The 1988–89 Calgary Flames season was the ninth

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 axial tilt, tilted orbit around the Sun. In temperat ...

for the

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. The ...

and 17th for the Flames franchise in the

National Hockey League The National Hockey League (NHL; , ''LNH'') is a professional ice hockey league in North America composed of 32 teams25 in the United States and 7 in Canada. The NHL is one of the major professional sports leagues in the United States and Cana ...

(NHL). They won their second consecutive

Presidents' Trophy The Presidents' Trophy () is an award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL) to the team that finishes with the most points (i.e., best overall record) during the regular season. If two teams are tied for the most points, then the Trophy ...

as the NHL's top regular season club and went on to win the first

Stanley Cup The Stanley Cup () is the championship trophy awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) playoff champion. It is the oldest existing trophy to be awarded to a professional sports franchise in North America, and the International Ic ...

championship in franchise history, defeating the

Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (), officially ' ( Canadian Hockey Club) and colloquially known as the Habs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal. The Canadiens compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic D ...

in the 1989 Stanley Cup Finals.

Al MacInnis Allan MacInnis (born July 11, 1963) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey defenceman who played 23 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames (1981–1994) and St. Louis Blues (1994–2004). A first round selection ...

won the

Conn Smythe Trophy The Conn Smythe Trophy () is awarded annually to the most valuable player (MVP) of his team during the National Hockey League's (NHL) Stanley Cup playoffs. It is named after Conn Smythe, the longtime owner, general manager, and head coach of the ...

as the most valuable player of the playoffs. The regular season saw the debut of

Theoren Fleury Theoren Wallace "Theo" Fleury (born June 29, 1968) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player, author and motivational speaker. Fleury played for the Calgary Flames, Colorado Avalanche, New York Rangers, and Chicago Blackhawks of the ...

, who went on to become the Flames' all-time leading scorer (since surpassed by

Jarome Iginla Jarome Arthur-Leigh Adekunle Tig Junior Elvis Iginla (; born July 1, 1977) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey winger (ice hockey), winger. He played over 1,500 games in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Calgary Flames, Pittsbu ...

), and Sergei Pryakhin, who became the first Soviet player allowed to play in the NHL. Four players represented the Flames at the 1989 All-Star Game: Gary Suter,

Joe Nieuwendyk Joseph Nieuwendyk ( ; born September 10, 1966) is a Canadian former National Hockey League (NHL) player. He was a second round selection of the Calgary Flames, 27th overall, at the 1985 NHL Entry Draft and played 20 seasons for the Flames, Dall ...

, Joe Mullen and Mike Vernon. Mullen received several awards following the season. He was named the winner of the

Lady Byng Memorial Trophy The Lady Byng Memorial Trophy, formerly known as the Lady Byng Trophy, is presented each year to the National Hockey League "player adjudged to have exhibited the best type of sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct combined with a high standard ...

for gentlemanly conduct, won the Emery Edge Award for having the top plus-minus in the league and was named a first team All-Star. Co-captain Lanny McDonald scored his 1,000th point and 500th goal late in the season. He ended his

Hockey Hall of Fame The Hockey Hall of Fame () is a museum and hall of fame located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Dedicated to the history of ice hockey, it holds exhibits about players, teams, National Hockey League (NHL) records, memorabilia and National Hockey Le ...

career by scoring a goal in the game that clinched the Stanley Cup before announcing his retirement in the summer.

Regular season

The Flames' season began with a major trade. Mike Bullard finished the 1987–88 season second in team scoring at 103 points, but his disappointing performance during the playoffs left general manager Cliff Fletcher desiring a trade. Late in the summer, he dealt Bullard, and two players to the

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 (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

for a package of four players that was led by

Doug Gilmour Douglas Robert Gilmour (born June 25, 1963) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for seven different teams. Gilmour was a seventh round selection, 134th overall, of the ...

, who had scored 105 points two years previous. Head Coach

Terry Crisp Terrance Arthur Crisp (born May 28, 1943) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey coach and player. Crisp played ten seasons in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues, New York Islanders and Philadelphia Flyers be ...

favoured a defensively responsible system, and as a result, the Flames had given up the fewest goals in the league after two months while goaltenders Mike Vernon and Rick Wamsley were first and third in the NHL respectively in

goals against average Goals against average (GAA), also known as average goals against (AGA), is a statistic used in field hockey, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, and water polo that is the mean of goals allowed per game by a goaltender or goalkeeper (depending on spo ...

