History UsefulNotes / NationalHockeyLeague

** Wayne Gretzky - [[TheChosenOne The Great One]]. Near universally considered the best hockey player of all time (Orr is he?, he holds more than 40 records including most goals and led Edmonton to four Stanley Cup championships. He was traded to Los Angeles in 1988, and played briefly with St. Louis and the Rangers. He retired in 1999, and coached the Coyotes for four seasons.

** Wayne Gretzky - [[TheChosenOne The Great One]]. Near universally considered the best hockey player of all time, he holds more than 40 records including most goals and led Edmonton to four Stanley Cup championships. He was traded to Los Angeles in 1988, and played briefly with St. Louis and the Rangers. He retired in 1999, and coached the Coyotes for four seasons.

* ''Edmonton Oilers'': The last surviving team from [[TheRival the World Hockey Associaton]] that remains in its original city, and the only one of the four that joined the NHL (Quebec Nordiques, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers) that never actually won a [=WHA=] title. The team most people think of when they talk about Wayne Gretzky. Won the Cup five times in seven years (84, 85, 87, 88, and 90; a fluke own-goal cost them the 1986 trophy, and Gretzky was traded in the 1988 off-season). Simply put, they were an offensive juggernaut in the 80s. The 90s, though, were a different story: changing economics forced management to dismantle the team (by the start of the 1992 season, most of the players from the dynasty years were gone), though they did make the playoffs somewhat consistently in the late '90s. They last made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006, only to be defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the seventh game. Since then, they've had a string of last or next-to-last-place finishes in their division and are currently [[DesignatedMonkey one of the worst teams in the league]].

* ''New York Islanders'': New York's "[[HufflepuffHouse other]]" team. Known as the "Fishsticks" due to their unpopular 90's jersey, they have usually been bullied out of the media by the big-time Rangers. Did have a string of four straight championships in the early 80's. Since then, history and a hatred for the Rangers are really [[VestigialEmpire all they have going for them]]. Has a reputation for managerial ineptitude: trading away future stars, overpaying on contracts, etc. Even signed one of their goaltenders to a 15-year contract; [=Rick DiPietro=] is pretty good but has since become injury-prone. Construction on a long-overdue arena is nearing approval ([[WretchedHive Nassau Coliseum]] [[BeyondTheImpossible is by far the crappiest arena in the league]]).

* ''Colorado Avalanche'': Formerly the Quebec Nordiques, which joined the NHL in the 1979 WHA merger. This is the league's second venture in Colorado (the Rockies became the New Jersey Devils in 1982). Had a strong rivalry with the Red Wings in the 90's when both were good.

* ''Anaheim Ducks'': Formerly the "Mighty Ducks of Anaheim", this team was founded by {{Disney}} following the success of ''Film/TheMightyDucks'' movies. Thankfully changed their name before winning a Stanley Cup in 2007, the first Californian team to do so.

* ''Los Angeles Kings'': One of the teams created in the 1967 Expansion. The team that traded for Gretzky and almost caused the Canadian government to interfere (SeriousBusiness doesn't begin to describe hockey in Canada). Was the NHL's first team in a warm-weather city. Has a rather large and loyal fanbase.

** Wayne Gretzky - [[TheChosenOne The Great One]]. Near universally considered the best hockey player of all time, he holds more than 40 records including most goals and led Edmonton to four Stanley Cup championships.

* ''Toronto Maple Leafs'': Known for bad declension, being hated by the rest of Canada, being the most valuable franchise in the league, and not having won the Cup since 1967 (the league's longest current drought now that the Blackhawks won).

* ''Buffalo Sabres'': Don't bring up Brett Hull's goal in 1999 to them. Please. Their original uniform design remains the most popular overall, given the backlash against their [[FanNickname Goat's Head]] [[TheNineties red and black era]], and the soon-to-be-dismissed [[FanNickname Buffaslug]].
* ''Calgary Flames'': Once home to one of the best mustaches in the league, belonging to Hall of Famer [=Lanny McDonald=]. Major rival to the Edmonton Oilers, as part of the Battle of Alberta. The rivalry was most heated in the 80s, when both teams had stockpiled incredible amounts of talent, the Oilers taking most of the series versus the Flames. Also broke Canada's heart when they couldn't seal the deal back in 2004.

