Vote for your favourite Rod moment

Rod Phillips gave us his five favourite moments, pick your own number one!

Monday, 28.03.2011 / 2:43 PM / Features
By edmontonoilers.com staff
For 37 years, Rod Phillips has been the Voice of the Edmonton Oilers but that run comes to an end on Tuesday night when the Hall-of-Fame broadcaster calls the final game of his illustrious career.  Certainly, there are so many memories to choose from over the years but we sat down with Rod and asked him what his favourites were. Rod narrowed it down to five choices but we want you to narrow it down to just one.

Read on, watch the videos and listen to audio to help make your decision:
  1. 1981 - Gretzky 50 goals in 39 games
    2.
    Video: Gretzky's goal
    Audio: Gretzky's goal

    Although a total of four Stanley Cups would be won at Northlands Coliseum, this Gretzky moment would provide one of the most electric and memorable atmospheres ever at an Oilers game in Edmonton.

    On December 30, 1981 against the Philadelphia Flyers, Wayne Gretzky scored five goals (including the final marker into an empty net with only seconds remaining) to seal a 7-5 victory for the Oilers and record a currrently untouchable record of 50 goals in 39 games.

    His incredible mark shattered the previous 36-year old record held by Maurice "Rocket" Richard and Mike Bossy, who were each able to collect 50 goals in 50 games.

  2. 1985 Stanley Cup Final - Coffey scores in Game 5
    3.
    Video: Coffey scores
    Audio: Coffey scores

    In Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Finals, the Edmonton Oilers were leading the Philadelphia Flyers three games to one and were poised to capture their second consecutive Stanley Cup.

    During Game 5, the Oilers struck for two goals early to take a 2-0 lead on Philadelphia with goals by Willy Lindstrom and Mark Messier. However, the Flyers got one back to narrow the gap to 2-1 on a goal by Rich Sutter.

    Off the rush, Wayne Gretzky made a brilliant behind-the-back pass to Paul Coffey who scored to make it a 3-1 game. From that point on, Edmonton never looked back, going on to win the game 8-3.

  3. 1991 Tikkanen scores in Game 7 OT vs. Calgary
    4.
    Video: Tikkanen's goal
    Audio: Tikkanen's goal

    The Oilers had not faced the Calgary Flames in the Stanley Cup Playoffs since the 1986 Smythe Division Final, during which they were bounced in seven games.

    This time around the series also went to seven games. Edmonton led the series three games to one but Calgary wins in Game 5 and 6 forced a seventh and deciding game.

    In Game 7, Edmonton did a comeback of their own. Trailing in the game 3-0, the Oilers battled back to tie it up at 4-4. In OT, Esa Tikkanen scored to earn the Oilers a playoff victory over their provincial rivals. 

  4. 1997 Joseph robs Nieuwendyk in Game 7 OT
    5.
    Video: Joseph's save
    Audio: Joseph's save

    After four years out of the playoffs, the Edmonton Oilers returned to the postseason in 1997 to face off against the Dallas Stars.

    Goaltender Curtis Joseph was outstanding throughout the seven-game series but he was particularly brilliant in Game 7, making 38 saves to lead the Oilers to the 4-3 overtime win.

    However, no save was more important than the one he made during OT on Joe Nieuwendyk.

  5. 1997 Marchant beats Dallas in Game 7 OT
    6.
    Video: Marchant's winner
    Audio: Marchant's winner

    Joseph's save on Nieuwendyk set the stage minutes later for one of the most dramatic overtime goals in franchise history.

    Todd Marchant took a feed from Doug Weight and used his speed to create separation. He scored on the breakaway, leading the Oilers to the upset victory.

    After the goal, you can hear the celebrations of Oilers execs Glen Sather and Doug Risebrough as they sat in the booth right next to Rod Phillips.