1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, AFC: Buffalo Bills 17, Houston Oilers 10
In the third quarter, Houston got another scoring opportunity when defensive back Tracey Eaton intercepted a pass from Kelly on the Bills 47-yard line. Moon led his team inside the 5-yard line, but after an errant pitchout lost 12 yards, Zendejas missed a 31-yard field goal attempt. Following an exchange of punts, Buffalo drove 59 yards in six plays, with Kelly completing a pass to Chris Burkett for 26 yards and rushing for 10 yards, to score on rookie running back Thurman Thomas' 11-yard touchdown run. Near the end of the quarter, Kelly's 55-yard completion to Andre Reed gave the Bills a first down on the Houston 2-yard line. But the Oilers defense made a big goal line stand, keeping them out of the end zone for four consecutive plays to force a turnover on downs.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, AFC: Buffalo Bills 17, Houston Oilers 10
Two plays after the turnover, Buffalo defensive back Mark Kelso intercepted a pass from Moon and returned it 28 yards to the Oilers 18-yard line, setting up Norwood's 27-yard field goal to increase their lead to 17–3. Buffalo's defense forced another turnover on Houston's ensuing drive when Derrick Burroughs recovered a fumble from receiver Haywood Jeffires on the Oilers 26-yard line. The Bills now had a chance to put the game away, but Norwood hit the uprights on a 36-yard field goal attempt.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, AFC: Buffalo Bills 17, Houston Oilers 10
Moon then completed four passes, including a 29-yarder to receiver Leonard Harris, on a 9-play, 80-yard drive. A pass interference penalty on Burroughs in the end zone moved the ball to the Bills 1, and running back Mike Rozier ran it in from there, cutting the score to 17–10 with just over five minutes left in the game. The Oilers subsequently forced a punt at the two-minute warning, but Steve Tasker forced a fumble while tackling wide receiver Curtis Duncan during the punt return, and linebacker Ray Bentley recovered the ball, allowing Buffalo to run out the clock.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, AFC: Buffalo Bills 17, Houston Oilers 10
This was the first postseason meeting between the Oilers and Bills.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 34, Minnesota Vikings 9
San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana threw for 178 yards and three touchdowns to wide receiver Jerry Rice, while running back Roger Craig rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns and defensive back Ronnie Lott added two interceptions. Overall, the 49ers gained 376 yards, including 201 on the ground, while holding the Vikings to 262 yards and sacking quarterback Wade Wilson six times. 49ers defensive end Larry Roberts had 2.5 sacks.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 34, Minnesota Vikings 9
Minnesota scored first on a 51-yard, 12-play drive that ended with Chuck Nelson's 47-yard field goal. But later in the quarter, John Taylor's 14-yard punt return and a penalty against Minnesota's Sam Anno gave the 49ers the ball on the Vikings 48, setting up Montana's first touchdown pass to Rice on a 2-yard toss. On the next series, Lott's interception gave San Francisco a first down on the Minnesota 30-yard line.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 34, Minnesota Vikings 9
Rice started off their drive with a 21-yard run on a double reverse play, and eventually caught a 4-yard touchdown pass that gave the 49ers a 14–3 lead in the second quarter. Rice added a third touchdown reception with 38 seconds left in the half, increasing the team's lead to 21–3.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 34, Minnesota Vikings 9
The Vikings scored on their first possession of the second half with Wilson's 5-yard pass to Hassan Jones, but Nelson missed the extra point and the team would get no closer than 21–9. In the fourth quarter, Craig finished off an 80-yard drive with a 4-yard touchdown run, and scored on an NFL postseason record 80-yard touchdown run on the 49ers' next drive.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Divisional playoffs, Sunday, January 1, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 34, Minnesota Vikings 9
This was the third postseason meeting between the Vikings and 49ers. Both teams split the first two meetings.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
Before the game began, a controversy arose over Cincinnati's no-huddle offense. Bills coach Marv Levy criticized the strategy as against the rules, as it was done with intent to deceive. There was suggestion that the Bills might counter this by simulating injuries in order to stop the clock, as the Seahawks were alleged to have done against the Bengals. However, Levy stated that the Bills would not do so. The NFL stated beforehand that neither action would result in a penalty. Prior to the game, both Levy and Cincinnati coach Sam Wyche told reporters that they did not believe that the other would behave unethically.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
The Bengals forced three interceptions, and allowed only 45 rushing yards and 136 passing yards, while their offense held the ball for 39:29. Bills starting running back Thurman Thomas was held to just six yards on four carries, while quarterback Jim Kelly completed only 14 of 30 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown, with three interceptions. The Bills had only 10 first downs, one more than the AFC Championship record for the fewest ever, and failed to convert any of their 10 third down conversion attempts.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
Just like their previous game, the Bengals did not get much of a performance from NFL MVP Boomer Esiason, who completed only 11 of 20 passes for 94 yards, with a touchdown and two interceptions. But once again, their running game was able to pick up the slack, gaining 175 yards on the ground, 102 yards and two touchdowns coming from fullback Ickey Woods.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
Buffalo started their first drive on their 46-yard line, but it ended with an interception by Bengals cornerback Lewis Billups. On the next play, Esiason's 29-yard run moved the team into scoring range. However, they also came up empty when Esiason's pass was intercepted by Bills linebacker Ray Bentley. Later on, Cincinnati took a 7–0 lead in the first quarter after defensive back Eric Thomas' 26-yard interception return to the Bills 4-yard line set up Woods' 1-yard touchdown run.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
However, a 15-yard unnecessary roughness penalty against Bengals running back Stanley Wilson (one of six personal foul penalties in the game, two by the Bengals and four by the Bills) after the touchdown was assessed on the ensuing kickoff, and Buffalo ended up getting the ball with good field position with Ronnie Harmon's 22-yard return to the 43-yard line.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
Kelly subsequently led the Bills back with four consecutive completions, starting out with a pair of throws to receiver Andre Reed for gains of nine and 19 yards and then hooking up with Trumaine Johnson for a 22-yard gain to the Bengals 9-yard line. On the next play, Kelly found Reed in the right corner of the end zone for a touchdown pass to tie the game.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
Following a punt, Buffalo drove to the Bengals 26-yard line, only to have Scott Norwood miss a 43-yard field goal attempt. The Bengals then took over and stormed down the field on an 11-play, 74-yard drive, including a 16-yard run by Woods, to score on Esiason's 10-yard touchdown pass to running back James Brooks. Later on, Bills defensive back Mark Kelso intercepted a pass from Esiason and returned it 25 yards to the Bengals 29-yard line, setting up a 39-yard field goal by Norwood to cut the Bills deficit to 14–10 by halftime.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
The Bengals took over the game in the second half, forcing Buffalo to start all of their drives from inside their own 23-yard line as they held the ball for only 9:04, totaling 53 yards, two first downs, and no points. On their first three drives of the second half, the Bills totaled −12 yards. Midway through the third quarter, Cincinnati punter Lee Johnson pinned the Bills at their own 1-yard line with a 58-yard kick. Buffalo then went three-and-out, and Bengals receiver Ira Hillary returned John Kidd's 50-yard punt 15 yards to the Bills 40.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
Three plays into their ensuing drive, Cincinnati faced fourth down and 4. Wilson ran six yards for a first down on a fake punt, enabling the Bengals to keep driving for a clutch score. Later in the drive, Bills defensive back Derrick Burroughs was ejected from the game for striking receiver Tim McGee in the head, turning what would have been a third and goal from the 8 into a first and goal from the 4-yard line, and Cincinnati ended up scoring with Woods' 1-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth quarter, increasing their lead to 21–10. The Bills later managed a drive to the Bengals 18-yard line, but safety David Fulcher picked off a desperate fourth-down pass from Kelly in the end zone.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
The Bills would not lose another game to the Bengals until Week 4 of the 2011 NFL season.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, AFC: Cincinnati Bengals 21, Buffalo Bills 10
This was the second postseason meeting between the Bills and Bengals. Cincinnati won the only previous meeting.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 28, Chicago Bears 3
Despite playing in a game-time temperature of 17 °F, a wind chill of −26 °F, and wind gusts up to 30 MPH, the 49ers scored a touchdown in every quarter and gained 406 total yards of offense while limiting Chicago quarterback Jim McMahon to just 121 passing yards with no touchdowns and an interception. Chicago only made it inside the San Francisco 40-yard line twice during the entire NFC Championship game.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 28, Chicago Bears 3
San Francisco quarterback Joe Montana threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns, including completing nine of 15 passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. After the first five possessions of the game ended in punts, the 49ers faced a third and long from their own 39-yard line. Despite the high winds, Montana was able to throw a long pass to Rice, who, despite double coverage from Bears defenders Mike Richardson and Todd Krumm, was able to catch the pass and outrun both defenders to score a 61-yard touchdown.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 28, Chicago Bears 3
Midway through the second quarter, 49ers defensive back Jeff Fuller intercepted a pass from McMahon on the San Francisco 36, and the team moved the ball 64 yards on a drive that included Rice's 20-yard catch and Tom Rathman's 12-yard run on third and 10. Montana finished the series with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Rice in which he caught a low slant pass in stride and scored untouched. Chicago responded with a 25-yard field goal by Kevin Butler. Then defensive back Vestee Jackson recovered a fumble from receiver John Taylor on the Bears 18-yard line with 2:45 left in the half. Chicago subsequently advanced to the 49ers 47, but on third down, cornerback Don Griffin tackled Neal Anderson for a 5-yard loss and forced a punt.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 28, Chicago Bears 3
In the third quarter, the 49ers marched 78 yards, including a 17-yard reception by Rice, to score on Montana's 5-yard touchdown pass to tight end John Frank. San Francisco's final score was Rathman's 4-yard touchdown run.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 28, Chicago Bears 3
Rice finished the game with five receptions for 133 yards and two touchdowns. Fuller had an interception and 10 tackles, while linebacker Michael Walter had 11. This was San Francisco's first playoff win on the road since the 1970 season. It was also the first time an NFC team won a conference title on the road since 1979.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Conference Championships, Sunday, January 8, 1989, NFC: San Francisco 49ers 28, Chicago Bears 3
This was the second postseason meeting between the 49ers and Bears. San Francisco won the only prior meeting.


