On this day in 1985, Wayne Gretzky delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances in NHL history, recording a hat trick and adding four assists as the Edmonton Oilers defeated the Winnipeg Jets 8–3 to complete a first-round sweep. Gretzky finished the series with an incredible 13 points in just three games, setting the tone for what would become another championship run for Edmonton.

The Winnipeg Jets entered the 1984–85 season as a competitive but overmatched team in the Smythe Division, which also featured the powerhouse Oilers and Calgary Flames. Winnipeg finished the regular season with a 43–27–10 record, earning 96 points and securing a playoff berth. 

Winnipeg was led by Dale Hawerchuk, one of the league’s brightest young stars, who recorded 130 points that season. Hawerchuk was supported by strong cast of forwards like Paul MacLean, who scored 41 goals, and Thomas Steen, who would go on to set several franchise records with the Jets over his career.

Despite their solid roster and strong regular season, Winnipeg faced a daunting challenge in the playoffs against Gretzky’s Oilers, who were at the height of their dynasty. The Oilers went on to dominate the 1985 Stanley Cup Playoffs, eventually defeating the Philadelphia Flyers in five games to capture the Stanley Cup. 

Gretzky was once again at the center of it all, finishing the postseason with 47 points in 18 games and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP.