The National Hockey League originated in 1917 with six teams, and through a sequence of team expansions, reductions, and relocations currently consists of 30 teams, 24 of which are based in the United States and six in Canada.

The Montreal Canadiens are the most successful franchise with 24 Stanley Cup championships (23 as an NHL team, 1 as an NHA team). The next most successful franchise is the Toronto Maple Leafs with 13 Stanley Cup championships. The Detroit Red Wings, with 11 Stanley Cup championships, are the most successful American franchise. The longest streak of winning the Stanley Cup in consecutive years is five, held by the Montreal Canadiens from 1955–56 to 1959–60; the New York Islanders (1980–1983) and the Montreal Canadiens (1976–1979) have four-year championship streaks.

Of all the major leagues in North America, the NHL is the only league to field teams that play in two countries’ capital cities, Ottawa, Ontario and Washington, D.C.

Atlantic Division		Northeast Division		Southeast Division
	Devils		Bruins		Thrashers
	Islanders		Sabres		Hurricanes
	Rangers		Canadiens		Panthers
	Flyers		Senators		Lightning
	Penguins		Maple Leafs		Capitals
Central Division		Northwest Division		Pacific Division
	Blackhawks		Flames		Ducks
	Blue Jackets		Avalanche		Stars
	Wings		Oilers		Kings
	Predators		Wild		Coyotes
	Blues		Canucks		Sharks