The 1987–88 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins' 64th season. The season involved participating in the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals.

Off-season

NHL draft

Boston's draft picks at the 1987 NHL entry draft held at the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit.

Regular season

The season will forever be remembered when on the night Phil Esposito's number 7 would retire, captain Ray Bourque went from wearing uniform number 7 to wearing uniform number 77. Bourque would wear that number until the end of his career. This occurred on December 3, 1987. As for the game, the Bruins beat the New York Rangers 4–3, in which Esposito was the General Manager.

Final standings

Record vs. opponents

Schedule and results

Player statistics

Regular season

Playoffs

Playoffs

Adams Division semifinals

Buffalo Sabres vs. Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins were led by team co-captains Ray Bourque, Rick Middleton and the goaltending duo of Rejean Lemelin and the newly acquired Andy Moog. The Buffalo Sabres returned to the playoffs thanks to added depth provided by rookie Ray Sheppard. Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–2.

Adams Division finals

Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens The Wales Conference's two best teams, and the NHL's two best defensive teams, met in this series with equal rest time. The Habs had beaten Boston in the Adams Division Semi-finals four years in a row, sweeping the Bruins in three of the past four seasons, and beating them 3–2 in a best-of-five the other year. This time, the Bruins' defence would wear down Montreal, as Ken Linseman, Ray Bourque and Cam Neely provided the offence to finally conquer the Canadiens. It was the first Bruins' playoff series win over the Habs in 44 seasons. Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–1.

Prince of Wales Conference finals

New Jersey Devils vs. Boston Bruins The Devils would take Boston to the limit, but their offense could not compete with the Bruins, who would make their first appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals since consecutive appearances in 1976–77 and 1977–78. This series would also have the infamous confrontation between Devils head coach Jim Schoenfeld and referee Don Koharski after Game 3, when, during an argument in the tunnel after the game, Koharski tripped and fell, accusing Schoenfield of pushing him. Schoenfield famously responded, "You tripped and fell you fat pig!" He then yelled, "Have another doughnut! Have another doughnut!" The incident was played repeatedly on ESPN and has become part of NHL lore. Schonefeld was suspended by NHL president John Ziegler for Game 4, but the Devils received an injunction from a New Jersey court, allowing Schoenfeld to coach the fourth game. In protest, the officials scheduled to work that game in the Meadlowands refused to take the ice, forcing the NHL to scramble for amateur officials to call the contest. The injunction was lifted and Schoenfeld served his suspension during Game 5 in the Boston Garden. Boston wins best-of-seven series 4–3.

Stanley Cup Finals

Boston Bruins vs. Edmonton Oilers Edmonton wins best-of-seven series 4–0–1.

Awards and records