The 1987–88 Philadelphia Flyers season was the

Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. The Flyers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games in Wells ...

' 21st

season A season is a division of the year based on changes in weather, ecology, and the number of daylight hours in a given region. On Earth, seasons are the result of the axial parallelism of Earth's tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperate and pol ...

in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; french: Ligue nationale de hockey—LNH, ) is a professional ice hockey league in North America comprising 32 teams—25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. It is considered to be the top ranked professional ...

(NHL). The Flyers lost in the first round of the playoffs to the

Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. The team competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL) ...

in seven games.

Regular season

The season was one of many ups and downs. With

Ron Hextall Ronald Jeffrey Hextall (born May 3, 1964) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender and executive. He is the current general manager#Sports teams, general manager of the Pittsburgh Penguins of the National Hockey League (NHL). Hext ...

lost to an eight-game suspension to start the year after slashing

Kent Nilsson Kent Åke "Kenta" Nilsson (born 31 August 1956) is a Swedish former professional ice hockey centre. He played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) for the Winnipeg Jets, and in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Atlanta and Calgary Flames, ...

in the

Stanley Cup Finals The Stanley Cup Finals in ice hockey (also known as the Stanley Cup Final among various media, french: Finale de la Coupe Stanley) is the National Hockey League's (NHL) championship series to determine the winner of the Stanley Cup, North America ...

Tim Kerr Timothy E. Kerr (born January 5, 1960) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey right winger who played 13 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers and Hartford Whalers. Known for his goal-sco ...

lost indefinitely with a shoulder problem, and

Brad McCrimmon Byron Brad McCrimmon (March 29, 1959 – September 7, 2011) was a Canadian professional ice hockey defenceman and coach. He played over 1,200 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, Calgary Flames, ...

traded to Calgary over a salary dispute, the club limped to a 3–6–2 record in October. Additionally, Dave Brown served a 15-game suspension for cross-checking New York Ranger

Tomas Sandstrom Tomas may refer to: People * Tomás (given name), a Spanish, Portuguese, and Gaelic given name * Tomas (given name), a Swedish, Dutch, and Lithuanian given name * Tomáš, a Czech and Slovak given name * Tomas (surname), a French and Croatian surna ...

in the face on October 26. The free-fall continued until late November. After blowing a 4–1 lead into a 6–4 loss to the Islanders at home on November 21, the Flyers were at 6–13–3 and last in the division. However, just as quickly, the club rebounded with a 14-game unbeaten streak (12–0–2) from November 25 to December 26 – despite losing out to the

Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference, and have playe ...

in the

Paul Coffey Paul Douglas Coffey (born June 1, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played for nine teams over 21 seasons in the National Hockey League. Known for his speed and scoring prowess, Coffey ranks second all-time among ...

sweepstakes. The run was highlighted by Hextall becoming the first goaltender to shoot the puck into the opposing team's net on December 8, a game-winning two-man short tally by

Murray Craven Murray Dean Craven (born July 20, 1964) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League between 1982–83 and 1999–2000 and former vice president of the Vegas Golden Knights. Playing car ...

in Winnipeg on December 13, and a post-Christmas comeback win against the Capitals. A 6–0–1 run through late February and early March saw

Rick Tocchet Richard Tocchet (; born April 9, 1964) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. Playing as a Winger (ice hockey), right winger, he played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburg ...

post three hat tricks in a span of four games (Detroit, at Los Angeles, at Vancouver). On February 23, the club set a still-standing franchise road record with 11 goals in an amazing 11–6 win in Detroit, including a team-record 7 third-period tallies. After a 7–3 win over the Canucks March 1, the Flyers finished the year in free-fall due to almost daily injuries, going 4–11–2, ending up the lower seed in a second-place tie with Washington. Kerr returned to the lineup finally on March 10, but was unable to find his range before the playoffs began.

Season standings

Playoffs

In their first round playoff series with the

, the Flyers blew a 3–1 series lead as Washington forced a Game 7. They then blew a 3–0 lead in Game 7 as Washington won 5-4, in overtime. Afterwards, general manager

Bobby Clarke Robert Earle Clarke (born August 13, 1949) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey centre who played his entire 15-year National Hockey League (NHL) career with the Philadelphia Flyers and is currently an executive with the team. Popular ...

fired head coach

Mike Keenan Michael Edward Keenan (born October 21, 1949) is a Canadian professional hockey coach who most recently coached the Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League. Previously, he served as head coach and/or general manager with several NHL teams ...

citing a lack of enthusiasm from the club to continue playing for him.