1988–89 NFL playoffs, Super Bowl XXIII: San Francisco 49ers 20, Cincinnati Bengals 16
This was the second Super Bowl meeting between the Bengals and 49ers. San Francisco won the only prior meeting.


1988–89 NHL season
The 1988–89 NHL season was the 72nd season of the National Hockey League. The Calgary Flames won an all-Canadian Stanley Cup final against the Montreal Canadiens four games to two. This remains the last time two Canadian teams faced each other for the Stanley Cup.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
This year saw the start of Wayne Gretzky's tenure with the Los Angeles Kings, having been traded in the off-season after leading the Edmonton Oilers to the 1988 Stanley Cup. Coinciding with Gretzky's acquisition, the team also changed its uniforms and colours for 1988–89, scrapping the purple and gold associated with its co-tenant at the Great Western Forum, the NBA's Los Angeles Lakers, in favour of black and silver. Gretzky's presence signaled a dramatic on-ice turnaround for the Kings.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
Prior to his arrival via trade with the Edmonton Oilers on August 9, 1988, Los Angeles had the fourth-worst record in the NHL at 30 wins, 42 losses, and 8 ties. After Gretzky's first season with the Kings, however, they moved all the way up to fourth-best in the NHL, with a record of 42 wins, 31 losses, and 7 ties for 91 points. They also managed to defeat Gretzky's former team, the Oilers, in seven games in the Smythe Division Semifinal before falling victim to a four-game sweep at the hands of the eventual Cup champion Flames in the Division Final.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
Four years after Andy Van Hellemond became the first on-ice official to wear a helmet, the NHL also made helmets mandatory for its officials like it did with its players in 1979; like the ruling for players, any official that was not wearing a helmet before the ruling could also go helmetless if they so desired.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
Mario Lemieux of the Pittsburgh Penguins won the Art Ross Trophy for the second consecutive season, leading the league with 199 points and recording all three of his eight point games in his career, with one of them happening during the playoffs. Lemieux remains the only player other than Gretzky to approach the 200 point plateau (Gretzky surpassed the 200 point mark four times in five years during the 1980s).


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
This was the only season that there were four players that scored 150 or more points; Gretzky tallied 168, while Steve Yzerman and Bernie Nicholls totalled 155 and 150 points, respectively. This was also the only time that two teammates, Gretzky and Nicholls of the Los Angeles Kings, had hit the 150 point mark. Narrowly edging out Lemieux, Gretzky won his ninth Hart Memorial Trophy as the league's MVP, while Yzerman finished third in the balloting. Yzerman was voted by his fellow players as the NHLPA MVP, taking the Lester B. Pearson Award.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
New York Rangers rookie Brian Leetch broke the record for goals by a rookie defenceman with 23. He finished that season with 71 points and easily captured the Calder Memorial Trophy.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
On March 22, an incident took place in Buffalo during a game between the Buffalo Sabres and the St. Louis Blues. During a goalmouth collision between the Blues' Steve Tuttle and the Sabres' Uwe Krupp, Tuttle's skate blade slashed the throat of Buffalo goaltender Clint Malarchuk, severing the latter's jugular vein. Thanks to some timely action by Sabres trainer and former US Army Vietnam War veteran Jim Pizzutelli, Malarchuk quickly received treatment and was released from the hospital the next day. He returned to action 10 days later.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season
This was the first season that every NHL arena had full rink board advertisements.


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season, Final standings
Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, GF= Goals For, GA = Goals Against, Pts = Points


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season, Final standings, Clarence Campbell Conference
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals against


1988–89 NHL season, Regular season, Final standings, Clarence Campbell Conference
Note: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


1988–89 NHL season, Playoffs
The 1989 Stanley Cup Final featured two Canadian hockey teams, the Montreal Canadiens and the Calgary Flames. Montreal finished the regular season with 115 points, only two behind the league leader Calgary. They had last faced each other only three years earlier, with Montreal winning a five-game series in 1986.


1988–89 NHL season, Playoffs
Calgary was only the second opposing team in NHL history to win a Stanley Cup at the Montreal Forum (the New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Maroons in 1928) and the first to do so against the Canadiens, marking the first time since 1983 that the Stanley Cup wasn't awarded in the province of Alberta.


1988–89 NHL season, Playoffs, Stanley Cup Finals
The Stanley Cup Finals was decided between the top two teams during the 1988–89 NHL regular season. Co -captain Lanny McDonald scored the second Flames goal in Game 6. This turned out to be the last goal in his Hockey Hall of Fame career as he retired during the following off-season. Doug Gilmour scored two goals in the third period, including the eventual game and Cup winner to cement the victory for the Flames.


1988–89 NHL season, Player statistics, Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points, PIM = Penalties in minutes, PPG = Powerplay Goals, SHG = Shorthanded Goals, GWG = Game Winning Goals


1988–89 NHL season, Player statistics, Leading goaltenders
GP = Games played; Min = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average; Sv% = Save percentage


1988–89 NHL season, Milestones, Debuts
The following is a list of players of note who played their first NHL game in 1988–89 (listed with their first team, asterisk(*) marks debut in playoffs):


1988–89 NHL season, Milestones, Last games
The following is a list of players of note that played their last game in the NHL in 1988–89 (listed with their last team):


1988–89 NHL season, Milestones, Firsts
Ron Hextall, Philadelphia Flyers, First goaltender to score a goal in post-season.


1988–89 NK Hajduk Split season
The 1988–89 season was the 78th season in Hajduk Split’s history and their 43rd in the Yugoslav First League. Their 13th place finish in the 1987–88 season meant it was their 43rd successive season playing in the Yugoslav First League.


1988–89 NK Hajduk Split season, Notes
1. Data for league attendance in most cases reflects the number of sold tickets and may not be indicative of the actual attendance.


1988–89 NK Rijeka season
The 1988–89 season was the 43rd season in Rijeka's history and their 27th season in the Yugoslav First League. Their 8th place finish in the 1987–88 season meant it was their 15th successive season playing in the Yugoslav First League.


1988–89 NK Rijeka season, Matches, Squad statistics
Competitive matches only. Appearances in brackets indicate numbers of times the player came on as a substitute.


1988–89 NK Rijeka season, Notes
1. Data for league attendance in most cases reflects the number of sold tickets and may not be indicative of the actual attendance.


1988–89 NTFL season
The 1988/89 NTFL season was the 68th season of the Northern Territory Football League (NTFL).


1988–89 NTFL season
Darwin have won there 22nd premiership title while defeating the Wanderers Eagles in the grand final by 14 points.


1988–89 NTFL season
St Marys were undefeated through the whole season. But they were terminated in the final series in a big upset.


1988–89 National Division One
The 1988–89 Courage League National Division One was the second season of the first tier of the English league system currently known as the Aviva Premiership.


1988–89 National Division One
Bath became champions for the first time winning the league by a convincing margin from runners–up Gloucester. Waterloo and Liverpool St.Helens finished in the bottom two and were relegated to the 1989–90 Courage League National Division Two.


1988–89 National Division One, Sponsorship
National Division One is part of the Courage Clubs Championship and is sponsored by Courage Brewery


1988–89 National Football League (Ireland)
The 1988–89 National Football League, known for sponsorship reasons as the Royal Liver National Football League, was the 58th staging of the National Football League (NFL), an annual Gaelic football tournament for the Gaelic Athletic Association county teams of Ireland.


1988–89 National Football League (Ireland)
Cork beat Dublin in the "home" final and went on to win the two-legged final against New York. Colman Corrigan was injured in New York and so missed the All-Ireland championship.


1988–89 National Football League (Ireland), Format, Round-Robin Format
Each team played every other team in its division (or group where the division is split) once, either home or away.


1988–89 National Football League (Ireland), Format, Points awarded
2 points were awarded for a win and 1 for a draw.


1988–89 National Football League (Ireland), Format, Titles
Teams in all three divisions competed for the National Football League title.


1988–89 National Football League (Ireland), Format, Knockout phase structure
The final match-up is: Winner Semi-final 1 v Winner Semi-final 2.


1988–89 National Football League (Ireland), Format, Separation of teams on equal points
In the event that teams finish on equal points, then a play-off will be used to determine group placings if necessary, i.e. where to decide relegation places or quarter-finalists.


1988–89 National Hurling League
The 1988–89 National Hurling League, known for sponsorship reasons as the Royal Liver National Hurling League, was the 58th season of the National Hurling League (NHL), an annual hurling competition for the GAA county teams. It was won by Galway. This season was notable as the first to hold both semi-finals and the final at Croke Park, giving the League additional prestige.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 1
Tipperary came into the season as defending champions of the 1987-88 season. Antrim and Offaly entered Division 1 as the two promoted teams.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 1
On 30 April 1989, Galway won the title after a 2-16 to 4-8 win over Tipperary. It was their first league title since 1987 and their fifth National League title overall.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 1
Waterford were the first team to be relegated after losing all of but one of their group stage games, while Offaly suffered the same fate after losing a series of play-off games with Antrim and Wexford.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 2
Clare, Cork, Derry and Meath entered Division 2 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 2
On 12 March 1989, Dublin secured the title following a 3-7 to 1-3 win over Cork in the final round of the group stage. Cork secured promotion to Division 1 as the second-placed team.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 3
Down, Longford and Roscommon entered Division 3 as the promoted and relegated teams from the previous season.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 3
On 12 March 1989, Down secured the title following a 7-5 to 1-9 win over Kildare in the final round of the group stage. Carlow secured promotion to Division 1 as the second-placed team.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 4
Tyrone entered Division 4 as the relegated team from the previous season.