* ''Edmonton Oilers'': The last surviving team from [[TheRival the World Hockey Associaton]] that remains in its original city, and the only one of the four that joined the NHL (Quebec Nordiques, Winnipeg Jets, Hartford Whalers) that never actually won a [=WHA=] title. The team most people think of when they talk about Wayne Gretzky. Won the Cup five times in seven years (84, 85, 87, 88, and 90; a fluke own-goal cost them the 1986 trophy, and Gretzky was traded in the 1988 off-season). Simply put, they were an offensive juggernaut in the 80s. The 90s, though, were a different story: changing economics forced management to dismantle the team (by the start of the 1992 season, most of the players from the dynasty years were gone), though they did make the playoffs somewhat consistently in the late '90s. They last made it to the Stanley Cup Finals in 2006, only to be defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the seventh game. Since then, they've had a string of last or next-to-last-place finishes in their division and are currently one of the worst teams in the league.

* ''New York Islanders'': New York's "[[HufflepuffHouse other]]" team. Known as the "Fishsticks" due to their unpopular 90's jersey, they have usually been bullied out of the media by the big-time Rangers. Did have a string of four straight championships in the early 80's. Since then, history and a hatred for the Rangers are really [[VestigialEmpire all they have going for them]]. Has a reputation for managerial ineptitude: trading away future stars, overpaying on contracts, etc. Even signed one of their goaltenders to a 15-year contract; [=Rick DiPietro=] is pretty good but has since become injury-prone. Construction on a long-overdue arena is nearing approval (Nassau Coliseum is by far the crappiest arena in the league).

* ''Ottawa Senators'': Not related to the old Ottawa Senators (1883-1934) who won the Cup 11 times. Their first two seasons were absolute disasters (their 1992/93 season saw them win only 10 games of 84), but they slowly grew into perennial playoff contenders for most of the last decade. Once got into a [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DZT2PIyE5Vg massive brawl]] with the Buffalo Sabres with 100 penalty minutes and goalies going at each other.
* ''Philadelphia Flyers'': One of the teams created in the 1967 Expansion. Historically known for the Broad Street Bullies of the 70's, where they pretty much punched their way to the Cup. Has chronically lacked a permanent goaltender in recent years.
* ''Phoenix Coyotes'': Formerly the Winnipeg Jets. The team currently in the discussion for relocation. Maybe to Hamilton, maybe back to Winnipeg, maybe Kansas City, who the hell really knows. But the league seems hell-bent on keeping them in Phoenix. Surprised everybody in 2009/10 as one of the best teams in the league, finishing second in their division with 50 wins.
* ''Pittsburgh Penguins'': One of the teams created in the 1967 Expansion. The team of Sidney "Sid the Kid" Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, but more literally "Super" Mario Lemieux's team, as he's saved them from bankruptcy - twice; first as the hot number 1 pick in 1984 that revitalized the team, and then again by buying the team outright, and then coming out of retirement to put butts back in the seats. Although they faced potential relocation a few years ago, a new arena deal was struck in 2007, and the new building will open in 2010.

* ''Tampa Bay Lightning'': Most southern team to win the Cup (2004). Has been in ownership turmoil ever since, though they've had stretches of good play in the past decade.

* ''Washington Capitals'': The team of Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin. Had the best record of the 2009-10 regular season and then [[DethroningMomentOfSuck lost in the first round]] of the playoffs to the last seeded Habs after being up 3 games to 1. Their first season saw them with the worst winning percentage in modern NHL history (8 wins in 80 games).

