NHL means National Hockey League and it is the biggest Hockey League in the world as hockey is one of the most popular sports in the US. The league has 31 teams. US has 24 and Canada has 7 of the teams.
All National Hockey League Teams listed Alphabetically
- Anaheim Ducks
- Arizona Coyotes
- Boston Bruins
- Buffalo Sabres
- Calgary Flames
- Carolina Hurricanes
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Colorado Avalanche
- Columbus Blue Jackets
- Dallas Stars
- Detroit Red Wings
- Edmonton Oilers
- Florida Panthers
- Los Angeles Kings
- Minnesota Wild
- Montreal Canadiens
- Nashville Predators
- New Jersey Devils
- New York Islanders
- New York Rangers
- Ottawa Senators
- Philadelphia Flyers
- Pittsburgh Penguins
- San Jose Sharks
- St. Louis Blues
- Tampa Bay Lightning
- Toronto Maple Leafs
- Vancouver Canucks
- Vegas Golden Knights
- Washington Capitals
- Winnipeg Jets
There are two conferences which are the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conferences has two divisions each. Eastern Conference has Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions and the Western Conference has the Pacific and Central Divisions.
Under the Eastern Conference of the NHL teams, there are 16 teams in total. Atlantic and Metropolitan has 8 teams each.
1. Atlantic Division
Boston Bruins NHL Team:
- City: Boston Massachusetts
- Arena: TD Garden
- Founded: 1924
- Championships / Trophies: Stanley Cups :6 Division: 26
- Conference: 5
Buffalo Sabres NHL Team
- City: Buffalo, New York
- Arena :KeyBank Center
- Founded :1970
- Championship/Trophies: Stanley Cup :0 Division: 6 Conference: 3
Detroit Red Wings NHL Team:
- City: Detroit, Michigan
- Arena: Little Caesars Arena
- Founded: 1926
- Championship/trophies: Stanley Cups 11 Division: 19
- Conference: 6
Florida Panthers NHL Team
- City: Sunrise, Florida
- Arena: BB&T Center
- Founded: 1993
- Championship/trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 2 Conference: 1
Montreal Canadiens NHL Team
- City: Montreal, Quebec
- Arena: Bell Centre
- Founded: 1909
- Championship/trophies: Stanley Cups: 24 Division: 24
- Conference: 8
Ottawa Senators NHL Team
- City: Ottawa, Ontario Canadian
- Arena: Tire Centre 1992
- Championship/trophies: Stanley Cup: 0 Division: 4 Conference: 1
Tampa Bay Lightning NHL Team
- City : Tampa, Florida
- Arena: Amalie Arena
- Founded: 1992
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 1 Division: 4
- Conference: 2
Toronto Maple Leafs NHL Team
- City: Toronto, Ontario
- Arena: Scotiabank Arena
- Founded; 1917
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 13 Division: 5
- Conference: 0
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2. Metropolitan Division
Carolina Hurricanes NHL Team
- City: Raleigh, North Carolina
- Arena: PNC Arena
- Founded: 1972
- Championship/trophies: Stanley Cups: 1 Division: 3
- Conference: 2
Columbus Blue Jackets NHL Team
- City: Columbus, Ohio
- Arena: Nationwide Arena
- Founded: 2000
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 0
- Conference: 0
New Jersey Devils NHL Team
- City: Newark, New Jersey
- Arena: Prudential Center
- Founded: 1974
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 3 Division: 9
- Conference: 5
New York Islanders NHL Team
- City: Uniondale, New York
- Arena: Nassau Coliseum
- Founded: 1972
- Championship/trophies: Stanley Cups: 4 Division: 6
- Conference: 4
New York Rangers NHL Team
- City: New York City, New York
- Arena: Madison Square Garden
- Founded:1926
- Championship/Trophies: Stanley Cups: 4 Division: 7
- Conference: 2
Philadelphia Flyers NHL Team
- City: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Arena: Wells Fargo Center
- Founded: 1967
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 2 Division: 16
- Conference: 8
Pittsburgh Penguins NHL Team
- City: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Arena: PPG Paints Arena
- Founded: 1967
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 5
- Division: 8
- Conference: 6
Washington Capitals NHL Team
- City: Washington, D.C.
