey: Best team of the modern era - Cross Checks Blog - ESPN

 

[Wingingit]

I don't know that much contention could happen, except which year you want to pick, the early 80's Islanders just dominated.

I remember thinking "oh the playoffs started, hmm the Isles will win, let go to the bar and chase skirts".

Brain Trottier, (best faceoff man ever)
Denis Potvin Best Defenseman ever (not going to debate about Orr)
Mike Bossy (just shoot, shoot, shoot)
Gillies (I'm going to eat your f-ing liver)

OK 81-82

Now second place we could have some fun with...

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

I think the '83-'84 Oilers hold up pretty darn well too. President's Trophy winners by 15 points(!), scoring leader by 89 (better than 1/game), and the first Cup for an amazing post-expansion dynasty.

Sure their D was iffy (though most D was at the time), but when you average over 5 1/2 goals per game, who gives a shit if your D has some issues!

 

[pixburgher66]

Homer pick: '92-'93 Penguins. Just...wow. 160 points in 60 games, 4 guys with 100+ points...and Jagr. Stevens had 111 in 72 games. Murphy with 85 on the blue line is pretty awesome. They were probably too top heavy to be considered, and the whole not winning the Cup thing doesn't help their case. But still, lethal is an understatement for that group of forwards in their prime.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

Homer pick: '92-'93 Penguins. Just...wow. 160 points in 60 games, 4 guys with 100+ points...and Jagr. Stevens had 111 in 72 games. Murphy with 85 on the blue line is pretty awesome. They were probably too top heavy to be considered, and the whole not winning the Cup thing doesn't help their case. But still, lethal is an understatement for that group of forwards in their prime.

They couldn't even beat a team with one tenth the talent who didn't even have their best player.

Al Arbour said it best Kasparaitis & Pilon intimidated the Penguins.

If this were a best team not to win the cup thread they might be the winner.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

They couldn't even beat a team with one tenth the talent who didn't even have their best player.

Al Arbour said it best Kasparaitis & Pilon intimidated the Penguins.

If this were a best team not to win the cup thread they might be the winner.

I would have to give that award to the '95-'96 Wings. All time record for wins in a season and second overall highest point total in history.

 

[Nasty_Magician]

I would have to give that award to the '95-'96 Wings. All time record for wins in a season and second overall highest point total in history.

You could add the 01 Devils to that list as well. Not a weakness on the team. Still amazed they managed to lose that Cup. Coincidentally they both lost to the Avalanche.

 

[forty_three]

93 Canadiens?

You don't win that many OT playoff games in a row without being a great, great team.

 

[puckhead]

93 Canadiens?

You don't win that many OT playoff games in a row without being a great, great team.

or incredible lucky with the coin toss.

 

[sabresfaninthesouth]

93 Canadiens?

You don't win that many OT playoff games in a row without being a great, great team.

Having Patrick Roy between the pipes certainly helps that too.

 

[DaBoltsNIsles]

I would have to give that award to the '95-'96 Wings. All time record for wins in a season and second overall highest point total in history.

If the Penguins beat the Islanders they win the cup. It's that simple. That team was loaded. Even without Kevin Stevens they would have destroyed Roy & Montreal. Beating the Kings would have been easy. The Isles had their number.