1988–89 National Hurling League, Division 4
On 7 May 1989, Monaghan secured the title following a 4-7 to 1-9 win over Louth in the league final.


1988–89 Nationale 1A season
The 1988–89 Nationale 1A season was the 68th season of the Nationale 1A, the top level of ice hockey in France. 10 teams participated in the league, and Français Volants won their third league title. Bordeaux Gironde Hockey 2000 was relegated to the Nationale 1B.


1988–89 Nationalliga A
The 1988–89 Nationalliga A (Swiss National League A) was contested by 12 teams and won by FC Lucerne.


1988–89 Nationalliga A season
The 1988–89 NLA season was the 51st regular season of the Nationalliga A, the main professional ice hockey league in Switzerland.


1988–89 Nationalliga A season, Regular season, Scoring leaders
Note: G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points


1988–89 Nationalliga A season, Playoffs, Scoring leaders
Note: G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points


1988–89 Nemzeti Bajnokság I, Overview
16 teams participated and Budapest Honvéd FC won the championship.


1988–89 New Jersey Devils season
The 1988–89 New Jersey Devils season, was the franchise's fifteenth season, seventh as the Devils. After appearing in the playoffs the previous season, the Devils finished in fifth place in the Patrick Division to miss the playoffs for the thirteenth time in franchise history.


1988–89 New Jersey Devils season, Regular season, Season standings
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals againstNote: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


1988–89 New Jersey Devils season, Playoffs
The 1988–89 season was a disappointing one for the Devils. Just a year after their Cinderella 1987–88 campaign in which they fell one win short of reaching the Stanley Cup Final, the team failed to make the playoffs altogether, managing only a fifth-place finish in the Patrick Division with a roster largely intact from the previous season.


1988–89 New Jersey Devils season, Player statistics, Forwards
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes


1988–89 New Jersey Devils season, Player statistics, Defencemen
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in minutes


1988–89 New Jersey Devils season, Player statistics, Goaltending
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals against average


1988–89 New Jersey Devils season, Draft picks
The Devils' draft picks at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.


1988–89 New Jersey Nets season
The 1988–89 New Jersey Nets season was the Nets' 13th season in the NBA.


1988–89 New York Islanders season
The 1988–89 New York Islanders season was the 17th season for the franchise in the National Hockey League (NHL). It saw the Islanders finish in last place in the Patrick Division with a record of 28 wins, 47 losses, and 5 ties for 61 points. They missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in 15 seasons.


1988–89 New York Islanders season, Regular season, Final standings
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals againstNote: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


1988–89 New York Islanders season, Playoffs
In 1988–89, the Islanders failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the 1973–74 season. This broke a streak of 14 consecutive playoff appearances for the team, which included four straight Stanley Cup championships from 1980 to 1983.


1988–89 New York Islanders season, Player statistics, Forwards
Note: GP= Games played; G= Goals; AST= Assists; PTS = Points; PIM = Points


1988–89 New York Islanders season, Player statistics, Defencemen
Note: GP= Games played; G= Goals; AST= Assists; PTS = Points; PIM = Points


1988–89 New York Islanders season, Player statistics, Goaltending
Note: GP= Games played; W= Wins; L= Losses; T = Ties; SO = Shutouts; GAA = Goals Against


1988–89 New York Islanders season, Draft picks
New York's draft picks at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec.


1988–89 New York Knicks season
The 1988–89 New York Knicks season was the 43rd season for the team in the National Basketball Association (NBA). During the offseason, the Knicks acquired Charles Oakley from the Chicago Bulls. In the regular season, the Knicks had a 52–30 record and won the Atlantic Division for the first time since 1970–71. New York swept the Philadelphia 76ers in the opening round of the playoffs to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals, where the team lost to the Bulls in six games. Mark Jackson and Patrick Ewing were selected to play in the 1989 NBA All-Star Game.


1988–89 New York Knicks season
Following the season, second-year head coach Rick Pitino left the team to coach at the University of Kentucky.


1988–89 New York Rangers season
The 1988–89 New York Rangers season was the Rangers' 63rd season. The team returned to the playoffs for the 11th time in 12 seasons. A major storyline of the season was Guy Lafleur's comeback from retirement.


1988–89 New York Rangers season, Regular season, Guy Lafleur
After being inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame, Guy Lafleur returned to the NHL during the 1988–89 with the New York Rangers. Lafleur remained one of the few players that did not wear protective helmets due to the Grandfather clause. A highlight of Lafleur's season was the opportunity to be on the same team with Marcel Dionne. During his first game back in the Montreal Forum, he scored twice against Patrick Roy during the Rangers' 7–5 loss to the Canadiens. Although his high-scoring days were well behind him, his stint with the Rangers was moderately successful and he helped the team to first place in the Patrick Division until being knocked out by a knee injury. The Rangers would finish the season in third place.


1988–89 New York Rangers season, Regular season, Season standings
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals againstNote: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


1988–89 New York Rangers season, Player statistics
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining Rangers. Stats reflect time with Rangers only. ‡Traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with Rangers only.


1988–89 New York Rangers season, Roster, Forwards
Tomas Sandstrom, Ulf Dahlen, Lucien DeBlois, John Ogrodnick, Jan Erixon, Chris Nilan, Brian Mullen, Paul Cyr, Tony Granato, Kelly Kisio (captain), Carey Wilson, Marcel Dionne, Don Maloney.


1988–89 New York Rangers season, Roster, Defencemen
Michel Petit, Mark Hardy, David Shaw, Norm MacIver, Normand Rochefort


1988–89 New York Rangers season, Draft picks
New York's picks at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft in Montreal, Quebec, Canada at the Montreal Forum.


1988–89 Newcastle United F.C. season
This is the current revision of this page, as edited by John of Reading (talk | contribs) at 08:49, 13 April 2020 (→top: Typo/general fixes, replaced: teams fortunes → team's fortunes). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this version.


1988–89 Newcastle United F.C. season
During the 1988-89 season, Newcastle United participated in the Football League First Division. During the summer the club invested heavily in their squad, attempting to offset the loss of rising star Paul Gascoigne to Spurs for a then club record fee. F.A. Cup winners Dave Beasant and Andy Thorn were signed for £850,000 each, Scotsmen John Robertson and John Hendrie joined for similar fees as the club spent the £2.2 million it received for Gascoigne.


1988–89 Newcastle United F.C. season
The loss of Gascoigne proved to be the straw that broke the camel's back so soon after selling star players Peter Beardsley and Chris Waddle, and promising youngster Michael O'Neill, struggling with loss of form and injuries along with enigmatic Brazilian Mirandinha were in and out of the team all season.


1988–89 Newcastle United F.C. season
This season saw Newcastle United relegated to the Football League Second Division, finishing bottom of the division after a horrible season in which the team changed manager 2 months into the season. Manager Willie McFaul was sacked after a 3-0 home defeat which came exactly a week after the team had beaten current League Champions Liverpool at Anfield. New manager Jim Smith, who struggled to change the team's fortunes, set about 'Wheeling and dealing' that saw many changes to the squad. Out went big money new signings Beasant and Robertson to be replaced by unknown Northern Irishman keeper Tommy Wright and ex-patriate striker Rob MacDonald. Other signings included ex-England international Kenny Sansom, experienced right back Ray Ranson and Danish pair Bjørn Kristensen and Frank Pingel.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season
The 1988–89 season was the first season played in the Football Conference by Newport County since their relegation from the Football League at the end of the 1987–88 season. The club failed to fulfil their fixtures and were expelled from the Conference midway through the season.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Season review
Newport County were relegated from the Fourth Division of the Football League following a 6–0 defeat to Bolton Wanderers in April 1988. The majority of the first team players had been sold to secure the club's future as the team finished the campaign fielding players from their youth sides. Due to their financial plight, speculation was also raised that the club would drop out of the English league system and move onto the Welsh leagues, although this was dismissed by secretary Keith Saunders.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Season review
Eddie May was appointed as the club's new manager in July, but resigned from his position before the season started when the club failed to meet a deadline issued by the High Court to repay £23,000 to the landlords of Somerton Park. May had also been promised an 18-man, full-time playing squad on his arrival but had grown discontent over the failure to sign players. John Mahoney was appointed in his place, while Somerton Park was repossessed by Newport City Council on 4 August. American businessman Jerry Sherman arrived at the club soon after and was appointed chairman, having paid off the outstanding £23,000 as well as a further £80,000 of other debts the club had accumulated. The payments allowed the club to retake possession of Somerton Park, despite the resistance of the council.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Season review
Newport's first match of the season was against Stafford Rangers on 20 August. Due to the uncertainty of the club's future, the Conference had discussed plans to expel the side before the season had started and their opening fixture was not confirmed to be played until 11am of the morning of the match. The first team had played only one pre-season friendly ahead of the season and suffered a 3–0 defeat. The match was also marred by crowd trouble as the 100 travelling Newport fans clashed with police.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Season review
The team were forced to wear kits leftover from the previous campaign, having failed to acquire new ones, while goalkeeper Tony Bird started having only been signed at 10pm the previous day from Welsh league side Cwmbrân Town. By resecuring the use of Somerton Park, Newport's first home fixture was able to go ahead three days later. The club endured a poor start to the campaign, gaining only four points from the first 11 matches.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Season review
In October, a winding up order was issued against the club. However, Sherman responded by taking the first team to dinner at The Cavendish Hotel following a 1–1 draw with Sutton United four days later, with an estimated cost of around £2,000. The club's hastily assembled squad struggled to adapt to quickly and, despite briefly pulling out of the relegation zone at the start of December, by the end of the month Newport were in 21st position. On 27 February, the club was officially wound up by the High Court over unpaid debts totalling £126,145.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Season review
Sherman countered by claiming that the money was available but had been delayed in transfers. The club were given a brief extension following Sherman's claims, while their next two fixtures against Stafford and Welling United were postponed. Sherman entered talks over a potential phoenix club being formed under the condition that the outstanding debts would be paid. Another potential bidder, Dan McCauley pulled out of negotiations after being told he would have to pay the club's full £330,000 debts to take over ownership. The club's last league match was a 2–1 defeat to Maidstone United on 11 February while their last match was a 4–3 defeat to Kidderminster Harriers in the Conference League Cup ten days later.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Season review
The Conference chose to expel Newport due to their failure to fulfil fixtures in March, but the decision was delayed when Sherman entered an appeal with 20 minutes remaining of the deadline. The club's assets, including memorabilia and sports equipment was due to be auctioned off to pay debtors the following morning. The auction went ahead, after a brief delay, at the Old Maltings in Newport and raised only £12,000. Sherman's appeal was rejected by the Football Association on the grounds that it could only be lodged by the club's liquidators and the team were expelled from the Conference and their record was expunged.