(GAA). The team maintained its defensive focus throughout the season, allowing 79 fewer goals – just under one per game less – than in 1987–88, surrendering a franchise record low total of 226. Fletcher proclaimed in December that this Flames team was the best he had ever built. Calgary lost just four of its first 28 games, and on December 8 set a franchise record with its 13th consecutive game without a loss in a 5–3 victory over the

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 (NHL), Pacific Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. Th ...

. The team also went unbeaten in its first 17 home games, compiling a 14–0–3 record in that time that featured victories of 11–4 over the

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

, 6–1 over the St. Louis Blues and 9–0 over the

Hartford Whalers The Hartford Whalers were a professional ice hockey team based for most of its 25-year 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 1 ...

. Though the Flames were established as the

Smythe Division The National Hockey League's Smythe Division was formed in 1974 as part of the Clarence Campbell Conference. The division existed for 19 seasons until 1993. It was named in honour of Conn Smythe, who was a longtime owner, general manager, and he ...

leaders, the team struggled around the Christmas break. After winning only one of five games towards the end of December, the team recalled two players from their minor league affiliate, 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 ...

. Paul Ranheim was brought up on December 27, but played only five games in Calgary.

was brought up on January 1. He was leading the International Hockey League in scoring with 74 points in 40 games at the time of his recall, and immediately became a fan favourite in Calgary for his aggressive style despite his small, 5' 6" stature. Fleury scored three assists in his second career game, and his first two goals in his third, a 7–2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. Four players were chosen to represent the Flames at the 40th National Hockey League All-Star Game in Edmonton. Mike Vernon was the winning goaltender in the

Campbell Conference Campbell may refer to: People Surname * Campbell (surname), includes a list of people with surname Campbell Given name * Campbell Brown (footballer), an Australian rules footballer * Campbell Brown (journalist) (born 1968), American television n ...

's 9–5 victory, while forwards Joe Mullen and

, and defenceman Gary Suter also played in the game. Lanny McDonald alumni

Co-captain Lanny McDonald, a veteran of 16 NHL seasons, reached two of the league's most important milestones late in the season. He scored a goal against Bob Essensa of the Winnipeg Jets on March 7 to score the 1,000th point of his NHL career. Two weeks later, on March 21, McDonald scored his 500th goal against Mark Fitzpatrick in a 4–1 victory over the

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 (N ...

in Calgary. On the same night that McDonald scored his 500th,

scored his 50th goal of the season, becoming the third player in NHL history after

Mike Bossy Michael Dean Bossy (January 22, 1957April 15, 2022) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player with the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League. He spent his entire NHL career, which lasted from 1977 to 1987, with the Islanders, and ...

and

Wayne Gretzky Wayne Douglas Gretzky ( ; born January 26, 1961) is a Canadian former professional ice hockey player and former head coach. He played 20 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for four teams from 1979 to 1999. Nicknamed "the Great One ...

to reach the 50-goal mark in his first two seasons. Nieuwendyk scored his 100th career goal in just his 144th game. He reached the milestone in the third fewest games in league history, behind Mike Bossy (129 games) and

Maurice Richard Joseph Henri Maurice "Rocket" Richard ( , ; August 4, 1921 – May 27, 2000) was a Canadian professional ice hockey player who played 18 seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Montreal Canadiens. He was the first player in NHL his ...

(134 games). Joe Mullen also topped 50 goals for the Flames. He finished seventh in league scoring with 110 points, and broke Jimmy Carson's NHL record for most points in a season by an American-born player. The Flames made NHL history when they successfully completed a deal with the Soviet Ice Hockey Federation that allowed 25-year-old forward Sergei Pryakhin to become the first Soviet player permitted by his native federation to play in the NHL. Pryakhin made his debut on March 31 in a game against the

Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg. The Jets compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division (NHL), Central Division in the Western Conference (NHL), Western Conference. The te ...

. The Flames finished the season with 54 wins, a franchise record, and became the fifth team in NHL history to win 50 games in a season after the

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 (NHL), Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference (NHL), Eastern Conference. The t ...

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 (NHL), Eastern Conference. The team play ...

and Edmonton Oilers. Calgary was nearly unbeatable on home ice, winning 32 of 40 games, and losing just four. They won their second consecutive

as the top regular season team in the NHL. The Flames finished first in the League in penalty-killing percentage, with 82.93%.