Schedule and results

Regular season

, - style="background:#ffc;" , 1 , , October 8 , ,

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal CanadiensEven in English, the French spelling is always used instead of ''Canadians''. The French spelling of ''Montréal'' is also sometimes used in the English media. (french: link=no, Les Canadiens de Montréal), officially ...

, , 2–2 OT , , 0–0–1 , , 1 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 2 , , October 10 , , @

Minnesota North Stars The Minnesota North Stars were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) for 26 seasons, from 1967 to 1993. The North Stars played their home games at the Met Center in Bloomington, Minnesota, and the team's colors for ...

, , 5–4 , , 1–0–1 , , 3 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 3 , , October 11 , ,

Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks (spelled Black Hawks until 1986, and known colloquially as the Hawks) are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago. The Blackhawks compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division i ...

, , 3–5 , , 1–1–1 , , 3 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 4 , , October 15 , ,

New York Islanders The New York Islanders (colloquially known as the Isles) are a professional ice hockey team based in Elmont, New York. The Islanders compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference ( ...

, , 0–6 , , 1–2–1 , , 3 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 5 , , October 17 , , @ New York Islanders , , 4–3 , , 2–2–1 , , 5 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 6 , , October 18 , ,

, , 3–2 , , 3–2–1 , , 7 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 7 , , October 22 , ,

, , 1–4 , , 3–3–1 , , 7 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 8 , , October 24 , ,

New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the New York City borough of Manhattan. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home ...

, , 3–5 , , 3–4–1 , , 7 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 9 , , October 26 , , @ New York Rangers , , 2–2 OT , , 3–4–2 , , 8 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 10 , , October 27 , , @

New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional sports, professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. The Devils compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern ...

, , 0–4 , , 3–5–2 , , 8 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 11 , , October 31 , , @

Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its existence in Hartford, Connecticut. The club played in the World Hockey Association (WHA) from 1972 until 1979, and in the National Hockey League (NHL) from 1979 to ...

, , 4–7 , , 3–6–2 , , 8 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 12 , , November 1 , ,

Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles. The team competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference and was founded on June 5, 1967, after Jack Kent ...

, , 4–1 , , 4–6–2 , , 10 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 13 , , November 3 , , @ Pittsburgh Penguins , , 1–5 , , 4–7–2 , , 10 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 14 , , November 5 , ,

Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are a professional ice hockey team based in Vancouver. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference, and play their home games at Rogers Arena. Bruce B ...

, , 3–4 , , 4–8–2 , , 10 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 15 , , November 7 , , @ Montreal Canadiens , , 4–5 , , 4–9–2 , , 10 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 16 , , November 8 , , New Jersey Devils , , 3–3 OT , , 4–9–3 , , 11 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 17 , , November 10 , , @

St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team based in St. Louis. The Blues compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference. The franchise was founded in 1967 as one of the s ...

, , 2–5 , , 4–10–3 , , 11 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 18 , , November 12 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–2 , , 5–10–3 , , 13 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 19 , , November 14 , ,

Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs (officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often referred to as the Leafs) are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Div ...

, , 0–6 , , 5–11–3 , , 13 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 20 , , November 18 , , @ New Jersey Devils , , 3–4 , , 5–12–3 , , 13 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 21 , , November 19 , , Los Angeles Kings , , 7–5 , , 6–12–3 , , 15 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 22 , , November 21 , , New York Islanders , , 4–6 , , 6–13–3 , , 15 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 23 , , November 25 , ,

Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. The Sabres compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team was established in 1970, along w ...

, , 5–2 , , 7–13–3 , , 17 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 24 , , November 28 , , @

Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques (french: Nordiques de Québec, pronounced in Quebec French, in Canadian English; translated "Quebec City Northmen" or "Northerners") were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City. The Nordiques played in the W ...

, , 6–3 , , 8–13–3 , , 19 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 25 , , December 3 , , Hartford Whalers , , 5–2 , , 9–13–3 , , 21 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 26 , , December 6 , , New Jersey Devils , , 1–1 OT , , 9–13–4 , , 22 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 27 , , December 8 , ,

Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference. The team has been in existence since 1924, making t ...

, , 5–2 , , 10–13–4 , , 24 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 28 , , December 10 , , New York Rangers , , 5–3 , , 11–13–4 , , 26 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 29 , , December 11 , , @

Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings (colloquially referred to as the Wings) are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit. The Red Wings compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division (NHL), Atlantic Division in the East ...