1988–89 Newport County A.F.C. season, Fixtures and results, Football Conference
These results were expunged from the records and the league table was amended as if they had never taken place.


1988–89 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team
The 1988–89 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team represented the University of North Carolina from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.


1988–89 North Carolina Tar Heels men's basketball team
Led by head coach Dean Smith, the Tar Heels completed yet another in a long line of impressive seasons, with 29 wins, a top ten ranking, and a Sweet 16 appearance in the NCAA Tournament.


1988–89 North West Counties Football League
The 1988–89 North West Counties Football League was the seventh in the history of the North West Counties Football League, a football competition in England. Teams were divided into two divisions.


1988–89 North West Counties Football League, Promotion and relegation, Division One
Rossendale United were promoted to the Northern Premier League while Formby were relegated to the Second Division. Ellesmere Port & Neston left the League at the end of the season.


1988–89 North West Counties Football League, Promotion and relegation, Division two
Vauxhall Motors, Chadderton and Nantwich Town were promoted to Division One. Daisy Hill changed their name to Westhoughton Town.


1988–89 Northern Counties East Football League
The 1988–89 Northern Counties East Football League season was the 7th in the history of Northern Counties East Football League, a football competition in England.


1988–89 Northern Counties East Football League, Premier Division
The Premier Division featured 17 clubs which competed in the previous season, no new clubs joined the division this season.


1988–89 Northern Counties East Football League, Division One
Division One featured 14 clubs which competed in the previous season, along with two new clubs, promoted from Division Two:


1988–89 Northern Counties East Football League, Division Two
Division One featured 12 clubs which competed in the previous season, along with two new clubs:


1988–89 Northern Football League
The 1988–89 Northern Football League season was the 91st in the history of Northern Football League, a football competition in England.


1988–89 Northern Football League, Division One
Division One featured 16 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with four new clubs, promoted from Division Two:


1988–89 Northern Football League, Division Two
Division Two featured 14 clubs which competed in the division last season, along with six new clubs.


1988–89 Northern Premier League
The 1988–89 Northern Premier League season was the 21st in the history of the Northern Premier League, a football competition in England. Teams were divided into two divisions; the Premier and the First. It was known as the HFS Loans League for sponsorship reasons.


1988–89 Northern Premier League, Promotion and relegation
In the twenty-first season of the Northern Premier League Barrow (as champions) were automatically promoted to the Football Conference. Meanwhile, Worksop Town were relegated; these two sides were replaced by First Division winners Colne Dynamoes and second placed Bishop Auckland. Sutton Town left the First Division at the end of the season and were replaced by newly admitted Emley and Rossendale United.


1988–89 Northern Premier League, Cup Results
Northern Premier League Shield: Between Champions of NPL Premier Division and Winners of the NPL Cup.


1988–89 Norwegian 1. Divisjon season
The 1988–89 Norwegian 1. Divisjon season was the 50th season of ice hockey in Norway. Ten teams participated in the league, and Sparta Sarpsborg won the championship.


1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season
During the 1988–89 English football season, Norwich City competed in the Football League First Division.


1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season, Season summary
Norwich were tipped by many to struggle during the season, but shocked the rest of the First Division by going top in September; by the end of October, they held a six-point lead over Arsenal, having played a game more. The lead at the top was maintained until December, finished the season in fourth - until 1993, this was their highest ever league placing. They also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup, losing to Everton, which had made them unlikely contenders for the double of the league title and FA Cup this season - an accolade which had only previously been achieved five times in a whole century of league football in England.


1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season, Season summary
Norwich's fourth place in the league saw them finish only behind champions Arsenal, runners-up Liverpool and third placed Nottingham Forest. They finished above a number of higher-spending and traditionally better-supported and more successful clubs including Everton, Manchester United and relegated Newcastle United.


1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season, Season summary
Stars of the season included goalkeeper Bryan Gunn, defender Andy Linighan, midfielder Mike Phelan, winger Dale Gordon and striker Robert Fleck. However, it was the last season at Carrow Road for Phelan, who was then sold to Manchester United.


1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season, Squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Norwich City F.C. season, Squad, Youth team
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball team
The 1988–89 Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball team represented the University of Notre Dame during the 1988-89 college basketball season. The Irish were led by head coach Digger Phelps, in his 18th season.


1988–89 OB I bajnoksag season
The 1988–89 OB I bajnokság season was the 52nd season of the OB I bajnokság, the top level of ice hockey in Hungary. Seven teams participated in the league, and Ferencvarosi TC won the championship.


1988–89 OHL season
The 1988–89 OHL season was the ninth season of the Ontario Hockey League. The Hamilton Steelhawks move to Niagara Falls becoming the Niagara Falls Thunder. The Kingston Canadians rename themselves to the Kingston Raiders. The OHL awards the inaugural Bill Long Award for distinguished service to the OHL. Fifteen teams each played 66 games. The Peterborough Petes won the J. Ross Robertson Cup, defeating the Niagara Falls Thunder.


1988–89 OHL season, Relocation/Team Name Change, Hamilton Steelhawks to Niagara Falls Thunder
The Hamilton Steelhawks relocated their franchise to the city of Niagara Falls after four seasons in Hamilton. The club was renamed as the Niagara Falls Thunder and would play out of the Niagara Falls Memorial Arena. The Thunder would remain in the Emms Division.


1988–89 OHL season, Relocation/Team Name Change, Hamilton Steelhawks to Niagara Falls Thunder
This would be the first club since the Niagara Falls Flyers, who relocated to North Bay in 1982, to be based out of the city.


1988–89 OHL season, Relocation/Team Name Change, Kingston Canadians to Kingston Raiders
The Kingston Canadians were rebranded as the Kingston Raiders for the 1988-89 season. Kingston had used the Canadians name since they were announced as an expansion club in 1973. The club changed their colour scheme from red, blue and white to black, silver and white.


1988–89 OHL season, Regular season, Final standings
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GF = Goals For; GA = Goals Against; PTS = Points; x = clinched playoff berth; y = clinched division title


1988–89 OHL season, 1989 OHL Priority Selection
The Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds held the first overall pick in the 1989 Ontario Priority Selection and selected Eric Lindros from the St. Michael's Buzzers. Lindros was awarded the Jack Ferguson Award, awarded to the top pick in the draft.


1988–89 OHL season, 1989 OHL Priority Selection
Below are the players who were selected in the first round of the 1989 Ontario Hockey League Priority Selection.


1988–89 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team
The 1988–89 Ohio Bobcats men's basketball team represented Ohio University in the college basketball season of 1988–89. The team was coached by Billy Hahn and played their home games at the Convocation Center.


1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team
The 1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team represented the University of Oklahoma in competitive college basketball during the 1988–89 NCAA Division I season. The Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team played its home games in the Lloyd Noble Center and was a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) former Big Eight Conference at that time. The team posted a 30–6 overall record and a 12–2 conference record to earn the Conference title under head coach Billy Tubbs. This was the fourth Big Eight Conference Regular Season Championship for Tubbs and his second in a row.


1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team
The team was led by two future 1989 NBA Draft first round selections Stacey King and Mookie Blaylock who were both selected as 1989 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans. The team won two of its three games at the 1988 Maui Invitational Tournament where it faced three ranked opponents: #16 Ohio State, #4 UNLV and #3 Michigan who defeated them and eventually won the 1989 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament. The team then won 11 games in a row before losing to unranked Pitt.


1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team
The team then won five in a row including victories over #16 Kansas and then #13 UNLV before losing to unranked Oklahoma State. The Sooners, who were ranked in the top 10 all season and the top 5 for the entire 1989 part of its schedule, then won six more in a row including back to back wins against #3 Missouri and #1 Arizona. #7 Missouri ended the streak and gave Oklahoma its final regular season loss.


1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team
Oklahoma won its final two regular season games and first two Big Eight Tournament games before losing its rubber match against #10 Missouri in the championship game. The team earned a second consecutive #1 seed for the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament where it advanced to the sweet sixteen before losing to Virginia.


1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team
Mookie Blaylock established the current Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball single-season minutes played (1359) and career steals (281) records. His career steals per game record (3.8) stood as a National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I college basketball record for 13 seasons. He also tied his own NCAA single-game steals record (13). Stacey King set the current Sooners single-season free throws made (211) record. King also set the Big Eight career blocked shots record (228). Tyrone Jones became the first Sooner to make 6 consecutive three point shots (a record since tied by 4 other Sooners). The team holds the Sooner record with 20 100-point games.