Season standings

Record vs. opponents

Schedule and results

, - , 1 , , October 6 , , NY Islanders , , 4 – 4 , , Calgary , , OT , , 0–0–1 , , 1 , - , 2 , , October 8 , , Calgary , , 5 – 6 , ,

Los Angeles Los Angeles, often referred to by its initials L.A., is the List of municipalities in California, most populous city in the U.S. state of California, and the commercial, Financial District, Los Angeles, financial, and Culture of Los Angeles, ...

, , OT , , 0–1–1 , , 1 , - , 3 , , October 10 , ,

Detroit Detroit ( , ) is the List of municipalities in Michigan, most populous city in the U.S. state of Michigan. It is situated on the bank of the Detroit River across from Windsor, Ontario. It had a population of 639,111 at the 2020 United State ...

, , 2 – 5 , , Calgary , , , , 1–1–1 , , 3 , - , 4 , , October 14 , ,

Edmonton Edmonton is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Alberta. It is situated on the North Saskatchewan River and is the centre of the Edmonton Metropolitan Region, which is surrounded by Central Alberta ...

, , 1 – 6 , , Calgary , , , , 2–1–1 , , 5 , - , 5 , , October 17 , , Los Angeles , , 4 – 11 , , Calgary , , , , 3–1–1 , , 7 , - , 6 , , October 19 , ,

Minnesota Minnesota ( ) is a U.S. state, state in the Upper Midwestern region of the United States. It is bordered by the Canadian provinces of Manitoba and Ontario to the north and east and by the U.S. states of Wisconsin to the east, Iowa to the so ...

, , 1 – 2 , , Calgary , , , , 4–1–1 , , 9 , - , 7 , , October 22 , , Calgary , , 3 – 3 , ,

Toronto Toronto ( , locally pronounced or ) is the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, most populous city in Canada. It is the capital city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Ontario. With a p ...

, , OT , , 4–1–2 , , 10 , - , 8 , , October 23 , , Calgary , , 5 – 4 , ,

Philadelphia Philadelphia ( ), colloquially referred to as Philly, is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania, most populous city in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and the List of United States cities by population, sixth-most populous city in the Unit ...

, , OT , , 5–1–2 , , 12 , - , 9 , , October 25 , , Calgary , , 1 – 6 , ,

Pittsburgh Pittsburgh ( ) is a city in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, United States, and its county seat. It is the List of municipalities in Pennsylvania#Municipalities, second-most populous city in Pennsylvania (after Philadelphia) and the List of Un ...

, , , , 5–2–2 , , 12 , - , 10 , , October 28 , ,

Washington Washington most commonly refers to: * George Washington (1732–1799), the first president of the United States * Washington (state), a state in the Pacific Northwest of the United States * Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States ** A ...

, , 2 – 2 , , Calgary , , OT , , 5–2–3 , , 13 , - , 11 , , October 30 , , Calgary , , 1 – 2 , ,

Vancouver Vancouver is a major city in Western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. As the List of cities in British Columbia, most populous city in the province, the 2021 Canadian census recorded 662,248 people in the cit ...

, , , , 5–3–3 , , 13 , - , 12 , , October 31 , ,

Chicago Chicago is the List of municipalities in Illinois, most populous city in the U.S. state of Illinois and in the Midwestern United States. With a population of 2,746,388, as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, it is the List of Unite ...

, , 3 – 6 , , Calgary , , , , 6–3–3 , , 15 , - , 13 , , November 3 , ,

St. Louis St. Louis ( , sometimes referred to as St. Louis City, Saint Louis or STL) is an independent city in the U.S. state of Missouri. It lies near the confluence of the Mississippi and the Missouri rivers. In 2020, the city proper had a populatio ...

, , 1 – 6 , , Calgary , , , , 7–3–3 , , 17 , - , 14 , , November 5 , , Buffalo , , 0 – 9 , , Calgary , , , , 8–3–3 , , 19 , - , 15 , , November 7 , ,

Hartford Hartford is the List of capitals in the United States, capital city of the U.S. state of Connecticut. The city, located in Hartford County, Connecticut, Hartford County, had a population of 121,054 as of the 2020 United States census, 2020 ce ...