** Gordie Howe - The man who held most of the league's records before Gretzky came along and smashed them. Also known as Mr. Hockey. The unofficial stat of a 'Gordie Howe Hat Trick' is named ofter him, indicating that a player has scored a goal, an assist, and a fighting major in one game, even though Howe himself rarely accomplished this feat. Howe came out of retirement to play alongside his sons in [[TheRival the World Hockey Association]] before retiring again with the Whalers in 1980.
** Bobby Hull & Brett Hull - Father and son who. while never played during the same years, were both feared for their booming shot. Bobby stunned the hockey world in 1972 for jumping to [[TheRival the World Hockey Association]] and the first million-dollar contract in hockey history.
** Mario Lemieux - Perhaps the only player who could rival Wayne Gretzky in skill, and points, if his career wasn't plagued by injuries: Chronic back problems (To the point he could hardly tie up his own skates), lots of hip issues and cancer, before finally retiring due to a heart issue. He retired once previously for three years, and took a full year off. Currently part of the ownership group of the Penguins.
** Mark Messier - The last WHA-era player to retire after the merger. Won the Stanley Cup five times with Edmonton, but is better known for winning it with the Rangers in 1994 - he's the only player to ever captain two different teams to the Cup. He is often considered to be one of the greatest leaders to ever play hockey, sometimes nicknamed 'The Messiah' in New York for his legendary playoff performance with the Rangers in 1994.
** Sidney Crosby - One of the best players playing today, and the one most likely to be recognized by non-hockey fans. Scored the game winning goal for Canada in the 2010 Olympic finals. Also one of [[AmericansHateTingle most hated players outside of Pittsburgh, particularly in Washington, Philadelphia, and Detroit]].
** Alexander Ovechkin - Captain of Washington, and one of the most electrifying players in the league today. Fans either love his energy, or hate his showboating.

** Bobby Orr - Unquestionably the greatest defenseman to play hockey, yet had his career cut short due to a plague of knee injuries. Scored "The Goal" for the Bruins to win the Stanley Cup in 1970.

** Al MacInnis - Known for his incredibly powerful shot, often leaving trophy sized bruises on players courageous enough to attempt to try and block it.
** Scott Stevens - When he played, forwards were often afraid to cross his blue line, for he was one of the hardest hitters to ever lace the skates. Known for several classic, thunderous hits: [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7U7jUbKQYdwseveral classic, thunderous hits]].

** Nicklas Lidström - A veteran defenseman who is known for his outstanding play with the Detroit Red Wings, quietly shutting down opposing offenses without much body contact.
** Chris Pronger - Contrasting Nicklas Lidstrom, he is the epitome of physical domination in the defensive zone. Very big. Plays on the edge, nearly drawing infractions, but only nearly, drawing the ire of fans and players everywhere, except for his own.

** Roberto Luongo - Currently with the Vancouver Canucks, and was the first goaltender in decades to be a team captain, a title he relinquished after the 2009-10 Season. While his technique borders on unorthodox, his frequent, and often incredibly athletic, saves leave viewers (and shooters) scratching their heads. After Martin Brodeur's embarrassing loss to USA in the Vancouver 2010 Olymplics, Luongo took over as Team Canada's goalie, and helped salvage the tournament in his hometown, culminating in a gold medal. That was [[Understatement sort of a big deal]].

** Lou Lamoriello - [[MagnificentBastard Team President and General Manager]] of the New Jersey Devils. In Lou's first year, the Devils TookALevelInBadass and were one win away from going to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 87'-88' Season. Since that season, the franchise missed the playoffs ONLY twice, while winning the Stanley Cup three times in four appearances. He was best known for drafting [[TheWoobie Martin Broduer]] in 1990, after "almost" every team passed him up. [[MagikarpPower He's now considered one of the league's best goaltenders and holds several league records]]. One of the drafters of the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement, that brought the NHL back from a cancelled season.

** Bobby Orr - Unquestionably the greatest defenseman to play hockey, yet had his career cut short due to a plague of knee injuries.

** Roberto Luongo - Currently with the Vancouver Canucks, and was the first goaltender in decades to be a team captain, a title he relinquished after the 2009-10 Season. While his technique borders on unorthodox, his many, incredibly athletic saves may leave viewers (and shooters) scratching their heads. Replaced Martin Brodeur as the Team Canada goalie in the 2010 Olympics (held in Vancouver, appropriately enough), helping lead them to a gold medal on home soil. That was [[Understatement sort of a big deal]].

* ''Boston Bruins'': First NHL team south of the border. Famous former players include Bobby Orr, Cam Neely and Ray Bourque. Defenseman [[TheBigGuy Zdeno Chara]] is the tallest guy ever to play in the league. Traditional rivals of Montreal.

* ''Tampa Bay Lightning'': Most southern team to win the Cup (2004). Has been in ownership turmoil ever since.

** Roger Neilson: Sadly passed away from cancer in 2000. Infamous for his [[AintNoRule bending of the rules]], such as putting a defenseman in goal for a penalty shot, who could legally leave the goal and check the other guy, and having goalies block the net with their stick when they were pulled.