1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team, Schedule and results, NCAA basketball tournament
The following is a summary of the team's performance in the NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament:


1988–89 Oklahoma Sooners men's basketball team, Team players drafted into the NBA
The following players were drafted in the 1989 NBA Draft:


1988–89 Oregon State Beavers men's basketball team
The 1988–89 Oregon State Beavers men's basketball team represented Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon in the 1988–89 season.


1988–89 Oregon State Beavers men's basketball team
Led by Ralph Miller, in his 19th and final season at Oregon State, and team leader Gary Payton, the Beavers would finish with a record of 22–8 (13–5 Pac-10). The Beavers were invited to the NCAA Tournament, where they lost in overtime in the first round to Evansville.


1988–89 Országos Bajnokság I (men's water polo)
1988–89 Országos Bajnokság I (men's water polo) was the 83rd water polo championship in Hungary.


1988–89 Országos Bajnokság I (men's water polo), First stage
Pld - Played; W - Won; L - Lost; PF - Points for; PA - Points against; Diff - Difference; Pts - Points.


1988–89 PAOK FC season
The 1988–89 season was PAOK Football Club's 62nd in existence and the club's 30th consecutive season in the top flight of Greek football. The team entered the Greek Football Cup in first round and faced Diego Maradona's Napoli in the UEFA Cup.


1988–89 PAOK FC season, Players, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 PAOK FC season, Statistics, Squad statistics
Appearances denote players in the starting lineup, with the numbers in parentheses denoting appearances as substitute.


1988–89 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season
The 1988–89 season was Paris Saint-Germain's 19th season in existence. PSG played their home league games at the Parc des Princes in Paris, registering an average attendance of 17,502 spectators per match. The club was presided by Francis Borelli and the team was coached by Tomislav Ivić. Oumar Sène was the team captain.


1988–89 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season, Players, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season, Players, Out on loan
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season, Transfers, Arrivals
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season, Transfers, Departures
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Paris Saint-Germain F.C. season, Kits
French radio RTL and French television network La Cinq were the shirt sponsors. German sportswear brand Adidas was the kit manufacturer.


1988–89 Philadelphia 76ers season
The 1988–89 NBA season was the 76ers 40th season in the NBA and 26th season in Philadelphia. In the 1988 Draft, the team selected forward Charles D. Smith, then was dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers for shooting guard Hersey Hawkins from Bradley University, as the team needed more backcourt scoring to complement the inside play of Charles Barkley.


1988–89 Philadelphia 76ers season
The Sixers would return to the NBA Playoffs after missing out in 1988, going 46-36 in the regular season. In the post season they lost a first round series to the New York Knicks 3-0. The second game was of note because the team blew a 10-point lead with approximately 2 minutes left in the game, Trent Tucker's three point shot with less than 10 seconds left gave New York the win.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season
The 1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season was the Philadelphia Flyers' 22nd season in the National Hockey League (NHL). The Flyers lost in the Wales Conference Finals to the Montreal Canadiens in six games.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Regular season
With Mike Keenan's firing, the reins were handed off to Paul Holmgren, who presided over a club in flux with young players promoted to larger roles. The defense underwent a major overhaul, as Brad Marsh was let go to Toronto, and Doug Crossman was dealt to Los Angeles for Jay Wells. Gord Murphy and Jeff Chychrun cracked the lineup on the back line as well.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Regular season
Tim Kerr was fully healed from his shoulder surgeries and subsequent infections, while Rick Tocchet, Scott Mellanby, Murray Craven, Pelle Eklund and Peter Zezel were counted on to carry the offense. After a promising 5–1–0 start, a 4–15–1 slide cost Zezel his job, shipped off to St. Louis for Mike Bullard after Thanksgiving.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Regular season
Following the deal, the Flyers went 13–2–1 to climb back over .500 and into solid playoff footing. However, youth and constant inconsistency derailed much progress to the top of the standings, and the team never went higher than three games above even. Mark Laforest was replaced in March as backup by Maple Leafs castoff Ken Wregget with the team reeling.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Regular season
On the last day of the season, they fell 6–5 in overtime to the Penguins and into fourth place, as Mario Lemieux scored into an empty net. If the Flyers had scored using the extra attacker, they would have leapt over the Rangers into third place in the Patrick Division. Despite their mediocre record, their positive goal differential was a positive indicator that the team still had some life left.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Regular season
The Flyers finished the regular season with the league's best power-play percentage, at 26.70% (98 for 367).


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Regular season, Season standings
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals againstNote: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Playoffs
Facing the first-place Washington Capitals in the first round, the Flyers pulled off the upset in six games. Ron Hextall managed to score another empty-net goal in the waning moments of Game 5, becoming the first NHL goalie to score a goal in the playoffs. The Flyers then came back from a 3 games to 2 deficit to defeat the Pittsburgh Penguins in seven games to make the Wales Conference Finals before bowing out to the Montreal Canadiens in six games. This would be the Flyers last playoff appearance until 1995.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Transactions
The Flyers were involved in the following transactions from May 27, 1988, the day after the deciding game of the 1988 Stanley Cup Finals, through May 25, 1989, the day of the deciding game of the 1989 Stanley Cup Finals.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Transactions, Signings, Free agency
The following players were signed by the Flyers via free agency.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Transactions, Signings, Internal
The following players were either re-signed by the Flyers or, in the case of the team's selections in the NHL Entry Draft, signed to contracts.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Transactions, Waivers
The Flyers were involved in the following waivers transactions. They were involved in two selections during the 1988 NHL Waiver Draft, which was held on October 3, 1988. The Flyers left the following players unprotected: Don Biggs, Marc D'Amour, Warren Harper, Willie Huber, Chris Jensen, Mark Lofthouse, Gord Paddock, and Mike Stothers.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Transactions, Departures
The following players left the team via free agency, release, or retirement. Players who were under contract and left the team during the season are marked with an asterisk (*).


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Draft picks, NHL Entry Draft
Philadelphia's picks at the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, which was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec, on June 11, 1988.


1988–89 Philadelphia Flyers season, Farm teams
The Flyers were affiliated with the Hershey Bears of the AHL.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season
The 1988–89 Phoenix Suns season was the 20th season for the Phoenix Suns of the National Basketball Association. Cotton Fitzsimmons, Suns head coach for the '70–'71 and '71–'72 seasons, returned to the franchise where he got his first head coaching position. The Suns also enjoyed the benefits of the NBA's first free agent signing which brought Tom Chambers to the Valley of the Sun, who would have an All-Star season his first year in Phoenix.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season
The Suns' regular seasons successes were carried on through the playoffs, sweeping Denver in the first round and defeating Golden State four games to one in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Suns saw their playoff fortunes reverse in the Conference Finals when they met the season's MVP Magic Johnson and the top-seeded Los Angeles Lakers, getting swept four games to zero. All home games were played at Arizona Veterans Memorial Coliseum.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season
Chambers headed a triplet of Suns who averaged 20 points or more for the season, with Chambers leading the way at 25.7 points per game. Eddie Johnson, who would earn the season's Sixth Man Award, came off the bench for 21.5 per while second-year point guard Kevin Johnson obtained his 20.4 average through a starting role.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season
Johnson, enjoying his first full season with the Suns after a midseason trade the year before, earned Most Improved Player of the Year Award while finishing third behind future Hall of Famers John Stockton and Magic Johnson in assists per game with a 12.2 average. Johnson blossomed in his role with the Suns, appearing in 81 games and finishing second in the league in average minutes per game.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, NBA Draft
The Suns used their first-round pick to select power forward Tim Perry from Temple. Perry averaged 10.5 points and 7.6 rebounds per game in four years with the Owls. In his first three years with the Suns, Perry would average 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds per game playing in a limited role. After becoming a starter in the 1991–92 season, Perry averaged 12.3 points, 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. After the season, he was traded, alongside Jeff Hornacek and Andrew Lang, to the Philadelphia 76ers for superstar forward Charles Barkley.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, NBA Draft
The Suns received the 14th pick from a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1988. With the pick they would select swingman Dan Majerle from Central Michigan. Majerle averaged 21.8 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game in four years with the Chippewas. Majerle would spend his first seven seasons with the Suns, appearing in three All-Star games before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1995. He would return to play for the Suns in the 2001–02 season before retiring. His number 9 jersey was retired by the franchise in 2003.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, NBA Draft
The Suns received the 28th pick from a trade with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1988. With the pick they would select center Andrew Lang from Arkansas. Lang averaged 6.9 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game in four years with the Razorbacks. Like Perry, Lang played a limited role in his first three seasons, averaging 3.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. After becoming a starter in the 1991–92 season, Lang averaged 7.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game, before being traded to the 76ers.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, NBA Draft
In 1987, the Suns traded their second-round pick to the Sacramento Kings for Eddie Johnson. The pick was then traded to the New York Knicks and then to the Detroit Pistons, who selected small forward Fennis Dembo with the 30th pick.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, NBA Draft
The Suns received the 38th pick from a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1988. With the pick they would select center Dean Garrett from Indiana. Garrett averaged 13.6 points and 8.5 rebounds per game in two years with the Hoosiers. Garrett suffered a fractured foot before appearing in any games, and missed the entire season. He was waived before the start of the 1989–90 season without appearing in any games for the franchise.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, NBA Draft
The Suns received the 50th pick from a trade with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985. With the pick they would select guard Steve Kerr from Arizona. Kerr averaged 11.2 points and 3.4 assists per game in four years with the Wildcats. Kerr would spend most of his rookie season on the injured reserve, averaging 2.1 points per game in 26 games, before being traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1989.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, NBA Draft
The Suns used their third-round pick to select point guard Rodney Johns from Grand Canyon. Johns averaged 13.2 points, 3.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game in two years with the Antelopes. The Suns signed Johns to a contract on September 27, but he was waived on November 1 before the start of the season.