, , 3 – 6 , , Calgary , , , , 9–3–3 , , 21 , - , 16 , , November 9 , , Calgary , , 2 – 3 , , Buffalo , , , , 9–4–3 , , 21 , - , 17 , , November 10 , , Calgary , , 3 – 2 , , Philadelphia , , OT , , 10–4–3 , , 23 , - , 18 , , November 12 , , Calgary , , 2 – 1 , ,

Boston Boston is the capital and most populous city in the Commonwealth (U.S. state), Commonwealth of Massachusetts in the United States. The city serves as the cultural and Financial centre, financial center of New England, a region of the Northeas ...

, , , , 11–4–3 , , 25 , - , 19 , , November 15 , , Calgary , , 5 – 1 , , NY Islanders , , , , 12–4–3 , , 27 , - , 20 , , November 17 , , Calgary , , 5 – 3 , ,

New Jersey New Jersey is a U.S. state, state located in both the Mid-Atlantic States, Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern United States, Northeastern regions of the United States. Located at the geographic hub of the urban area, heavily urbanized Northeas ...

, , , , 13–4–3 , , 29 , - , 21 , , November 19 , , Calgary , , 5 – 2 , , Hartford , , , , 14–4–3 , , 31 , - , 22 , , November 23 , , New Jersey , , 2 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , 15–4–3 , , 33 , - , 23 , , November 26 , , Los Angeles , , 1 – 4 , , Calgary , , , , 16–4–3 , , 35 , - , 24 , , November 29 , , Vancouver , , 3 – 3 , , Calgary , , OT , , 16–4–4 , , 36 , - , 25 , , December 1 , , NY Rangers , , 3 – 6 , , Calgary , , , , 17–4–4 , , 38 , - , 26 , , December 2 , , Calgary , , 7 – 4 , , Edmonton , , , , 18–4–4 , , 40 , - , 27 , , December 4 , , Calgary , , 6 – 3 , ,

Winnipeg Winnipeg () is the capital and largest city of the Provinces and territories of Canada, Canadian province of Manitoba. It is centred on the confluence of the Red River of the North, Red and Assiniboine River, Assiniboine rivers. , Winnipeg h ...

, , , , 19–4–4 , , 42 , - , 28 , , December 6 , ,

Quebec Quebec is Canada's List of Canadian provinces and territories by area, largest province by area. Located in Central Canada, the province shares borders with the provinces of Ontario to the west, Newfoundland and Labrador to the northeast, ...

, , 2 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , 20–4–4 , , 44 , - , 29 , , December 8 , , Edmonton , , 3 – 5 , , Calgary , , , , 21–4–4 , , 46 , - , 30 , , December 10 , , Calgary , , 1 – 4 , , Hartford , , , , 21–5–4 , , 46 , - , 31 , , December 12 , , Calgary , , 4 – 4 , , Toronto , , OT , , 21–5–5 , , 47 , - , 32 , , December 15 , , Vancouver , , 0 – 2 , , Calgary , , , , 22–5–5 , , 49 , - , 33 , , December 16 , , Calgary , , 5 – 3 , , Vancouver , , , , 23–5–5 , , 51 , - , 34 , , December 20 , , Calgary , , 3 – 7 , , Los Angeles , , , , 23–6–5 , , 51 , - , 35 , , December 23 , , Calgary , , 1 – 4 , , Edmonton , , , , 23–7–5 , , 51 , - , 36 , , December 26 , , Calgary , , 3 – 2 , , Vancouver , , OT , , 24–7–5 , , 53 , - , 37 , , December 29 , ,

Montreal Montreal is the List of towns in Quebec, largest city in the Provinces and territories of Canada, province of Quebec, the List of the largest municipalities in Canada by population, second-largest in Canada, and the List of North American cit ...