* ''Minnesota Wild'': Awarded as a 2000 expansion team largely as an apology for allowing the North Stars to be hijacked to Dallas. Helps that the Wild ownership has been far more committed to the local market than any of the Stars' owners ever were. Until 2009 they didn't have a permanent captain (the position was rotated among the players).

** To be fail about the [=DiPietro=] contract, it seems to have become more of a harbinger of contracts to come: more double-digit-year contracts for more high-profile players have since been made by teams around the league, and recently the league voided a 17-year contract between Ilya Kovalchuk and the Devils because it evaded the salary cap too blatantly (they later settled on a 15-year one that the league was fine with.)

* ''Phoenix Coyotes'': Formerly the Winnipeg Jets. The team currently in the discussion for relocation. Maybe to Hamilton, maybe back to Winnipeg, maybe Kansas City, who the hell really knows. But the league seems hell-bent on keeping them in Phoenix.

* ''Vancouver Canucks'': Unusual for a hockey team, until recently their goalie (Roberto Luongo) was captain (although this is considered unofficial by League rules, which have prohibited goalies from wearing the "C" on their sweater for over 60 years). Got to the Stanley Cup Final twice and lost, both times to teams from New York (Islanders in '82, Rangers in '94). The "Flying-V" sweaters from 1978-85 is generally considered to be [[DorkAge one of the ugliest uniforms in League history]].

** Mark Messier - The last WHA-era player to retire after the merger. Won the Stanley Cup five times with Edmonton, but is better known for winning it with the Rangers in 1994 - he's the only player to ever captain two different teams to the Cup. He is often considered to be one of the greatest leaders to ever play hockey, sometimes nicknamed 'The Messiah' in New York, for the Rangers.

** Ray Bourque - A defenseman considered second only to Orr. Holds the record for most consecutive All-Star games (19 in a row), most points scored by a defenseman and most shots on goal (over 6000).

* Howie Meeker: A former player and TV commentator who became more famous as a children's educator in the sport with TV shows and books devoted to teaching the game. He also was a strong advocate for better quality kid's safety equipment in the sport.

** Sidney Crosby - One of the best players playing today, and the one most likely to be recognized by non-hockey fans. Scored the game winning goal for Canada in the 2010 Olympic finals. Also one of [[AmericansHateTingle most hated players outside of Pittsburgh, particularly in Washington and Detroit]].

** Martin Brodeur - probably the best goalie of all time, he has won the cup three times with the Devils.
** Roberto Luongo - Current captain of the Vancouver Canucks. While his technique borders on unorthodox, his many, incredibly athletic saves may leave viewers (and shooters) scratching their heads.

* ''Vancouver Canucks'': Unusual for a hockey team, their goalie (Roberto Luongo) is captain (although this is considered unofficial by League rules, which have prohibited goalies from wearing the "C" on their sweater for over 60 years). Got to the Stanley Cup Final twice and lost, both times to teams from New York (Islanders in '82, Rangers in '94). The "Flying-V" sweaters from 1978-85 is generally considered to be [[DorkAge one of the ugliest uniforms in League history]].

* ''New Jersey Devils'': Formerly the Kansas City Scouts AND the Colorado Rockies. Since 1988, the Devils missed the playoffs only twice. The team of Martin Brodeur, who is always in the discussion of best goalie ever and currently holds [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Brodeur#Records numerous career records]]. Traditionally won with defense and came up with the neutral zone trap that led to low-scoring games all across the league in the years before the [[DethroningMomentOfSuck lockout]]. [[{{Understatement}} Does not like]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRt1hLdTjDY&NR=1 the Rangers]][[hottip:* :The chant in the link happens at every home game, without exception, no matter who they're playing against or what point it is in the season.]], even the front office: They've made trades with every team...except the Rangers. Despite playing well so consistently (there have been several trumpets of the Devils' downfall from the elite lately, only for Brodeur et al to prove them wrong), often has problems selling out their home games (at least those that don't involve the Rangers or Flyers). Recognized in hockey circles as a heavily strict and heavily discliplined franchise, with a team first mentality. Oh, and they're named after a [[Cryptozoology cryptid]] called the Jersey Devil that supposedly haunts the Pine Barrens region (see {{Joisey}} for more info.).