1988–89 Phoenix Suns season, Player statistics, Season
* – Stats with the Suns. † – Minimum 55 three-pointers made. ^ – Minimum 125 free throws made.


1988–89 Pilkington Cup
The 1988–89 Pilkington Cup was the 18th edition of England's premier rugby union club competition at the time. Bath won the competition defeating Leicester in the final. The event was sponsored by Pilkington and the final was held at Twickenham Stadium.


1988–89 Pittsburgh Panthers men's basketball team
The 1988–89 Pittsburgh Panthers men's basketball team represented the University of Pittsburgh in the 1988–89 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. Led by head coach Paul Evans, the Panthers finished with a record of 17–13. They received an at-large bid to the 1989 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament where, as a #8 seed, they lost in the first round to Ball State.


1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season
The 1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season saw the Penguins finish in second place in the Patrick Division with a record of 40 wins, 33 losses, and 7 ties for 87 points. They swept the New York Rangers in the Division Semi-finals before losing the Division Finals in seven games to the Philadelphia Flyers.


1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Regular season
This was Mario Lemieux's best season offensively. He led the league in goals (85), assists (114, tied with Wayne Gretzky), points (199), power-play goals (31) and shorthanded goals (13).


1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Regular season
The Penguins finished the regular season with the most power-play opportunities against, with 482, the most power-play opportunities, with 491, and the most power-play goals scored, with 119.


1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Regular season, Season standings
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals againstNote: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Schedule and results
On January 4, 1989, the Penguins defeated the Red Army team 4–2 at the Civic Arena in an exhibition.


1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Playoffs
After six frustrating and disappointing seasons, the Penguins finally managed to get into the playoffs for the first time since the 1981–82 season. They swept New York Rangers in the Semifinals, but lost to their rivals, the Philadelphia Flyers in seven games.


1988–89 Pittsburgh Penguins season, Player statistics
†Denotes player spent time with another team before joining the Penguins. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only. ‡Denotes player was traded mid-season. Stats reflect time with the Penguins only.


1988–89 Polska Liga Hokejowa season
The 1988–89 Polska Liga Hokejowa season was the 54th season of the Polska Liga Hokejowa, the top level of ice hockey in Poland. 10 teams participated in the league, and Polonia Bytom won the championship.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season
The 1988–89 season was Port Vale's 77th season of football in the English Football League, and third successive (18th overall) season in the Third Division. They achieved promotion to the Second Division with a 2–1 aggregate win over Bristol Rovers in the two-legged play-off Final. This came after a long season in which Vale, who suffered an injury crisis in the second half of the season, were just pipped to the second automatic promotion spot by Sheffield United.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season
The club also reached the Third Round of the FA Cup, Second Round of the League Cup, and the Preliminary Round of the Associate Members' Cup. John Rudge's main stars were top-scorer Darren Beckford, strike partner Ron Futcher, defender Simon Mills, midfielders Ray Walker and Robbie Earle, and Player of the Year Mark Grew. Returning star Andy Jones was disappointing in his loan spell, but Andy Porter and Dean Glover both made their débuts in what was Phil Sproson's last season at the club.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
The pre-season saw Vale Park given a £40,000 upgrade to repair the floodlights, whilst a £20,000 electronic scoreboard was installed at the Hamil End. Three executive boxes were also purchased from Newcastle United, whilst facilities were opened to the local community. Manager John Rudge made a £40,000 offer for Bristol City's left-sided midfielder Alan Walsh, which was rejected. He also made inquiries for Nigel Gleghorn and Marc North. Ray Walker put in a transfer request, which was rejected.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
Rudge's first purchase of the season was Sunderland's left-sided midfielder Paul Atkinson, with a tribunal setting the fee at £20,000; Rudge stated that he "has the ability to produce the sort of crosses that win games". His next target was a striker, though he had a £70,000 bid for Hull City's Andy Saville rejected. Attempts to capture Imre Varadi, Wayne Biggins, Keith Bertschin, Andy Jones, and John Pearson all failed. Ian Moores began training with the club, but was not offered a contract.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
Despite interest from at least three other clubs (particularly Mansfield Town), Rudge signed Ron Futcher, Bradford City's top-scorer, for a £35,000 fee. The veteran striker said "I could have done better for myself elsewhere, but Vale have a lot more potential." Another new arrival was young Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper Trevor Wood on a free transfer. The Vale were unbeaten in their seven pre-season friendlies, beating second tier rivals Stoke City 1–0 in the process. They also recorded wins over Newcastle Town (6–1), Brandon (2–1), Spennymoor (3–0), and Kidderminster Harriers (4–0), and drew 2–2 with Walsall and 1–1 with Crewe Alexandra. Having failed to sign Phil Turner, Rudge felt the squad's one weakness was a lack of depth in defence.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
The season opened with a 4–2 win over Preston North End on a plastic pitch at Deepdale. David Riley "discussed a transfer", but remained at the club despite being unhappy at starting the season from the bench. A weak defensive performance then cost them at home to Chester City, though Rudge was happy with the performance of Simon Mills, a midfielder who was learning a new position at right-back. A disciplined performance was enough to win a point away at Bury, with goalkeeper Mark Grew in impressive form.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
With Atkinson injured and Steve Harper out of form, Rudge tried unsuccessfully to bring in Liverpool's Steve Staunton and Bournemouth's Mark O'Connor on loan. The campaign though kicked into gear with "a stunningly ruthless" 6–1 thrashing of "a by no means inadequate" Cardiff City. They followed this up with a 5–0 mauling of a "dreadful" Chesterfield – Darren Beckford claiming a hat-trick – and moved to the top of the table. They ended September with a 1–0 win over Bristol City, as the Vale defence proved its effectiveness.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
Vale opened October with a 3–3 draw with Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux; it was an exciting encounter, as Vale's short passing game proved the equal of the dangerous long ball game of "Wolves". Two days later they claimed a 2–0 victory over Huddersfield Town, with Trevor Wood keeping a clean sheet on his debut after Grew was sidelined with a thigh strain. A 2–0 win over injury-stricken Wigan Athletic at Springfield Park was the club's fifth clean sheet in six league games.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
Rudge meanwhile agreed a £175,000 deal to bring Andy Jones back from Charlton Athletic, but the striker refused the deal. Yet an injury-time goal from Ray Walker was enough to continue the team's fine run, as a solid Bolton Wanderers outfit were beaten 2–1; despite still suffering from injury, Grew made a series of impressive saves. With goalkeeper Mark Grew out with a thigh strain, Mike Stowell was taken in on loan from Everton.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
The month ended poorly, as a 3–2 loss to Blackpool at Bloomfield Road was followed by a 3–3 draw with Sheffield United in front of 13,246 fans (the biggest gate for a league game since 1973). The two northern sides exploited Vale's unease at playing with a new goalkeeper, and forced errors from the Vale defence with high-pressure aerial bombardment. On 29 October, Rudge kept the team in the dressing room for 45 minutes at Griffin Park after a poor performance left the distinctly average home side, Brentford, to secure all three points.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
Vale were 13 minutes from opening November with a 3–1 home win over Aldershot when the match had to be abandoned due to fog. They instead found a much needed win away at Northampton Town. Rudge attempted to sign one of West Ham United's defensive pair Gary Strodder and Paul Hilton, but found their neither were willing to join the club. Unaffected by this rejection, the "Valiants" beat third-place Swansea City 2–1, though were disappointed to lose Futcher as the striker was sent off for arguing with the linesman. They then disposed of Fulham with a 3–0 win, despite having to play without Futcher. Rudge was made Manager of the Month.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
December began with a 1–1 draw at Southend United, as Vale battled to an away point despite playing most of the second half with ten men following Atkinson's dismissal. With Atkinson injured, John Jeffers was taken on loan from Liverpool, though David Riley's form kept Jeffers on the bench. On 17 December, Vale overcame Reading 3–0 to hit second in the table. On Boxing day, Vale recorded a 1–0 win at Mansfield Town despite having Ray Walker sent off.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
They then missed the chance to end the calendar year on top of the table after falling to a 1–0 loss at relegation fodder Gillingham. Before the year was out, Paul Millar was signed from Irish club Portadown for £20,000, but severely damaged his knee ligaments in one of his early training sessions. Gary Ford also picked up an Achilles injury, and Vale's form suffered.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
By January Wolves were clear at the top, and Vale were comfortably placed in second. Vale narrowly beat Notts County and Chester City to give themselves some breathing space. On 18 January, Rudge agreed to sign a new two-year contract. However Vale began to struggle, as Bury and Cardiff City inflicted two straight losses. Yet a back injury forced Bob Hazell into retirement, whilst Ray Walker had trouble with his foot. More bad news came when loyal servant Phil Sproson retired on medical advice after sustaining a bad knee injury.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
Rudge responded by trying to bolster his defence, but was unable to secure Steve Sims, Peter Swan, Simon Morgan, Chris Hemming, or Peter Skipper. Rudge then took the decision to sign classy defender Dean Glover from Middlesbrough for £200,000, as a replacement for Sproson. This more than quadrupled the club's previous transfer record. Andy Jones also agreed to join the club on loan to boost the club's promotion chances.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
On 4 February, a crowd of 16,362 witnessed a goalless home draw with leaders Wolves; débutante Dean Glover was impressive. Rudge then spent £70,000 on Gillingham defender Gary West, as it became clear that Bob Hazell would be out injured for a long time. On 11 February, Vale won their first ever point in an away match at Huddersfield. Two days later they battled against the elements to record a 3–0 victory over Aldershot in the re-arranged fixture. Rudge tried to re-sign another former Vale favourite on loan, Mark Chamberlain, but was turned down. The good results continued though, as Vale rounded out the month with a win over Wigan Athletic and a draw with Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
A Futcher penalty opened March with a win over Blackpool, though Vale also had two goals disallowed. Preston then purchased young reserve winger Steve Harper, who wanted to "prove himself", for £35,000. Vale played a five-man defence against relegation candidates Aldershot, and came away from the Recreation Ground with a 2–2 draw as Rudge bemoaned "two points thrown away". They returned to winning ways against Brentford, but could only manage a draw at home to Preston. Rudge refused Reading's offer of £250,000 for Dean Glover, but placed Hazell on the transfer list.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
He did though sign Jeffers permanently for £30,000 after giving up hope of Atkinson returning to fitness. He also re-signed Ronnie Jepson from Nantwich Town, though attempts to loan in Jim Melrose from Shrewsbury Town were unsuccessful. On 25 March, Beckford hit a hat-trick as Vale claimed a 4–1 victory at Notts County to go ten games unbeaten. Two days later though, they fell to defeat at home to Mansfield.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
April began with a 3–0 defeat at Reading after the team put in a "woefully inadequate display". They then claimed a draw at promotion rivals Bristol Rovers, though Rudge said that "we deserved to win". They were then fortunate to hang on to second place after making tough work of what should have been a routine home win over Gillingham. Gary Ford was ruled out for the rest of the season as injuries began to take their toll on the squad, though they still managed to return from Chesterfield with another three points.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
However they dropped down to third after losing at home to Bristol City. Vale then returned from Bolton with only a point, and were forced to contend with another injury as Riley suffered a broken leg. More points were dropped after a goalless draw at home to Swansea, the lack of goals being blamed on poor service from the flanks.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
On 1 May, Vale lost at home to Northampton Town after wasting chances to score and making mistakes in defence. A young Andy Porter helped to ensure three victories in the final three games, but it was too late to gain automatic promotion. Going into the play-offs Rudge said that "We have almost climbed Everest, but there is one small hill to go and the players must be in a positive mood."


