The Los Angeles Kings' upset of the Edmonton Oilers in the 1982 Smythe Division semifinals is ranked as the greatest upset in hockey history by many others who have done lists such as this. I have it as the second biggest upset in NHL playoff history, and I will explain why in a moment.
To put into perspective how massive an upset this was, first look at the teams' records. The Oilers finished with a mark of 48-17-15, for 111 points; the Kings finished well below .500 with a record of 24-41-15, for 63 points.
That is a 48-point difference in points for those keeping track at home.
Then take a look at the Oilers roster. If you thought the 2003 Avalanche had an imposing lineup, just look at some of the guys the Oilers put on the ice each night: Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, Paul Coffey and, of course, Grant Fuhr in net.
The Kings did not have that kind of talent—not even close. They did have 50-goal scorer Marcel Dionne, but that was about it.
Meanwhile, Gretzky had scored 92 goals, had 112 assists and racked up 212 points. The Oilers, as a team, scored 417 goals, and there was just no way the Kings could match them.
