1983 Stanley Cup playoffs

In the Wales Conference, the Patrick Division champion Philadelphia Flyers was upset by the New York Rangers in the first round in a three-game sweep.

In the Adams Division, the first place Boston Bruins defeated the Quebec Nordiques and the Buffalo Sabres (who swept the Canadiens in their opening round series) in seven to advance to the Conference Final.

In the Campbell Conference, the Smythe Division first seed Edmonton Oilers swept the Winnipeg Jets in the opening round and defeated the Calgary Flames (who defeated the Vancouver Canucks three games to one in the opening round) in the Smythe Final.

Home-ice advantage during the first two rounds was awarded to the team that had the better regular season record.

Home-ice advantage for the conference finals had been determined by coin flips[1] prior to the start of the previous season.

That event determined that home-ice advantage were granted to champions of the Adams and Smythe divisions this season.

Similarly, a puck flip determined that home-ice advantage for the Stanley Cup finals would be granted to Campbell Conference champion this season.

This was a rematch of the previous year's Adams Division Finals, in which Quebec won in seven games.

This was a rematch of last year's Smythe Division Semifinals, in which Vancouver won in a three-game sweep.

Rick Middleton set an NHL record for most points in one series with 19 (5 goals and 14 assists).

Brad Park scored the game-winner in game seven on a slapshot off a rebound of his own shot just seconds earlier.

New York made their fourth consecutive and overall Stanley Cup Finals appearance; they won in the previous year sweeping the Vancouver Canucks in four games.