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
They finished in third place with 84 points, missing out on automatic promotion due to Sheffield United's superior goal difference. The team were unfortunate not to win automatic promotion, as the old system of two points for a win would have seen them finish second, and their tally of 84 points would have won them promotion in the Second Division and would have been enough to clinch the Fourth Division title. No team in the division conceded fewer than Vale's 48 goals, and Vale also had the best away record in the division. However relegated Southend lost fewer home games than the Vale. Ray Walker was selected for the PFA's Third Division Team of the Year for the second season running. However it was goalkeeper Mark Grew who was voted Port Vale F.C. Player of the Year.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
Facing Preston North End in the play-off semi-finals, at Deepdale there was a pitch invasion by fans after a fire erupted under the wooden slats of the stands. Stoke-on-Trent North MP Joan Walley called for an enquiry at Parliament, but no enquiry was made. Vale drew 1–1 at Preston, but won 3–1 at home with a Beckford hat-trick in front of 13,416 supporters. In the final, an equalizing goal by Robbie Earle earned Vale a 1–1 draw at Twerton Park, before Earle scored the only goal of the return leg at Vale Park in front of 17,353 fans. Beckford was the season's top-scorer with 23 goals, whilst Futcher and Earle both bagged nineteen goals.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Third Division
"In a divided city, Vale supporters are no longer second class citizens and, hopefully, what we have achieved may just be the start. I am very proud to be manager of Port Vale, but it was the players that did the stuff."


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Finances
On the financial side, a loss of £88,142 was made due to a £333,084 debt on player transfers. Match receipts had risen by £258,000 thanks to an average home crowd of 6,731. Home attendances had risen by 78%, and were the highest since 1969–70. The open market rents raised £122,000 and the Developments Fund donations raised £92,000. The wage bill had risen by 30% to £481,859 and the police bill had quadrupled to £55,202 – described by Bill Bell as an 'absolutely crippling' cost. There was no bank overdraft, but debts had risen to £201,434. The club's shirt sponsors were ABC Minolta Copiers.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Cup competitions
In the FA Cup, Vale progressed past Northern Premier League Southport with a 2–0 victory at Haig Avenue. The television cameras were disappointed not to find a giant-killing, as the non-league side failed to cause the Vale much trouble. They then overcame Bolton Wanderers 2–1 at Burnden Park, after "Trotters" goalkeeper David Felgate proved unable to deal with crosses into the box. Drawn against second-place First Division side Norwich City at Burslem in the Third Round, they were beaten 3–1 by the "Canaries" in front of 15,697 fans, despite holding the lead for most of the match. The introduction of second-half substitute Robert Fleck changed the match, and he and Andy Townsend got the goals for Norwich.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Cup competitions
In the League Cup, a 3–2 home win over Chesterfield and a 1–1 draw at Saltergate were enough to send Vale into the Second Round against Second Division Ipswich Town. Progress came at a price though, as new signing Paul Atkinson was sidelined after chipping a bone in his ankle. Vale won the home leg against Ipswich 1–0, as they proved the equal of their Second Division opponents. However they were knocked out of the competition with a 3–0 defeat at Portman Road, Ipswich's speedy-attacking play proving too much for the Vale to handle in rainy conditions.


1988–89 Port Vale F.C. season, Overview, Cup competitions
In the Associate Members' Cup, a 1–1 home draw with Fourth Division Hereford United and a 5–1 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux meant the Vale did not progress past the group stage. Vale had dominated Hereford, but failed to make the game safe before the "Bulls" found an equalizer with 13 minutes left to play. Steve Bull had proven the Vale's undoing at "Wolves", as he found the net four times.


1988–89 Portland Trail Blazers season
The 1988–89 season was the 19th season of the Portland Trail Blazers in the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Blazers finished 39–43, eighth in the Western Conference, qualifying for the playoffs for the seventh consecutive year.


1988–89 Portland Trail Blazers season
The team was racked with dissension and posted a 25–22 record before coach Mike Schuler was fired in mid-February. Then-assistant coach Rick Adelman was promoted to replace him on an interim basis. After the Blazers reached the 1989 NBA Playoffs, Adelman was made the head coach on a full-time basis.


1988–89 Portland Trail Blazers season
In the 1989 NBA Playoffs, the Blazers were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the fourth straight year, losing three straight to the eventual Western Conference champion Los Angeles Lakers.


1988–89 Portland Trail Blazers season
Clyde Drexler and Kevin Duckworth were both selected to the 1989 NBA All-Star Game.


1988–89 Primeira Divisão
The 1988–89 Primeira Divisão was the 55th season of top-tier football in Portugal.


1988–89 Primeira Divisão, Overview
It was contested by 20 teams, and S.L. Benfica won the championship.


1988–89 Primera B Nacional
The 1988–89 Argentine Primera B Nacional was the third season of second division professional of football in Argentina. A total of 22 teams competed; the champion and runner-up were promoted to Argentine Primera División.


1988–89 Primera B Nacional, Standings
Chaco For Ever was declared champion and was automatically promoted to Primera División, and the teams placed 2nd to 10th qualified for the Second Promotion Playoff.


1988–89 Primera B Nacional, Second Promotion Playoff
The Second Promotion Playoff or Torneo Reducido was played by the teams placed 2nd to 10th in the overall standings: Lanús (2nd) who entered in the Semifinals, Unión (3rd) who entered in the Second Round, Almirante Brown (4th) Huracán (5th) Colón (6th), Belgrano (7th), Defensa y Justicia (8th), Talleres (RE) (9th) and Sportivo Italiano (10th); the champion of Primera B Metropolitana: Villa Dálmine,  Atlético de Rafaela and Olimpo, both winners of Zonales Noroeste y Sureste from Torneo del Interior. The winner was promoted to Primera División.


1988–89 Primera B Nacional, Relegation
Note: Clubs with indirect affiliation with AFA are relegated to their respective league of his province according to the Argentine football league system, while clubs directly affiliated face relegation to Primera B Metropolitana. Clubs with direct affiliation are all from Greater Buenos Aires, with the exception of Newell's, Rosario Central, Central Córdoba and Argentino de Rosario, all from Rosario, and Unión and Colón from Santa Fe.


1988–89 Primera B Nacional, Relegation, Relegation Playoff Matches
Each tie was played on a home-and-away two-legged basis, but if the first match was won by the team of Primera B Nacional (who also played the first leg at home), there was no need to play the second. If instead, the team from the Regional leagues wins the first leg, the second leg must be played, leg that, if its won by the team of Primera B Nacional, a third leg must be played, if the third leg finishes in a tie, the team from Primera B Nacional remains on it. This season, Deportivo Maipú had to play against Gutiérrez Sport Club from the Liga Mendocina de fútbol.


1988–89 Primera División de Baloncesto
The 1988–89 Primera División season was the second category of the Spanish basketball league system during the 1988–89 season. It was the first played with the name of Primera División.


1988–89 Primera División de Baloncesto, Teams, Promotion and relegation (pre-season)
A total of 16 teams contested the league, including 11 sides from the 1987–88 season, two promoted from the Segunda División and three Wild Cards.


1988–89 Primera División de Fútbol Profesional
The 1988–89 Primera División de Fútbol Profesional season is the 37th tournament of El Salvador's Primera División since its establishment of the National League system in 1948. The tournament was scheduled to end on April 2, 1989. Luis Angel Firpo, the best team in the final group, won the championship match against Cojutepeque, the best regular season team.


1988–89 Primera División de Fútbol Profesional, List of foreign players in the league
This is a list of foreign players in 1988-1989. The following players:


1988–89 Primera División de Fútbol Profesional, List of foreign players in the league
(player released mid season) (player Injured mid season) Injury replacement player


1988–89 Princeton Tigers men's basketball team
The 1988–89 Princeton Tigers men's basketball team represented Princeton University in intercollegiate college basketball during the 1988–89 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. The head coach was Pete Carril and the team captains was Bob Scrabis. The team played its home games in the Jadwin Gymnasium on the University campus in Princeton, New Jersey. The team was the champion of the Ivy League, which earned them an invitation to the 64-team 1989 NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Tournament where they were seeded sixteenth in the East Region.