, , 4 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , 24–8–5 , , 53 , - , 38 , , December 31 , , Winnipeg , , 4 – 4 , , Calgary , , OT , , 24–8–6 , , 54 , - , 39 , , January 3 , , Quebec , , 1 – 5 , , Calgary , , , , 25–8–8 , , 56 , - , 40 , , January 5 , , Los Angeles , , 6 – 8 , , Calgary , , , , 26–8–6 , , 58 , - , 41 , , January 7 , , Edmonton , , 2 – 7 , , Calgary , , , , 27–8–6 , , 60 , - , 42 , , January 8 , , Calgary , , 0 – 6 , , Edmonton , , , , 27–9–6 , , 60 , - , 43 , , January 11 , , Winnipeg , , 3 – 8 , , Calgary , , , , 28–9–6 , , 62 , - , 44 , , January 14 , , Minnesota , , 1 – 1 , , Calgary , , OT , , 28–9–7 , , 63 , - , 45 , , January 15 , , Calgary , , 2 – 3 , , Buffalo , , , , 28–10–7 , , 63 , - , 46 , , January 17 , , Calgary , , 7 – 1 , , Detroit , , , , 29–10–7 , , 65 , - , 47 , , January 19 , , Calgary , , 7 – 2 , , Boston , , , , 30–10–7 , , 67 , - , 48 , , January 21 , , Calgary , , 3 – 4 , , Quebec , , , , 30–11–7 , , 67 , - , 49 , , January 23 , , Calgary , , 3 – 1 , , Montreal , , , , 31–11–7 , , 69 , - , 50 , , January 26 , , NY Rangers , , 3 – 5 , , Calgary , , , , 32–11–7 , , 71 , - , 51 , , January 28 , , Chicago , , 4 – 5 , , Calgary , , OT , , 33–11–7 , , 73 , - , 52 , , January 29 , , Calgary , , 4 – 4 , , Vancouver , , OT , , 33–11–8 , , 74 , - , 53 , , January 31 , , Calgary , , 8 – 5 , , Los Angeles , , , , 34–11–8 , , 76 , - , 54 , , February 2 , , Detroit , , 2 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , 35–11–8 , , 78 , - , 55 , , February 4 , , Vancouver , , 2 – 5 , , Calgary , , , , 36–11–8 , , 80 , - , 56 , , February 5 , , Vancouver , , 4 – 5 , , Calgary , , , , 37–11–8 , , 82 , - , 57 , , February 9 , , Calgary , , 5 – 3 , , St. Louis , , , , 38–11–8 , , 84 , - , 58 , , February 11 , , Calgary , , 2 – 1 , , Washington , , , , 39–11–8 , , 86 , - , 59 , , February 12 , , Calgary , , 4 – 2 , , Pittsburgh , , , , 40–11–8 , , 88 , - , 60 , , February 15 , , Calgary , , 6 – 1 , , Winnipeg , , , , 41–11–8 , , 90 , - , 61 , , February 18 , , Boston , , 4 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , 41–12–8 , , 90 , - , 62 , , February 20 , , Washington , , 2 – 6 , , Calgary , , , , 42–12–8 , , 92 , - , 63 , , February 22 , , Toronto , , 4 – 3 , , Calgary , , OT , , 42–13–8 , , 92 , - , 64 , , February 24 , , St. Louis , , 3 – 4 , , Calgary , , , , 43–13–8 , , 94 , - , 65 , , February 26 , , Calgary , , 0 – 1 , , Winnipeg , , , , 43–14–8 , , 94 , - , 66 , , February 27 , , Philadelphia , , 3 – 6 , , Calgary , , , , 44–14–8 , , 96 , - , 67 , , March 2 , , Montreal , , 2 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , 44–15–8 , , 96 , - , 68 , , March 7 , , Winnipeg , , 5 – 9 , , Calgary , , , , 45–15–8 , , 98 , - , 69 , , March 9 , , Pittsburgh , , 3 – 10 , , Calgary , , , , 46–15–8 , , 100 , - , 70 , , March 11 , , Calgary , , 5 – 5 , , Edmonton , , OT , , 46–15–9 , , 101 , - , 71 , , March 13 , , Calgary , , 3 – 4 , , NY Rangers , , , , 46–16–9 , , 101 , - , 72 , , March 14 , , Calgary , , 5 – 1 , , New Jersey , , , , 47–16–9 , , 103 , - , 73 , , March 18 , , Calgary , , 9 – 3 , , Los Angeles , , , , 48–16–9 , , 105 , - , 74 , , March 21 , , NY Islanders , , 1 – 4 , , Calgary , , , , 49–16–9 , , 107 , - , 75 , , March 23 , , Los Angeles , , 2 – 4 , , Calgary , , , , 50–16–9 , , 109 , - , 76 , , March 24 , , Calgary , , 3 – 4 , , Winnipeg , , OT , , 50–17–9 , , 109 , - , 77 , , March 26 , , Calgary , , 7 – 5 , , Chicago , , , , 51–17–9 , , 111 , - , 78 , , March 27 , , Calgary , , 3 – 2 , , Minnesota , , , , 52–17–9 , , 113 , - , 79 , , March 31 , , Winnipeg , , 1 – 4 , , Calgary , , , , 53–17–9 , , 115 , - , 80 , , April 2 , , Edmonton , , 2 – 4 , , Calgary , , , , 54–17–9 , , 117 , - , - , ''Legend'':

