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Stanley Cup Winners
2024/2025
Florida Panthers
Coach: Paul Maurice
Defeated: Edmonton Oilers
2023/2024
Florida Panthers
Coach: Paul Maurice
Defeated: Edmonton Oilers
2022/2023
Vegas Golden Knights
Coach: Bruce Cassidy
Defeated: Florida Panthers
2021/2022
Colorado Avalanche
Coach: Jared Bednar
Defeated: Tampa Bay Lightning
2020/2021
Tampa Bay Lightning
Coach: Jon Cooper
Defeated: Montréal Canadiens
2019/2020
Tampa Bay Lightning
Coach: Jon Cooper
Defeated: Dallas Stars
2018/2019
St. Louis Blues
Coach: Craig Berube
Defeated: Boston Bruins
2017/2018
Washington Capitals
Coach: Barry Trotz
Defeated: Vegas Golden Knights
2016/2017
Pittsburgh Penguins
Coach: Mike Sullivan
Defeated: Nashville Predators
2015/2016
Pittsburgh Penguins
Coach: Mike Sullivan
Defeated: San Jose Sharks
2014/2015
Chicago Blackhawks
Coach: Joel Quenneville
Defeated: Tampa Bay Lightning
2013/2014
Los Angeles Kings
Coach: Darryl Sutter
Defeated: New York Rangers
NHL Records & Milestones
Scoring Records
- Most Goals, Season: Wayne Gretzky - 92 goals (1981/1982)
- Most Assists, Season: Wayne Gretzky - 163 assists (1985/1986)
- Most Points, Season: Wayne Gretzky - 215 points (1985/1986)
- Most Goals, Career: Alex Ovechkin - 898 goals
Goaltending Records
- Most Wins, Season: Braden Holtby - 48 wins (2015/2016)
- Most Shutouts, Season: George Hainsworth - 22 shutouts (1928/1929)
- Most Wins, Career: Martin Brodeur - 691 wins
- Most Shutouts, Career: Martin Brodeur - 125 shutouts
Team Records
- Most Wins, Season: Boston Bruins - 65 wins (2022/2023)
- Most Goals, Season: Edmonton Oilers - 446 goals (1983/1984)
- Most Points, Season: Boston Bruins - 135 points (2022/2023)
- Longest Winning Streaks, Season: Pittsburgh Penguins - 17 wins (1992/1993)
NHL Eras
1917-1942
Original Six Formation
The NHL began with 4 teams, eventually consolidating into the "Original Six" era with Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings, and Chicago Blackhawks dominating hockey for 25 years.
1967-1979
First Expansion Era
The NHL doubled in size from 6 to 12 teams in 1967, adding Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Oakland Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues. Continued expansion through the 1970s brought the league to 21 teams.
1979-1999
Gretzky Era & High-Scoring 1980s
Wayne Gretzky joined the Edmonton Oilers, revolutionizing offensive hockey. The 1980s featured explosive scoring, with Gretzky setting numerous records. The era ended with his trade to Los Angeles in 1988, helping grow hockey's popularity in non-traditional markets.
1992-2004
Modern Expansion & Dead Puck Era
Rapid expansion brought teams to new markets (San Jose, Tampa Bay, Ottawa, Anaheim, Florida, Nashville, Atlanta, Columbus, Minnesota, Columbus). The "Dead Puck Era" featured defensive, low-scoring hockey dominated by goalies like Patrick Roy and Martin Brodeur.
2004-2005
The Lockout & Rule Changes
The entire 2004-05 season was cancelled due to labor disputes. The NHL returned in 2005-06 with major rule changes: salary cap, shootouts, smaller goalie equipment, and elimination of two-line pass rule to increase offense.
2005-2017
Salary Cap Era & Parity
The salary cap created unprecedented parity, with 8 different Stanley Cup winners from 2006-2017. Stars like Sidney Crosby, Alexander Ovechkin, and Jonathan Toews emerged. The 2012-13 lockout shortened another season to 48 games.
2017-2023
32-Team Era & Analytics Revolution
Vegas Golden Knights (2017) and Seattle Kraken (2021) brought the NHL to 32 teams. The league embraces advanced analytics, skill-based play, and global talent. COVID-19 impacted 2019-20 and 2020-21 seasons with bubble playoffs and shortened schedules.
2024-Present
Arizona Relocation & Utah Era
In April 2024, the Arizona Coyotes franchise was deactivated and relocated to Salt Lake City as the Utah Hockey Club, maintaining 32 teams. For the 2025-26 season, Utah adopted the name "Utah Mammoth." Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl continue to lead the new generation of superstars in the modern skill-based NHL.