NHL History: Edmonton Oilers Mark Messier sets playoff record with ninth career shorthanded goal

Edmonton Oilers forward Mark Messier set a playoff record today in 1987 by scoring his ninth shorthanded goal.

The tally came in game three of the 1987 Stanley Cup finals against the Philadelphia Flyers. Edmonton had jumped out to a 2-0 series lead, but fell in game three.

Messier’s shorthanded goal came in the first period at the 4:14 mark on a breakaway that was assisted by Craig MacTavish. Edmonton continued building on their lead as Paul Coffey scored with nine seconds left in the first, before Glenn Anderson notched a powerplay tally 1:49 in the second frame.

Edmonton, however, relished their lead and coughed up five goals as the Flyers stole game three 5-3. The Oilers went on to win the series in seven games.

Messier, Wayne Gretzky and Ed Westfall of the New York Islanders had previously shared the playoff shorthanded goal record.

To this day, Messier still holds the shorthanded playoff goal record with 14.

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