Playoffs

Though they finished 43 points behind the Flames in the regular season, the

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

proved a significant challenge in the

semi-final. Calgary produced an uninspired effort in the opening game that resulted in a 4–3 loss as former Flame Paul Reinhart scored the winner for Vancouver in

overtime Overtime is the amount of time someone works beyond normal working hours. The term is also used for the pay received for this time. Normal hours may be determined in several ways: *by custom (what is considered healthy or reasonable by society) ...

. The Flames rebounded with 5–2 and 4–0 victories, but the Canucks continued to battle. Vancouver won the game 4 and after losing the fifth, staved off elimination with a 6–3 victory in game six, setting up a seventh and deciding game. Game 7 went to overtime, tied 3–3, and the extra period was dominated by fast offensive rushes as both teams sought to end the series. Both goaltenders were forced to make spectacular saves, highlighted by Mike Vernon's glove save to stop Vancouver's

Stan Smyl Stanley Philip Smyl (born January 28, 1958) is a Canadian professional ice hockey executive and former player. He was selected 40th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1978 NHL Amateur Draft and went on to play his entire NHL career with the ...

on a breakaway. That save was a defining moment of Vernon's career, and has since been called "the save that won the Cup". With less than a minute remaining in the first overtime period, Jim Peplinski fired a wide-angle shot towards the Vancouver goal that deflected off Joel Otto's skate and into the net, winning the game and series for the Flames. Al MacInnis

Calgary faced

and the

in the Smythe Division final. The Flames won the series in four straight, holding the highest scoring team in the league to 11 goals for the series. The Smythe final was most remembered for a controversial goal the Flames scored in the second game at Calgary. Vernon was knocked down in his crease by the Kings' Bernie Nicholls, and believing the goaltender was injured, Flames' trainer Bearcat Murray jumped onto the ice to tend to the fallen player as the Flames rushed the puck into the Los Angeles zone.

scored on the play as the Kings vehemently protested the goal should have been disallowed because Murray was on the ice. The goal stood and ended up the winning goal in an 8–3 victory. The

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 (N ...

were the Flames' opponents in the

final. The Flames won the series with relative ease, dropping only a 4–2 decision in the second game en route to a five-game series victory. Calgary won their second Clarence S. Campbell Bowl in franchise history as conference champions, and advanced to the

championship to face the

in a rematch of the 1986 final. The final opened in Calgary where the Flames emerged with a 3–2 win on the strength of two Al MacInnis goals before Montreal evened the series with a 4–2 victory in game two. The third game, in Montreal, went to overtime with the score tied 3–3. Late in the second extra period, Calgary's Mark Hunter was penalized for boarding, allowing Montreal to win the game at 38:08 of overtime. The penalty call was controversial, and members of the press spent the following days arguing the legitimacy of the call. The Flames entered the pivotal fourth game believing it was key to maintaining their chances of winning the title. Colin Patterson referred to it as being a "do-or-you're-gonna-die game". Calgary emerged with a 4–2 victory to even the series at two wins apiece heading back home for game five. The Flames rushed out to a 3–1 first period lead in the fifth game, and though Montreal scored in the second period to close within one goal, Vernon prevented Montreal from tying the game, and the Flames took a 3–2 series lead. For the sixth game, coach

added 36-year-old Lanny McDonald to the lineup after sitting him out the previous three games. The veteran forward was the sentimental favourite to win the Cup, and Crisp wanted to give him the opportunity to win the title on the ice. The move paid dividends as after serving a penalty in the second period, McDonald stepped out of the penalty box and joined the rush where he took a pass from

and shot it over Montreal goaltender

Patrick Roy Patrick Jacques Roy (; born October 5, 1965) is a Canadian professional ice hockey coach, executive and former player who is the head coach for the New York Islanders of the National Hockey League (NHL). Roy previously served as head coach for ...

to give the Flames a 2–1 lead.

