For their 1980-81 set, O-Pee-Chee returned to printing three hockey cards to commemorate the previous years Stanley Cup final four. Cards 262 and 263 featured the two semi-finals and 264 featured the Stanley Cup finals. The set included 396 cards and a full set is valued at $400. As for the playoff cards, the two semi-final cards are worth $.50 and the finals cards is valued at $1.25.
1980-81 O-Pee-Chee #262 features the semi-final series between the New York Islanders and Buffalo Sabres. The Islanders took out Buffalo in six games. To get there, New York beat the Los Angeles Kings 3-1 and the Boston Bruins 4-1 in the opening two rounds. Buffalo took out the Vancouver Canucks 3-1 in the first round and swept the Chicago Blackhawks in the second.
On the front of the card, Mike Bossy of the New York Islanders is dueling with Gil Perreault of the Buffalo Sabres.
1980-81 O-Pee-Chee #263 honours the semi-final series between the Philadelphia Flyers and Minnesota North Stars. The Flyers beat the North Stars in five games. Philadelphia swept the Edmonton Oilers in the first round and beat out the New York Rangers in five games in the second round. The North Stars swept the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round and beat the Montreal Canadiens in seven games in the second round. It marked the end of a four year Stanley Cup run for the Habs.
The front of the card features the Flyers heading out on the ice. In front is Rick MacLeish, followed by Bob Kelly, Mel Bridgeman and Reg Leach.
1980-81 O-Pee-Chee #264 honours the first ever Stanley Cup championship of the New York Islanders. New York beat out the Flyers in six games. During the regular season, the Islanders finished 25 points behind the Flyers in the Patrick Division. The two teams were 1-2 in the Clarence Campbell Conference. Bryan Trottier was named the Conn Smythe Trophy recipient. It was the first of four Stanley Cup victories for the Islanders.
On the front of the card, Billy Smith shuts the door on the Flyers.