* ''New Jersey Devils'': Formerly the Kansas City Scouts AND the Colorado Rockies. Since 1988, the Devils missed the playoffs only twice. The team of Martin Brodeur, who is always in the discussion of best goalie ever and currently holds [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Brodeur#Records numerous career records]]. Traditionally won with defense and came up with the neutral zone trap that led to low-scoring games all across the league in the years before the [[DethroningMomentOfSuck lockout]]. [[{{Understatement}} Does not like]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRt1hLdTjDY&NR=1 the Rangers]][[hottip:* :The chant in the link happens at every home game, without exception, no matter who they're playing against or what point it is in the season.]], even the front office: They've made trades with every team...except the Rangers. Despite playing well so consistently (there have been several trumpets of the Devils' downfall from the elite lately, only for Brodeur et al to prove them wrong), often has problems selling out their home games (at least those that don't involve the Rangers or Flyers). Recognized in hockey circles as a heavily strict and heavily discliplined franchise, with a team first mentality.

** Lou Lamoriello - [[MagnificentBastard Team President and General Manager]] of the New Jersey Devils. In Lou's first year, the Devils TookALevelInBadass and were one win away from going to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 87'-88' Season. Since that season, the franchise missed the playoffs ONLY twice, while winning the Stanley Cup three times in four appearances. He was best known for drafting [[TheWoobie Martin Broduer]] in 1990, after "almost" every team passed him up. One of the drafters of the 2005 Collective Bargaining Agreement, that brought the NHL back from a cancelled season.

** Lou Lamoriello - [[MagnificentBastard Team President and General Manager]] of the New Jersey Devils. In Lou's first year, the Devils TookALevelInBadass and were one win away from going to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 87'-88' Season. Since that season, the franchise missed the playoffs ONLY twice, while winning the Stanley Cup three times in four appearances. He was best known for drafting [[TheWoobie Martin Broduer]] in 1990, after "almost" every team passed him up. As one of the drafters of the 2005 Collective Barganing Agreement, that brought the NHL back from a cancelled season, Lou pulled a XanatosGambit in 2010 to get the "prized" free agent Ilya Kolvachuk.

** Lou Lamoriello - [[MagnificentBastard Team President and General Manager]] of the New Jersey Devils. In Lou's first year, the Devils TookALevelInBadass and were one win away from going to their first Stanley Cup Finals in 87'-88' Season. Since that season, the franchise missed the playoffs ONLY twice. He was best known for drafting [[TheWoobie Martin Broduer]] in 1990, after "almost" every team passed him up. As one of the drafters of the 2005 Collective Barganing Agreement, that brought the NHL back from a cancelled season, Lou pulled a XanatosGambit in 2010 to get the "prized" free agent Ilya Kolvachuk.

* ''New Jersey Devils'': the team of Martin Brodeur, who is always in the discussion of best goalie ever and currently holds [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Brodeur#Records numerous career records]]. Traditionally won with defense and came up with the neutral zone trap that led to low-scoring games all across the league in the years before the [[DethroningMomentOfSuck lockout]]. [[{{Understatement}} Does not like]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRt1hLdTjDY&NR=1 the Rangers]][[hottip:* :The chant in the link happens at every home game, without exception, no matter who they're playing against or what point it is in the season.]], even the front office: They've made trades with every team...except the Rangers. Despite playing well so consistently (there have been several trumpets of the Devils' downfall from the elite lately, only for Brodeur et al to prove them wrong), often has problems selling out their home games (at least those that don't involve the Rangers or Flyers).

* ''Anaheim Ducks'': Formerly the "Mighty Ducks of Anaheim," this team was founded by {{Disney}} following the success of ''Film/TheMightyDucks'' movies. Thankfully changed their name before winning a Stanley Cup in 2007, the first Californian team to do so.
* ''Atlanta Thrashers'': The league's second foray into Atlanta (the Flames were in Atlanta until 1980). Haven't done much of note beyond trade away their only franchise players.
* ''Buffalo Sabres'': Don't bring up Brett Hull's goal in 1999. Their original uniform design remains the most popular overall, given the backlash against their [[FanNickname Goat's Head]] [[TheNineties red and black era]], and the soon-to-be-dismissed [[FanNickname Buffaslug]].
* ''Calgary Flames'': Once home to one of the best mustaches in the league, belonging to Hall of Famer [=Lanny McDonald=]. Major rival to the Edmonton Oilers, as part of the Battle of Alberta. The rivalry was most heated in the 80s, when both teams had stockpiled incredible amounts of talent, the Oilers taking most of the series versus the Flames. Also broke Canada's heart when they couldn't seal the deal in 2004.