added two third period goals, including the eventual winner, as the Flames won the Stanley Cup by a 4–2 score. In doing so, they became the only team to ever defeat the Canadiens on

Montreal Forum Montreal Forum () is a historic building located facing Cabot Square, Montreal, Cabot Square in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Called "the most storied building in hockey history" by ''Sporting News'', it was an indoor arena which served as the home o ...

ice to win the championship. Al MacInnis was named the

winner as the most valuable player of the playoffs, and with 31 points became the first defenceman to lead the league in post-season scoring. He finished with a 17-game scoring streak, the longest by a defenceman in NHL history. Lanny McDonald announced his retirement on August 28, 1989, ending his career with the Stanley Cup championship. The Flames named him their vice president in charge of corporate and community affairs. Three years later, McDonald was inducted into the

. Hakan Loob also ended his NHL career as a champion; he had announced during the season that he intended to return to his home in Sweden at the end of the year. , - , 1 , , April 5 , , Vancouver , , 4 – 3 , , Calgary , , OT , , Vancouver leads 1–0 , - , 2 , , April 6 , , Vancouver , , 2 – 5 , , Calgary , , , , Series tied 1–1 , - , 3 , , April 8 , , Calgary , , 4 – 0 , , Vancouver , , , , Calgary leads 2–1 , - , 4 , , April 9 , , Calgary , , 3 – 5 , , Vancouver , , , , Series tied 2–2 , - , 5 , , April 11 , , Vancouver , , 0 – 4 , , Calgary , , , , Calgary leads 3–2 , - , 6 , , April 13 , , Calgary , , 3 – 6 , , Vancouver , , , , Series tied 3–3 , - , 7 , , April 15 , , Vancouver , , 3 – 4 , , Calgary , , OT , , Calgary wins 4–3 , - , 1 , , April 18 , , Los Angeles , , 3 – 4 , , Calgary , , OT , , Calgary leads 1–0 , - , 2 , , April 20 , , Los Angeles , , 3 – 8 , , Calgary , , , , Calgary leads 2–0 , - , 3 , , April 22 , , Calgary , , 5 – 2 , , Los Angeles , , , , Calgary leads 3–0 , - , 4 , , April 24 , , Calgary , , 5 – 3 , , Los Angeles , , , , Calgary wins 4–0 , - , 1 , , May 2 , , Chicago , , 0 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , Calgary leads 1–0 , - , 2 , , May 4 , , Chicago , , 4 – 2 , , Calgary , , , , Series tied 1–1 , - , 3 , , May 6 , , Calgary , , 5 – 2 , , Chicago , , , , Calgary leads 2–1 , - , 4 , , May 8 , , Calgary , , 2 – 1 , , Chicago , , OT , , Calgary leads 3–1 , - , 5 , , May 10 , , Chicago , , 1 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , Calgary wins 4–1 , - , 1 , , May 14 , , Montreal , , 2 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , Calgary leads 1–0 , - , 2 , , May 17 , , Montreal , , 4 – 2 , , Calgary , , , , Series tied 1–1 , - , 3 , , May 19 , , Calgary , , 3 – 4 , , Montreal , , 2OT , , Montreal leads 2–1 , - , 4 , , May 21 , , Calgary , , 4 – 2 , , Montreal , , , , Series tied 2–2 , - , 5 , , May 23 , , Montreal , , 2 – 3 , , Calgary , , , , Calgary leads 3–2 , - , 6 , , May 25 , , Calgary , , 4 – 2 , , Montreal , , , , Calgary wins 4–2 , - , - , ''Legend'':

Player statistics

Skaters

^†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Calgary. Statistics reflect time with the Flames only.
^‡Traded mid-season

Goaltenders

Awards and honours

Joe Mullen had the best season of his NHL career, recording personal bests in goals (51), assists (59) and points (110), and led all players in the playoffs with 16 goals. As a result, Mullen won numerous post-season awards. He won the Emery Edge Award for leading the league in plus-minus at +51, and captured the

as the league's most gentlemanly player, earning only 16 penalties in minutes during the regular season. The Flames named him their winner of the

Molson Cup The Molson Cup is an award presented to a distinguished player on Canadian ice hockey teams. After each game, the " three game stars" are selected, usually by a member of the media. At the end of the season, the player with the most three-star h ...