, , 3–3 OT , , 11–13–5 , , 27 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 30 , , December 13 , , @

Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. The team competes in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division in the Western Conference, and is owned by True North Sports & Entertainment, pl ...

, , 4–3 , , 12–13–5 , , 29 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 31 , , December 15 , , @ Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–2 , , 13–13–5 , , 31 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 32 , , December 17 , , New York Islanders , , 4–3 , , 14–13–5 , , 33 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 33 , , December 19 , , @ New York Islanders , , 5–4 , , 15–13–5 , , 35 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 34 , , December 22 , , @ New York Rangers , , 6–4 , , 16–13–5 , , 37 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 35 , , December 23 , , Minnesota North Stars , , 5–3 , , 17–13–5 , , 39 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 36 , , December 26 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 3–2 , , 18–13–5 , , 41 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 37 , , December 30 , , @

Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton. The Oilers compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference. They play their home games at Rogers Place, which ...

, , 0–6 , , 18–14–5 , , 41 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 38 , , December 31 , , @

Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary. The Flames compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Pacific Division (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference, and ...

, , 4–5 , , 18–15–5 , , 41 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 39 , , January 2 , , @ Vancouver Canucks , , 4–1 , , 19–15–5 , , 43 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 40 , , January 5 , , Washington Capitals , , 1–3 , , 19–16–5 , , 43 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 41 , , January 7 , , St. Louis Blues , , 6–4 , , 20–16–5 , , 45 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 42 , , January 9 , , @ Montreal Canadiens , , 3–3 OT , , 20–16–6 , , 46 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 43 , , January 10 , , New Jersey Devils , , 5–7 , , 20–17–6 , , 46 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 44 , , January 14 , , Buffalo Sabres , , 3–1 , , 21–17–6 , , 48 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 45 , , January 15 , , @ Pittsburgh Penguins , , 5–4 , , 22–17–6 , , 50 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 46 , , January 17 , , @ New York Rangers , , 2–1 , , 23–17–6 , , 52 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 47 , , January 21 , , Edmonton Oilers , , 3–1 , , 24–17–6 , , 54 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 48 , , January 23 , , @ Boston Bruins , , 6–4 , , 25–17–6 , , 56 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 49 , , January 24 , , Minnesota North Stars , , 3–5 , , 25–18–6 , , 56 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 50 , , January 28 , , New York Rangers , , 2–5 , , 25–19–6 , , 56 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 51 , , January 30 , , Winnipeg Jets , , 4–3 , , 26–19–6 , , 58 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 52 , , January 31 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 0–1 OT , , 26–20–6 , , 58 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 53 , , February 4 , , Toronto Maple Leafs , , 6–1 , , 27–20–6 , , 60 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 54 , , February 6 , , @ St. Louis Blues , , 4–2 , , 28–20–6 , , 62 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 55 , , February 12 , , Calgary Flames , , 2–3 , , 28–21–6 , , 62 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 56 , , February 13 , , @ Toronto Maple Leafs , , 4–7 , , 28–22–6 , , 62 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 57 , , February 15 , , Hartford Whalers , , 5–4 OT , , 29–22–6 , , 64 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 58 , , February 18 , , New York Islanders , , 3–3 OT , , 29–22–7 , , 65 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 59 , , February 19 , , @ Buffalo Sabres , , 5–4 , , 30–22–7 , , 67 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 60 , , February 21 , , Detroit Red Wings , , 5–3 , , 31–22–7 , , 69 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 61 , , February 23 , , @ Detroit Red Wings , , 11–6 , , 32–22–7 , , 71 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 62 , , February 27 , , @ Los Angeles Kings , , 8–6 , , 33–22–7 , , 73 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 63 , , March 1 , , @ Vancouver Canucks , , 7–3 , , 34–22–7 , , 75 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 64 , , March 3 , , @ Calgary Flames , , 3–6 , , 34–23–7 , , 75 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 65 , , March 4 , , @ Edmonton Oilers , , 4–7 , , 34–24–7 , , 75 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 66 , , March 6 , , @ New Jersey Devils , , 2–4 , , 34–25–7 , , 75 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 67 , , March 10 , , Washington Capitals , , 5–2 , , 35–25–7 , , 77 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 68 , , March 12 , , New Jersey Devils , , 5–6 , , 35–26–7 , , 77 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 69 , , March 13 , , @ Chicago Blackhawks , , 4–5 OT , , 35–27–7 , , 77 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 70 , , March 15 , , @ New York Rangers , , 1–3 , , 35–28–7 , , 77 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 71 , , March 17 , , Chicago Blackhawks , , 3–4 OT , , 35–29–7 , , 77 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 72 , , March 19 , , @ Pittsburgh Penguins , , 0–7 , , 35–30–7 , , 77 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 73 , , March 20 , , Pittsburgh Penguins , , 4–2 , , 36–30–7 , , 79 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 74 , , March 22 , , Boston Bruins , , 0–3 , , 36–31–7 , , 79 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 75 , , March 25 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 3–5 , , 36–32–7 , , 79 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 76 , , March 26 , , Winnipeg Jets , , 6–0 , , 37–32–7 , , 81 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 77 , , March 29 , , @ New York Islanders , , 3–5 , , 37–33–7 , , 81 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 78 , , March 31 , , Quebec Nordiques , , 4–4 OT , , 37–33–8 , , 82 , , , - , - style="background:#cfc;" , 79 , , April 2 , , @ Quebec Nordiques , , 7–4 , , 38–33–8 , , 84 , , , - style="background:#ffc;" , 80 , , April 3 , , Washington Capitals , , 2–2 OT , , 38–33–9 , , 85 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Playoffs