* ''Edmonton Oilers'': The last surviving team from [[TheRival the World Hockey Associaton]] that remains in its original city, and the only one of the four that joined the NHL (Quebec, Winnipeg, Hartford) that never actually won a [=WHA=] title. The team most people think of when they talk about Wayne Gretzky. Won the Cup five times in seven years (84, 85, 87, 88, and 90; a fluke own-goal cost them the 1986 trophy, and Gretzky was traded in the 1988 off-season). Simply, they were an offensive juggernaut in the 80s. The 90s, though, were a different story: changing economics forced management to dismantle the team (by the start of the 1992 season, most of the players from the dynasty years were gone), though they did make the playoffs somewhat consistently in the late '90s. They last made it to the Cup finals in 2006, only to be defeated by the Carolina Hurricanes in the seventh game. Since then, they've had a string of last- or next-to-last-place finishes in their division and are currently one of the worst teams in the league.
* ''Florida Panthers'': Started fast for an expansion team: they came this close to making the playoffs in their first season and made it to the Finals a few years later. After that, there hasn't been much; they haven't even made the playoffs in nearly a decade. Their most notable contribution came during their Finals run in 1996, when fans would litter the arena with plastic rats, causing extensive delays in games (due to one of their players killing a rat with his stick in the locker room... yeah, fans are weird).

* ''Nashville Predators'': A consistently decent team since about 2004, that has problems both with other people knowing they exist and staying solvent: the fanbase is pretty decent, but corporate sponsors are lacking.
* ''New Jersey Devils'': the team of Martin Brodeur, who is always in the discussion of best goalie ever and currently holds [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Brodeur#Records numerous career records]]. Traditionally won with defense and came up with the neutral zone trap that led to low-scoring games all across the league in the years before the [[DethroningMomentOfSuck lockout]]. [[{{Understatement}} Does not like]] [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRt1hLdTjDY&NR=1 the Rangers]][[hottip:* :The chant in the link happens at every home game, without exception, no matter who they're playing against or what point in the season.]], even the front office: They've made trades with every team...except the Rangers. Despite playing well so consistently (there have been several trumpets of the Devils' downfall from the elite lately, only for Brodeur et al to prove them wrong), often has problems selling out their home games (at least those that don't involve the Rangers or Flyers).

* ''Phoenix Coyotes'': Formerly the Winnipeg Jets. The team currently in the discussion for relocation. Maybe to Hamilton, maybe to Winnipeg, maybe Kansas City, who the hell knows. But the league seems hell-bent on keeping them in Phoenix.

* ''San Jose Sharks'': The first team of the 1990s expansion, borne out of a failed attempt to relocate the North Stars to the Bay Area, and one of the more successful examples from a business perspective. They currently have a reputation of doing well in the regular season but [[EveryYearTheyFizzleOut not so well come playoff time]], a reputation that seems to reinforce itself year after year with every early playoff exit. In 2010 they looked good but the (much better) Chicago Blackhawks beat them a four-game sweep in the Western Conference finals.

** Mark Messier - Won the Stanley Cup five times with Edmonton, but is better known for winning it with the Rangers in 1994. He is often considered to be one of the greatest leaders to ever play hockey, sometimes nicknamed 'The Messiah' in New York, for the Rangers.

* ''Montreal Canadiens'' (AKA the Habs): Even older than the NHL itself. Has won 24 championships, a feat surpassed only by the [[UsefulNotes/{{Baseball}} New York Yankees]]. Also the last Canadian team to win the Cup (1993). Goaltender Jacques Plante made the goalie mask regular gear after stopping an Andy Bathgate slapshot with his nose in 1959. Pretty much the team of French Canada with the departure of the Quebec Nordiques to Colorado in 1995.

* ''Toronto Maple Leafs'': Known for bad conjugation, being hated by the rest of Canada, being the most valuable franchise in the league, and not having won the Cup since 1967 (the league's longest current drought now that the Blackhawks won).