1988–89 Princeton Tigers men's basketball team
The team posted a 19–8 overall record and an 11–3 conference record. When the team defeated Colgate 43–33 on November 30, 1988, it established a new National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I record for fewest combined points (since 1986), using the Princeton offense. The record would stand until December 16, 1989. In an East regional first round game of the 1989 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Tournament against the Georgetown Hoyas, they lost by a 50–49 margin. The game matched the unheralded sixteenth-seeded Princeton Tigers against the number one seeded Hoyas who featured freshman Alonzo Mourning and senior guard Charles Smith. Mourning blocked shots by Scrabis and Kit Mueller in the final six seconds to save the one-point victory for the Hoyas.


1988–89 Princeton Tigers men's basketball team
The team was led by first team All-Ivy League selections Scrabis and Mueller. Scrabis earned the Ivy League Men's Basketball Player of the Year award. Mueller shot 70.9% on his field goals to earn the second of three Ivy League statistical championships for field goal percentage. The team won the first of twelve consecutive national statistical championships in scoring defense with a 53.0 points allowed average.


1988–89 Providence Friars men's basketball team
The 1988–89 Providence Friars men's basketball team represented Providence College during the 1988–89 NCAA Division I men's basketball season. Led by first-year head coach Rick Barnes, the Friars finished the season 18–11 (7–9 Big East) and received an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament as the 12 seed in the Southeast region.


1988–89 QMJHL season
The 1988–89 QMJHL season was the 20th season in the history of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. The QMJHL first awards the end-of-season honours of the "Rookie All-star team"  to first year players.


1988–89 QMJHL season
The Quebec Remparts franchise returned as Longueuil Collège Français, bringing the league up to eleven teams. The league dissolved its divisions, and each team played 70 games each in the schedule. The league made it mandatory for all the teams players to wear a full face shield covering their entire face.


1988–89 QMJHL season
On February 9, 1989, the Drummondville Voltigeurs' coach and general manager Jean Bégin was suspended indefinitely after he was arrested and charged with sexual assault.


1988–89 QMJHL season
The Trois-Rivières Draveurs finished first overall in the regular season, winning their third Jean Rougeau Trophy. The Laval Titan won their first President's Cup since changing the name from the Laval Voisins, by defeating the Victoriaville Tigres in the finals.


1988–89 QMJHL season, Final standings
Note: GP = Games played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; Pts = Points; GF = Goals for; GA = Goals against


1988–89 QMJHL season, Scoring leaders
Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; PIM = Penalties in Minutes


1988–89 QMJHL season, Playoffs
Yves Racine was the leading scorer of the playoffs with 33 points (3 goals, 30 assists).


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season
The 1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season saw the team finish in fifth place in the Adams Division with a record of 27 wins, 46 losses, and 7 ties for 61 points.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Off-season
Quebec announced that interim head coach Ron Lapointe would come back on a permanent basis as head coach of the team. Lapointe had a 22-30-4 record with the Nordiques in 1987–88.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Off-season
At the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, Quebec had two picks in the first round, the third overall pick, and the fifth overall pick. The Nordiques selected Curtis Leschyshyn of the Saskatoon Blades with the third pick. He had 14 goals and 55 points, and would see regular playing time with Quebec in the upcoming season. With the fifth pick, the Nordiques selected Daniel Dore. Dore had 24 goals, 63 points and 223 penalty minutes with the Drummondville Voltigeurs in 1987–88. In the later rounds of the draft, Quebec selected Valeri Kamensky and Alexei Gusarov of CSKA Moscow.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Off-season
The Nordiques made some trades during the summer months, as they dealt away Mike Eagles to the Chicago Blackhawks for Bob Mason. Mason appeared in 41 games with Chicago, going 13-18-8 with a 4.15 GAA in 1987–88. Quebec then traded away Terry Carkner to the Philadelphia Flyers for Greg Smyth and the Flyers third round draft pick in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Smyth had a goal and seven points in 48 games with Philadelphia, as well as 192 penalty minutes.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Off-season
Quebec's biggest trade of the summer was trading away Normand Rochefort and Jason Lafreniere to the New York Rangers for Bruce Bell, Jari Gronstrand, Walt Poddubny, and the Rangers fourth round draft pick in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft. Bell played his rookie season with the Nordiques in 1984–85, however, he spent most of the 1987–88 season with the Colorado Rangers of the IHL, where he had 11 goals and 45 points in 65 games. In 13 games with New York, Bell had a goal and two assists. Poddubny was coming off of a 38 goal and 88 point season with the Rangers in 1987–88. Poddubny scored 40 goals and 87 points with New York in 1986–87. Gronstrand had three goals and 14 points on the Rangers blueline in 1987–88.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Regular season
The Nordiques began the season with three wins in their first four games, however, Quebec would slump, and fall to 6-12-2 after twenty games. The team made some trades in December, acquiring former team captain Mario Marois from the Winnipeg Jets, however, the club continued to lose, and had an 11-20-2 record after 33 games. The Nordiques then fired Lapointe as head coach, and replaced him with Jean Perron on an interim basis. Perron had coached the Montreal Canadiens to the 1986 Stanley Cup. Under Perron, the club continued to lose, as Quebec quickly fell out of the playoff race.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Regular season
The team finished the season with a 27-46-7 record, earning 61 points, which was 18 points behind the Hartford Whalers for the final playoff spot in the Adams Division, and tied with the New York Islanders with the lowest point total in the league, On the basis of the Islanders winning more games (28-27), the Nords claimed last place in the overall standings.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Regular season
Peter Stastny led the club with 85 points, as he scored 35 goals and 50 assists in 72 games. Walt Poddubny scored a team high 38 goals in his first season with the Nordiques, as he also had 37 assists for 75 points. Michel Goulet saw his numbers drop to 26 goals and 64 points, his lowest totals since his rookie season in 1979–80. Rookie Joe Sakic had 23 goals and 62 points.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Regular season
Jeff Brown had another solid season on the Nordiques blueline, scoring 21 goals and 68 points, good for third on team scoring. Brown had 13 powerplay goals, tied with Peter Stastny for second on the team, one behind team leader Walt Poddubny.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Regular season
In goal, Mario Gosselin saw the majority of action, appearing in 39 games, earning 11 wins and a 4.24 GAA. Bob Mason had a tough season, earning only five wins in 22 games with a 4.73 GAA, while Ron Tugnutt had a 10-10-3 record in 26 games, with a team best 3.60 GAA and a.893 save percentage.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Regular season, Final standings
Note: GP = Games played, W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, Pts = Points, GF = Goals for, GA = Goals againstNote: Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Transactions
The Nordiques were involved in the following transactions during the 1988–89 season.


1988–89 Quebec Nordiques season, Draft picks
Quebec's draft picks from the 1988 NHL Entry Draft, which was held at the Montreal Forum in Montreal, Quebec.


1988–89 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season
During the 1988–89 English football season, Queens Park Rangers competed in the First Division for the sixth year running.


1988–89 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Season summary
QPR dropped from their fifth-place finish the previous season to ninth in the First Division. Jim Smith resigned as their manager in December 1988, to take over as manager of Newcastle United, and was replaced by the former England international Trevor Francis as player-manager. The team's league form improved in the new year, and they lost just two of their last fifteen league matches. They reached the fifth round of the League Cup but were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round.


1988–89 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Squad
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Queens Park Rangers F.C. season, Squad, Left club during season
Note: Flags indicate national team as defined under FIFA eligibility rules. Players may hold more than one non-FIFA nationality.


1988–89 Rangers F.C. season
The 1988–89 season was the 109th season of competitive football by Rangers.


1988–89 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
Rangers played a total of 53 competitive matches during the 1988–89 season. They regained the Scottish Premier Division title, winning the first of nine consecutive league titles.


1988–89 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
England international right back, Gary Stevens was signed from Everton and Kevin Drinkell was brought in to partner Ally McCoist up front.


1988–89 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
Results against Celtic were pivotal in the Championship race, winning 5–1 and 4–1 at Ibrox. They also secured their first win at Parkhead since 1980, 2–1 in March. The league was won at Ibrox with a 4–0 demolition of Hearts.


1988–89 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
In the cup competitions, they lost the Scottish Cup final 1–0 to Celtic. The team won the Scottish League Cup (Skol Cup) for the third season in a row defeating Aberdeen 3–2.


1988–89 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
The European campaign was disappointing. The team qualified for the UEFA Cup and after a fine aggregate win over Polish side GKS Katowice, they were knocked out in the second round by Cologne of West Germany.


1988–89 Rangers F.C. season, Overview
Lawrence Marlborough sold his controlling interest in Rangers to David Murray in November. Murray later took over as Chairman from David Holmes.


1988–89 Ranji Trophy
The 1988–89 Ranji Trophy was the 55th season of the Ranji Trophy, the premier first-class cricket tournament that took place in India between October 1988 and March 1989. Delhi defeated Bengal by an innings and 210 runs in the final.


1988–89 Ranji Trophy
Sachin Tendulkar made his first-class debut in this season, in December 1988. Playing for Bombay at home in the Wankhede Stadium against Gujarat, he made a century in his debut innings, scoring 100 not out off 129 balls, becoming the youngest Indian to do to so.


1988–89 Ranji Trophy, Knockout stage, Semi-finals
Delhi qualified for the final for the tenth time by virtue of a first innings lead after its match against Bombay ended in a draw. Requiring 152 runs to surpass Delhi's first innings score of 409, Bombay were dismissed for 321, that included a fighting 78 off 171 balls by Sachin Tendulkar.