for having the most three star selections on the team during the season, and he was named to the first All-Star team at centre by the league. Mike Vernon was named to the second All-Star team at goal, and

on defence. In addition to winning the

as the most valuable player of the playoffs, MacInnis was named a finalist for the

James Norris Memorial Trophy The James Norris Memorial Trophy, or simply the Norris Trophy, is awarded annually to the National Hockey League's top " defense player who demonstrates throughout the season the greatest all-round ability in the position". It is named after Ja ...

as the league's top defenceman for the first time. Vernon was named a finalist for the

Vezina Trophy The Vezina Trophy ( ) is awarded annually to the National Hockey League (NHL) goaltender who is "adjudged to be the best at this position". At the end of each season, the thirty-two List of NHL general managers, NHL general managers vote to dete ...

as the league's top goaltender. Nine members of the team have subsequently gained induction into the

. Six players – Lanny McDonald (1992), Joe Mullen (2000), Al MacInnis (2007), Joe Nieuwendyk (2011), Doug Gilmour (2011) and Mike Vernon (2023) – were joined by general manager Cliff Fletcher (2004) and two owners:

Harley Hotchkiss Harley Norman Hotchkiss, (July 12, 1927 – June 22, 2011) was a Canadian business and community leader who was best known for his contributions to health and sports development in Canada. He was part of the consortium that brought the Atlanta ...

(2006) and Doc Seaman (2011).

Transactions

General manager Cliff Fletcher made two trades in the days leading to the start of training camp. Mike Bullard, who scored 103 points for the Flames the season previous, feared that the team was set to trade him, but admitted that he was still shocked when Calgary sent him to the

along with Craig Coxe and a prospect on September 5, 1988. In return, the Flames received four players led by

and Mark Hunter. The Flames then sent oft-injured defenceman Paul Reinhart to the

with Steve Bozek in exchange for a draft pick the following day. Calgary made the second deal to alleviate a glut of veteran players and to give young defencemen Brian Glynn and Dana Murzyn greater responsibility. The Flames made one deal at the trade deadline, sending Shane Churla and

Perry Berezan Perry Edmund Berezan (born December 5, 1964) is a Canadian former ice hockey centre who played nine seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) between 1985 and 1993. He was a third round selection, 55th overall, of the Calgary Flames at the 19 ...

to the

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 ...

for rugged winger Brian MacLellan and a draft pick. Calgary made the deal anticipating that MacLellan's size would help the team compete with some of their larger opponents within the Smythe Division, and benefit the Flames' power play.

Trades

Subtractions

Draft picks

The Flames entered the

1988 NHL entry draft The 1988 NHL entry draft was the 26th NHL entry draft. It was held at the Forum in Montreal, Quebec. The last active player in the NHL from this draft class was Teemu Selanne, who retired after the 2013–14 season. Selections by round Be ...

with the 21st overall pick by virtue of finishing with the best record in the NHL the year previous. They hoped to make a trade to acquire a pick in the top ten as the team coveted Martin Gelinas and Teemu Selanne. When Los Angeles selected Gelinas seventh overall, the Flames tried to pry the eighth pick from Chicago, but balked at the Blackhawks' demands. Chicago wanted

, another roster player and Calgary's first round selection in return. The Flames retained their original pick, and selected goaltender Jason Muzzatti as their first pick. In total, the Flames made 12 selections. Of note for the Flames was their 12th round pick, Sergei Pryakhin. The Soviet Ice Hockey Federation was expected to provide a list of players it would be willing to release to play in North America ahead of the draft, but that expectation failed to materialize. Several Soviet players were drafted regardless, including Pryakhin. general manager Cliff Fletcher noted that Pryakhin had been dropped from the Soviet national team, and figured that decision could make him eligible to join the Flames. Fletcher was able to complete negotiations with Soviet officials for the player, and Pryakhin became the first Soviet player permitted to play in the NHL, making his debut in Calgary on March 31, 1989.

References

* ''Player stats:'' * ''Game log:'' {{DEFAULTSORT:1988-89 Calgary Flames Season Stanley Cup championship seasons Presidents' Trophy seasons Smythe Division champion seasons Calgary Flames seasons Calgary Flames

Western Conference (NHL) championship seasons

Calgary Calgary () is a major city in the Canadian province of Alberta. As of 2021, the city proper had a population of 1,306,784 and a metropolitan population of 1,481,806 making it the third-largest city and fifth-largest metropolitan area in C ...

1980s in Calgary