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Friday, September 20, 2024
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Top 10 Best NHL Teams of All Time

Hockey
PUBLISHED:
Samuel Simmons
By Samuel Simmons
The Montreal Canadiens lifting a Stanley Cup
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In the last 100 years, the National Hockey League has produced dozens of iconic moments on the ice. Some of these triumphs will never be forgotten by fans. Others directly result from the best NHL teams taking the league by the horns and doing the unimaginable. This got us thinking, who are the best NHL teams ever?

The league has produced legendary skaters such as Wayne Gretzky and Gordie Howe. But as we all know, hockey is a team game. These legends wouldn’t have existed without a strong unit around them. From goaltenders to forwards, if you want to win the Stanley Cup, you need every skater to pull their weight. With over a century of history to analyze, creating a list of the best NHL teams of all time isn’t easy.

After examining a variety of factors, including records, points, and rosters, we’ve selected ten sides that we believe are the greatest. You can debate for hours about which team is the best, so whether you agree with our list or not, let us know via social media!

10. Chicago Blackhawks, 2012-13

The Chicago Blackhawks celebrating their 2013 Stanley Cup win.

We start our list of the best NHL teams with the Chicago Blackhawks. The Blackhawks have won six Stanley Cups since its founding in 1926. However, their 2012-13 season is unmatched. Standout skaters like Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews supplied plenty of goals for the Chicago fans. Kane not only notched 55 points (23G, 32A) in the regular season but also had an amazing playoff campaign, posting a further 19 points (9G, 10A) on his way to lifting the Stanley Cup. His numbers were so impressive that they awarded him the Conn Smythe Trophy, the playoff MVP.

The Chicago Blackhawks had one of the greatest point streaks in NHL history. Chicago secured at least a point in 24 (21–0–3) consecutive games. The streak started after a 5-2 win against the Los Angeles Kings in game one of the regular season. The winning streak ended after 25 games when the Colorado Avalanche got a 6-2 win over the Blackhawks. Despite their streak ending, this didn’t prevent Chicago from winning the NHL’s biggest prize. Chicago beat the Minnesota Wild, Detroit Red Wings, and Los Angeles Kings before facing the Boston Bruins in the final. The Blackhawks won four out of six games in the series against the Bruins and lifted their fifth cup. The franchise hasn’t won a Stanley Cup since beating the Tampa Bay Lightning in 2015.

  • Coach: Joel Quenneville
  • Record: 36-7-5
  • Points: 77
  • Goals For: 155
  • Goals Against: 102
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

9. New York Rangers, 1993-94

The 1994 New York Rangers celebrate with the Stanley Cup

Heading into the 1993-94 season, the New York Rangers were not the favorites to win the Stanley Cup. The Rangers hadn’t won the Holy Grail since the 1939–40 season. But with an amazing roster and Mike Keenan leading the way, they finally got their hands on their fourth Stanley Cup after a 54-year wait.

Many of the best-performing skaters for New York joined via the Oilers. Adam Graves, Craig MacTavish, Glenn Anderson, and Mark Messier were former Edmonton players. Messier was already known as one of the best NHL players ever. He posted a staggering 84 points (26G, 58A) in the regular season and Graves also got 79 points (52G, 27A) for the Rangers.

The New York Rangers had created one of the best NHL teams ever. Their attacking threat was devastating. With the likes of Messier and Sergei Zubov on the ice, no team in the NHL could keep them from scoring. Nobody could shut out New York during the regular season. However, the Rangers still had to fight hard against the Vancouver Canucks to win that elusive Stanley Cup. New York won three of the first four contests, but the series needed a seventh game after an impressive Vancouver fightback.

Brian Leetch proved to be vital over the seven contests, notching 11 points (5G, 6A) against the Canucks. Mark Messier scored the winning goal in the second period of the last game, giving New York a 3-2 win over Vancouver in Madison Square Garden. New York’s 1994 Stanley Cup is the latest cup win in the franchise’s history.

  • Coach: Mike Keenan
  • Record: 52-24-8
  • Points: 112
  • Goals For: 299
  • Goals Against: 231
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

8. Calgary Flames, 1988-89

Calgary Flames skaters lift the 1989 Stanley Cup.

The Calgary Flames were the favorites to lift the 1989 Stanley Cup. The Flames’ 1988-89 roster is one of the best NHL teams of all time. They inducted six players on the roster into the Hall of Fame, including Joe Mullen, Doug Gilmour, Joe Nieuwendyk, Al MacInnis, Lanny McDonald, and Mike Vernon, all of whom played for Calgary in the 1988-89 season. They assembled an outstanding team with the sole intention of lifting the Stanley Cup for the first time. Despite having the best roster in the league, the playoffs almost ended horribly for the Flames.

The NHL Smythe Division Semi-Finals against the Vancouver Canucks proved to be much tougher than expected. Game seven of the series had a highly controversial ending, which still pains Vancouver fans. Nothing separated the teams after three thrilling periods. Calgary scored during overtime to progress into the division finals. But Joel Otto’s winning goal seemed to be kicked into the net and was a major talking point after the game.

