What is the NHL?
The NHL, or National Hockey League, is the top professional ice hockey league, with 32 teams in the United States and Canada. Its champion wins the Stanley Cup.
The NHL was founded in 1917 in Montreal with four Canadian teams. For many years, it had just six teams, known as the Original Six: the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Chicago Black Hawks, Detroit Red Wings and New York Rangers. It expanded rapidly from 1967 onward.
Teams play 82 regular-season games, and 16 teams reach the playoffs, playing best-of-seven series. Seven of the 32 teams are in Canada. The newest franchise, based in Salt Lake City and now called the Utah Mammoth, began play in 2024 after the Arizona Coyotes' hockey operations moved there.
Legends
Wayne Gretzky, known as The Great One, holds many records. Alex Ovechkin broke Gretzky's career goals record of 894 in April 2025. Other legends include Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby.
Did You Know?
The Montreal Canadiens have won the most Stanley Cups, with 24 championships.