1988-89

• In a move as unfathomable as seeing Bobby Orr playing for a team other than the Boston Bruins, the Edmonton Oilers trade Wayne Gretzky to the Los Angeles Kings. Oilers owner Peter Pocklington was in dire financial straits and was forced to unload Gretzky -- understandably the most unpopular move in Oilers' history. The addition of Gretzky paid immediate dividends as the Kings improved from 68 points to 91 points -- from fourth worst to fourth best. Gretzky's Kings even beat his former team in the playoffs.

• While the Oilers failed to defend their Stanley Cup title, the Cup did remain in Alberta, as the Calgary Flames beat the Montreal Canadiens in six games, avenging their finals loss to the Habs from three years earlier. The win also sent Hall of Famer Lanny McDonald out a winner -- he retired immediately after the Final.