NHL Playoffs : Oilers Rout Chicago, 11-2, Tie Record

So much for theories.

There was the theory that a nine-day layoff might cause the Edmonton Oilers to be a bit rusty. And the theory that quick and easy playoff victories over the Kings and the Winnipeg Jets might give the Chicago Black Hawks a chance.

The Oilers tied an NHL playoff record for goals in one game when they routed the Black Hawks, 11-2, Saturday night. Edmonton tied the record established by the Montreal Canadiens in an 11-0 win over Toronto in 1944.

Game 2 of the best-of-seven Campbell Conference final series will be Tuesday night in this city in Alberta.

“I didn’t think we would come out that strong,” defenseman Paul Coffey said of the 19-shot, three-goal showing in the first period. “I knew the practices late in the week were like games, but that first period surprised me.”

Glenn Anderson, Charlie Huddy and Jari Kurri each had two goals and an assist and Wayne Gretzky had a goal and three assists.

Coffey, Mark Napier, Willy Lindstrom and Pat Hughes also scored for Edmonton.

“It seemed like Anderson scored while she (Anne Mortifee) was singing the national anthem,” said Chicago goalie Murray Bannerman.

Anderson gave Edmonton a 1-0 after only 5:48, and Huddy made it 2-0 at 10:09. Ken Yaremchuk’s goal at 12:36 cut the Oiler lead to 2-1, but Paul Coffey responded at 18:25 to make it 3-1. Kurri and Mark Napier scored early in the second period and the romp was on.