- Arena: Capital One Arena
- Founded: 1974
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 1
- Division: 13
- Conference: 2
3. Western Conference NHL Teams
15 teams make up the Western Conference. 7 are in the Central Division. 8 are the Pacific Division. Below are the teams listed.
Central Division
Chicago Blackhawks NHL Team
- City: Chicago, Illinois
- Arena: United Center
- Founded: 1926
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 6 Divisional: 16
- Conference: 4
Colorado Avalanche NHL Team
- City: Denver, Colorado
- Arena: Pepsi Center
- Founded: 1972
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 2 Divisional: 9
- Conference: 2
Dallas Stars NHL Team
- City: Dallas, Texas
- Arena: American Airlines Center
- Founded: 1967
- Championship/Trophies: Stanley Cups: 1 Divisional: 8
- Conference: 2
Minnesota Wild NHL Team
- City: Saint Paul, Minnesota
- Arena: Xcel Energy Center
- Founded: 2000
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 1
- Conference: 0
Nashville Predators NHL Team
- City: Nashville, Tennessee
- Arena: Bridgestone Arena
- Founded: 1998
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 2
- Conference: 1
St. Louis Blues NHL Team
- City: St. Louis, Missouri
- Arena: Enterprise Center
- Founded: 1967
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 1 Division: 10
- Conference: 1
Winnipeg Jets NHL Team
- City: Winnipeg, Manitoba
- Arena: Bell MTS Place
- Founded: 1999
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 0
- Conference: 0
Pacific Division
Anaheim Ducks NHL Team
- City: Anaheim, California
- Arena: Honda Center
- Founded: 1993
- Championship/ Trophies : Stanley Cups: 1 Division: 6 Conference: 2
Arizona Coyotes NHL Team
- City: Glendale, Arizona
- Arena: Gila River Arena
- Founded: 1972
- Championship/Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 1
- Conference: 0
Calgary Flames NHL Team
- City : Calgary, Alberta
- Arena: Scotiabank Saddledome
- Founded: 1972
- Championship/Trophies: Stanley Cups: 1 Division: 7
- Conference: 3
Edmonton Oilers NHL Team
- City: Edmonton, Alberta
- Arena: Rogers Place
- Founded: 1972
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 5 Division: 9
- Conference: 7
Los Angeles Kings NHL Team
- City: Los Angeles, California
- Arena: Staples Center 1967
- Championship/Trophies: Stanley Cups: 2 Division: 1
- Conference: 3
San Jose Sharks NHL Team
- City: San Jose, California
- Arena: SAP Center
- Founded: 1991
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 6
- Conference: 1
Vancouver Canucks NHL Team
- City: Vancouver, British Columbia
- Arena: Rogers Arena
- Founded: 1945
- Championship/Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 10
- Conference: 3
Vegas Golden Knights NHL Team
- City: Paradise, Nevada
- Arena: T-Mobile Arena
- Founded: 2017
- Championship/ Trophies: Stanley Cups: 0 Division: 2
- Conference: 1
Top NHL Facts and Trivia
The following are top hockey or NHL facts and trivia you might want to know.
- In 1974, Buffalo Sabres drafted someone who never existed.
- All Canadian players in NHL teams are paid in U.S. dollars.
- In 1991, a game between Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers took place in the desert.
- From 1956-1960 the Canadiens won Stanley Cups five times consecutively.
- Pittsburgh Penguins had scored five goals in 2 minutes during one match.
- The Pittsburgh Penguins used to have a real penguin they used as a mascot.
- After winning the 1962 Stanley cup, the Toronto Maple Leaf player mistakenly threw their trophy into a fire.
FAQs About NHL: National Hockey League Team Lists & Facts
These FAQs provide a comprehensive overview of NHL teams, league structure, history, and key facts, offering valuable information for fans and newcomers to the sport.
1. How many teams are in the NHL?
The NHL consists of 32 teams, divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Each conference is further split into two divisions.