, - style="background:#cfc;" , 1 , , April 6 , , @

, , 4–2 , , Flyers lead 1–0 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 2 , , April 7 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 4–5 , , Series tied 1–1 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 3 , , April 9 , , Washington Capitals , , 4–3 , , Flyers lead 2–1 , , , - style="background:#cfc;" , 4 , , April 10 , , Washington Capitals , , 5–4 OT , , Flyers lead 3–1 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 5 , , April 12 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 2–5 , , Flyers lead 3–2 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 6 , , April 14 , , Washington Capitals , , 2–7 , , Series tied 3–3 , , , - style="background:#fcf;" , 7 , , April 16 , , @ Washington Capitals , , 4–5 OT , , Capitals win 4–3 , , , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Scoring

* ''Position abbreviations: C =

Center Center or centre may refer to: Mathematics *Center (geometry), the middle of an object * Center (algebra), used in various contexts ** Center (group theory) ** Center (ring theory) * Graph center, the set of all vertices of minimum eccentricity ...

; D =

Defense Defense or defence may refer to: Tactical, martial, and political acts or groups * Defense (military), forces primarily intended for warfare * Civil defense, the organizing of civilians to deal with emergencies or enemy attacks * Defense industr ...

; G =

Goaltender In ice hockey, the goaltender (commonly referred to as the goalie) is the player responsible for preventing the hockey puck from entering their team's net, thus preventing the opposing team from scoring. The goaltender mostly plays in or near t ...

; LW =

Left wing Left-wing politics describes the range of political ideologies that support and seek to achieve social equality and egalitarianism, often in opposition to social hierarchy. Left-wing politics typically involve a concern for those in soci ...

; RW =

Right wing Right-wing politics describes the range of political ideologies that view certain social orders and hierarchies as inevitable, natural, normal, or desirable, typically supporting this position on the basis of natural law, economics, authori ...

'' * '' = Joined team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, signing) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Flyers only.'' * '' = Left team via a transaction (e.g., trade, waivers, release) during the season. Stats reflect time with the Flyers only.''

Goaltending

Awards and records

Awards

Records

Among the team records set during the 1987–88 season was the nine consecutive wins by goaltender

from December 8 to December 26, tying a team record. On February 23, the Flyers scored the fastest five goals in team history, taking five minutes and twenty-nine seconds to do so. On February 27,

scored four goals to tie the team record. The eight-game road losing streak from March 3 to March 29 is tied for the longest in team history. On March 19,

Don Nachbaur Donald Kenneth Nachbaur (born January 30, 1959) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player. He played eight seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Hartford Whalers, Edmonton Oilers, Philadelphia Flyers between 1980 ...

took a team record eight penalties.

Mark Howe Mark Steven Howe (born 28 May 1955) is an American former professional ice hockey defenseman and left winger who played sixteen seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) following six seasons in the World Hockey Association (WHA). He is curre ...

set a single season high for powerplay goals scored by a defenseman (8, later tied). The 208 goals allowed by Hextall is a single season high for a Flyers goaltender. The team’s three road ties is tied for the fewest in franchise history. The 31 goals allowed during their division semifinal series against the

is the most allowed during any playoff series the Flyers have played.

Transactions

The Flyers were involved in the following transactions from June 1, 1987, the day after the deciding game of the

1987 Stanley Cup Finals The 1987 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 1986–87 season, and the culmination of the 1987 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested between the Edmonton Oilers and the Philadelphia Flyers. The ...

