National Hockey League (NHL) was organized in 1917 in Montreal, Canada, and initially included four teams. Today the league consists of 30 with players from Canada, US, and Europe. 24 teams are based in US, and 6 in Canada, but most league players are still Canadians. NHL regular season starts in November, and finishes in the beginning of April. Each team plays 82 games, half of which are at home. Teams are grouped in Western, and Eastern Conferences, each of which consists of 5-team divisions. Four division winners and other four teams with highest number of points at the end of regular season qualify for the playoffs, which lasts from April to the beginning of June. Season winner receives Stanley Cup with team players, managers, coaches, and club staff inscribed on it.
Most successful teams
Most successful team is Montreal Canadiens which won 24 seasons. The next top team is Toronto Maple Leafs which has 13 Stanley Cup championships, with last taken in 1967. Montreal Canadiens have made also the longest 5-year streak of winning the Stanley Cup from 1955-56 to 1959-60. Among American teams, top winner is Detroit Red Wings which won 10 Stanley Cup championships.
Total NHL Championships
(Only active teams included)
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Montreal Canadiens - 24 Toronto Maple Leafs - 13 Detroit Red Wings - 10 Boston Bruins - 5 Edmonton Oilers - 5 New York Islanders - 4 New York Rangers - 4 Chicago Blackhawks - 3 New Jersey Devils - 3 |
Colorado Avalanche - 2 Philadelphia Flyers - 2 Pittsburgh Penguins - 2 Anaheim Ducks - 1 Calgary Flames - 1 Carolina Hurricanes - 1 Dallas Stars - 1 Tampa Bay Lightning - 1 |