2. What are the divisions in the NHL?
The NHL has four divisions: the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions in the Eastern Conference, and the Central and Pacific Divisions in the Western Conference.
3. Which NHL teams are in the Eastern Conference?
The Eastern Conference is divided into the Atlantic and Metropolitan Divisions. The Atlantic Division includes teams like the Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Tampa Bay Lightning. The Metropolitan Division includes teams like the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Penguins.
4. Which NHL teams are in the Western Conference?
The Western Conference is divided into the Central and Pacific Divisions. The Central Division includes teams like the Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, and Chicago Blackhawks. The Pacific Division includes teams like the Vegas Golden Knights, Edmonton Oilers, and Los Angeles Kings.
5. What is the newest team in the NHL?
The newest team in the NHL is the Seattle Kraken, which began playing in the 2021-2022 season as part of the Pacific Division in the Western Conference.
6. How is the NHL season structured?
The NHL season typically begins in October and runs through April, with each team playing 82 games. The season is followed by the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where 16 teams compete in a knockout format to win the Stanley Cup.
7. What is the Stanley Cup?
The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy awarded annually to the NHL playoff winner. It is the oldest professional sports trophy in North America and is considered one of the most prestigious in the world.
8. Which NHL team has won the most Stanley Cups?
The Montreal Canadiens have won the most Stanley Cups, with a total of 24 championships. Their last victory came in 1993.
9. How are NHL teams ranked during the season?
NHL teams are ranked based on their points, which are earned through regular-season games. Teams earn two points for a win, one point for an overtime or shootout loss, and no points for a regulation loss. The standings are used to determine playoff seeding.
10. What are some of the most successful NHL teams?
Some of the most successful NHL teams in terms of Stanley Cup victories include the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, and Boston Bruins.
11. Who are some of the greatest players in NHL history?
Some of the greatest players in NHL history include Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, Gordie Howe, and Patrick Roy. These players have set numerous records and have had a lasting impact on the sport.
12. How does the NHL Draft work?
The NHL Draft is an annual event where teams select eligible players to join the league. The draft order is determined by a lottery system for non-playoff teams, while playoff teams are placed in reverse order of their finish in the previous season.
13. What is the role of the NHL commissioner?
The NHL commissioner oversees the league’s operations, enforces rules, negotiates television contracts, and represents the league in discussions with team owners, players, and other stakeholders. The current commissioner is Gary Bettman, who has held the position since 1993.
14. How are NHL playoff teams determined?
The top three teams from each division automatically qualify for the playoffs, along with two wild-card teams from each conference, making a total of 16 teams. The playoffs are a best-of-seven series format, culminating in the Stanley Cup Final.
15. What is an NHL All-Star Game?
The NHL All-Star Game is an annual exhibition game featuring the league’s top players, typically held in January or February. It includes various skill competitions and a game that showcases the talents of the league’s best players.
16. What is the NHL Winter Classic?
The NHL Winter Classic is an annual outdoor hockey game held on New Year’s Day. It features two NHL teams playing in a unique outdoor venue, often in a stadium that is typically used for football or baseball.
17. What is the Hart Memorial Trophy?
The Hart Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player judged to be the most valuable to his team during the regular season. It is one of the most prestigious individual awards in hockey.
18. Which NHL teams have the biggest rivalries?
Some of the biggest rivalries in the NHL include the Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins vs. Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers vs. New York Islanders. These rivalries are steeped in history and are among the most anticipated matchups each season.
19. What are the rules for overtime in NHL games?
If a game is tied at the end of regulation, it goes into a 3-on-3 sudden-death overtime period lasting five minutes. If no team scores during overtime, the game proceeds to a shootout where each team takes turns attempting to score on the opposing goalie. The team with the most goals after three rounds (or more, if still tied) wins the game.
20. How do NHL teams qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs?
NHL teams qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs based on their regular-season performance. The top three teams from each division automatically qualify, and the next two teams with the highest points in each conference (wild cards) also qualify. The playoffs then consist of four rounds, with teams competing in a best-of-seven series to win the Stanley Cup.
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