The 1988 Stanley Cup playoffs, the playoff tournament of the National Hockey League (NHL), began on April 6, after the conclusion of the 1987–88 NHL season. It concluded on May 26, with the defending champion Edmonton Oilers defeating the Boston Bruins to win their second straight Stanley Cup and fourth in five years. The Stanley Cup The Presidents' Trophy winning Calgary Flames had home ice advantage during the playoffs thanks in part to Edmonton's struggles without Wayne Gretzky, who missed 16 games due to injury. The Oilers, who had won the Cup in three of the previous four seasons, were still thought to have a good chance at repeating with Gretzky's return. The clash between the Flames and Oilers in the Smythe Division Final was highly anticipated. The New Jersey Devils made the playoffs for the first time since their move from Denver, winning in overtime at Chicago Stadium on the season's final day to edge the New York Rangers for the Patrick Division's fourth spot. This was only the second time they made the playoffs including their Colorado and Kansas City days. The 1988 playoffs most notable moment was the cancellation of game four of the finals in Boston after fog issues, a result of high heat and the subsequent building power outage resulted in the game being canceled outright with the result not counting, yet the league retained player stats from the game. The series would move directly on to Edmonton. Gretzky would go on to set NHL playoff records with 31 assists in 18 games and 13 points in the Stanley Cup Finals. Clarence Campbell Conference Norris Division Detroit Red Wings, Norris Division champions – 93 points St. Louis Blues – 76 points Chicago Blackhawks – 69 points Toronto Maple Leafs – 52 points (the lowest point total for any playoff qualifier, minimum 70 games played) (N2) St. Louis Blues vs. (N3) Chicago Blackhawks This was the fifth playoff series between the Blackhawks and Blues. Chicago won all four previous meetings, including their most recent meeting 3–1 in the 1983 Norris Division Semifinals. April 6 Chicago Blackhawks 1–4 St. Louis Blues St. Louis Arena Recap April 7 Chicago Blackhawks 2–3 St. Louis Blues St. Louis Arena Recap April 9 St. Louis Blues 3–6 Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Stadium Recap April 10 St. Louis Blues 6–5 Chicago Blackhawks Chicago Stadium Recap April 12 Chicago Blackhawks 3–5 St. Louis Blues St. Louis Arena Recap St. Louis won series 4–1