Sorry, NHL. It appears that the Edmonton Oilers' domination of the league can continue indefinitely.
"What some people don't realize is that we're still a young team," said Oilers co-coach John Muckler.Wayne Gretzky is only 27. So are Mark Messier, the Oilers' heart and soul, and hard-driving right wing Glenn Anderson. Grant Fuhr, whom Gretzky contends is the greatest goalie ever, is 25.
There's more. Jari Kurri just turned 28. Esa Tikkanen is 23. Tough guys Kevin McClelland and Marty McSorley are 25. Steve Smith is 25 and showing signs that he will become one of the league's top defensemen.
There's still more. Craig Simpson, who in his first year as an Oiler was the NHL's second-leading goal-scorer, is all of 21. Steady defenseman Charlie Huddy is 28. Kevin Lowe, the old man and the glue of the defense, just turned 29.
And there's more to come. Defenseman Chris Joseph, 18, acquired with Simpson in the blockbuster Paul Coffey deal, is considered one of the best young players in the world. And Bill Ranford, 21, another 1987-88 acquisition, will be a solid backup to Fuhr for years before taking over the net.
So it's not blind ambition that has the Oilers - who on Thursday wrapped up their second straight Stanley Cup and fourth in five years - talking about winning many more.