, through May 26, 1988, the day of the deciding game of the

1988 Stanley Cup Finals The 1988 Stanley Cup Finals was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 1987–88 season, and the culmination of the 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested between the Edmonton Oilers and Boston Bruins. The Oilers wou ...

Trades

Players acquired

Players lost

Signings

Draft picks

NHL Entry Draft

Philadelphia's picks at the

1987 NHL Entry Draft The 1987 NHL Entry Draft was the 25th NHL Entry Draft. It was held at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit, Michigan, and was the first draft held in the United States. The National Hockey League (NHL) teams selected 252 players eligible for entry into pr ...

, which was held at

Joe Louis Arena Joe Louis Arena was an arena in Downtown Detroit. Completed in 1979 at a cost of US$57 million as a replacement for Olympia Stadium, it sat adjacent to TCF Center, Cobo Center on the bank of the Detroit River and was accessible by the Joe Lou ...

Detroit, Michigan Detroit ( , ; , ) is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is also the largest U.S. city on the United States–Canada border, and the seat of government of Wayne County. The City of Detroit had a population of 639,111 at ...

, on June 13, 1987. The Flyers traded their second-round pick, 41st overall, to the

for

Mark Laforest Mark Andrew Laforest (born July 10, 1962) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He played 103 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Ottawa Senators ...

on June 13, 1987.

NHL Supplemental Draft

Philadelphia's picks at the 1987 NHL Supplemental Draft.

Farm teams

The Flyers were affiliated with the

Hershey Bears The Hershey Bears are a professional ice hockey team based in Hershey, Pennsylvania, a town located 14 miles east of the state capital of Harrisburg Harrisburg is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, United States, and the c ...

of the AHL and the

Flint Spirits The Flint Spirits were a professional hockey team in Flint, Michigan from 1985 to 1990, and played their home games at the IMA Sports Arena. They were a part of the International Hockey League and replaced the recently departed Flint Generals ...

of the IHL. Led by the

Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award The Louis A. R. Pieri Memorial Award is an American Hockey League (AHL) trophy awarded annually to the most outstanding coach during the season, as voted upon by members of the AHL media. The award is named for Louis Pieri, a long-time contributor ...

winner as coach of the year (

John Paddock Alvin John Paddock (born June 9, 1954) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach and former player, currently the senior vice-president of hockey operations of the Regina Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL). He is a former head coach of t ...

), the

Eddie Shore Award The Eddie Shore Award is presented annually to the AHL's best defenceman. The award winner is chosen by AHL media and players. The award is named after Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Eddie Shore. Winners NHL-level Eddie Shore Award One of the Bos ...

winner as top defenseman ( Dave Fenyves), and the

Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award The Aldege "Baz" Bastien Memorial Award is presented annually to the American Hockey League's best goaltender. The award winner is chosen by AHL media and players. The award is named after former AHL Pittsburgh Hornets goaltender Aldege "Baz" Bast ...

as top goaltender (

Wendell Young Wendell Edward Young (born August 1, 1963) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey goaltender. He is currently the general manager of the Chicago Wolves of the American Hockey League. Wendell's moniker is "Ringmaster" as he is currently t ...

), Hershey finished first in their division and swept their way through the playoffs with a 12–0 record to a

Calder Cup The Calder Cup is the trophy awarded annually to the playoff champions of the American Hockey League. It was first presented in 1937 to the Syracuse Stars. The cup is made of sterling silver mounted on a base of Brazilian mahogany. In its curr ...

championship. Young was given the Jack A. Butterfield Trophy as playoff MVP. In their only season as a Flyers affiliate, Flint finished fourth in the playoffs and lost in the finals to the

Salt Lake Golden Eagles The Salt Lake Golden Eagles were a minor professional hockey team based in Salt Lake City from 1969 to 1994. History They played in the Western Hockey League from 1969 to 1974, the Central Hockey League from 1974 to 1984 and the International H ...

in six games.

Notes

References

;General * * * ;Specific {{DEFAULTSORT:Philadelphia 1987–88 NHL season by team 1987–88 in American ice hockey by team

1987 File:1987 Events Collage.png, From top left, clockwise: The MS Herald of Free Enterprise capsizes after leaving the Port of Zeebrugge in Belgium, killing 193; Northwest Airlines Flight 255 crashes after takeoff from Detroit Metropolitan Airport, k ...

Philadelphia Philadelphia, often called Philly, is the largest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the sixth-largest city in the U.S., the second-largest city in both the Northeast megalopolis and Mid-Atlantic regions after New York City. Sinc ...