However, the rest of the playoffs were smooth sailing for the Flames. Calgary swept the Los Angeles Kings in the division finals. The Chicago Blackhawks put up more resistance, but the Flames cruised past them, winning the conference finals 4-1. The Montreal Canadiens stood in the way of their first Stanley Cup victory. After losing the first two contests, Calgary was in trouble. But thanks to the likes of Al MacInnis, Joe Mullen, and Joel Otto, the Flames won the series 4-2 and lifted their first Holy Grail. Calgary hasn’t won another Stanley Cup since this victory.

  • Coach: Terry Crisp
  • Record: 54-17-9
  • Points: 117
  • Goals For: 354
  • Goals Against: 226
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

7. New York Islanders, 1981-82

1982 New York Islanders pose for a team photo.

During the early 1980s, the New York Islanders won four consecutive Stanley Cups. However, their 1981-82 season was extra special. Not only did the Islanders win their third Holy Grail, but they also set the record for the longest winning streak in NHL history. Game 45 against Pittsburgh started the streak, beating the Penguins 6-1 at home. New York beat Pittsburgh four times during their winning run, but ultimately the Penguins ended the streak in game 60. Mike Bullard notched two unanswered goals in the third period, giving his side a 4-3 win over New York.

The New York Islanders scored 385 goals and conceded just 250 times in the 1981-82 season, cementing their legacy as one of the best NHL teams ever. Mike Bossy single-handedly posted 147 regular season points (64G, 83A) for the Islanders. Bossy still holds the record for the most points notched by an Islanders skater in a single season. The right-winger scored 64 goals for New York, but his record-setting tally came in the 1978–79 season. Bossy scored 69 times during the 1978–79 campaign.

On their way to the Stanley Cup, the Pittsburgh Penguins were again causing trouble. New York had won the first two games of the division semi-finals and looked to be in control. However, the Penguins won games three and four to force a decider. An overtime goal from John Tonelli saved New York. The team went on to beat the New York Rangers, Quebec Nordiques, and Vancouver Canucks. They lifted the Stanley Cup for a third time after defeating the Canucks in the Pacific Coliseum.

  • Coach: Al Arbour
  • Record: 54-16-10
  • Points: 118
  • Goals For: 385
  • Goals Against: 250
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

6. Philadelphia Flyers, 1973-74

1974 Philadelphia Flyers lift the Stanley Cup

Not only was the Philadelphia Flyers’ 1973-74 roster one of the best NHL teams of all time, but they also paved the way for expansion teams in the National Hockey League. In 1967, the NHL expanded from six teams to twelve, mainly because of fears of a rival franchise forming. The Flyers, Los Angeles Kings, Oakland Seals, St. Louis Blues, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Minnesota North Stars joined the league in 1967. But in 1974, Philadelphia became the first expansion team to lift the Stanley Cup.

The Philadelphia Flyers’ first pick in the 1967 expansion draft was Bernie Parent, a French-Canadian goaltender from the Boston Bruins. Boston would later regret letting Parent leave, with the young goaltender becoming vital to the Flyers’ success. Parent set two franchise firsts during the 1973-74 campaign. He became the first goaltender to notch thirty wins in a season, which quickly became forty a month later. The goaltender also posted his 25th career shutout against the Montreal Canadiens in the same season. They inducted Bernie Parent into the Hall of Fame in 1984.

Philadelphia swept the Atlanta Flames in the NHL quarter-finals and defeated the New York Rangers in the semi-finals. The Rangers were the toughest opponents during their playoff campaign. The Flyers won the series in game seven by a one-goal margin. Philadelphia won four out of six games to lift the Stanley Cup for the first time against the Boston Bruins.

  • Coach: Fred Shero
  • Record: 50-16-12
  • Points: 112
  • Goals For: 273
  • Goals Against: 164
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

5. Detroit Red Wings, 1997-98

Vladimir Konstantinov holds the Stanley Cup

If you just look at the statistics, you might wonder why the 1997-98 Detroit Red Wings are on our list of the best NHL teams. However, hockey is more than just stats. Detroit’s 97-98 season proved one of the most emotional Stanley Cup-winning teams in history.

The Red Wings won the 1997 Stanley Cup and celebrated with a team golf trip. After the trip, Vladimir Konstantinov and Slava Fetisov headed home in a limousine. However, the limo crashed into a tree during the journey, injuring all the occupants. Fetisov thankfully only had minor injuries, but Konstantinov spent many weeks in a coma. Despite Konstantinov never playing hockey again, the Red Wings made sure he was still part of the team.

Vladimir Konstantinov’s locker was untouched during the season and they brought him onto the ice rink in his wheelchair after Detroit won the 1998 Stanley Cup; defending their title. Konstantinov spent six years skating for the Red Wings, playing 446 games in the NHL. To honor the defenseman, the number 16 jersey has not officially been retired, but no player has ever worn the number in Detroit since the accident.

The Detroit Red Wings also had to deal with transaction drama. Sergei Fedorov almost left the Red Wings during the 1997-98 season. The Russian was on a holdout and didn’t play for the side until late in the campaign. Fedorov played just 21 regular season games for Detroit but notched an impressive 17 points (6G, 11A) for his team. He was also crucial in the playoffs, posting 20 points (10G, 10A) in 22 contests.

Detroit’s emotional season ended with a Stanley Cup victory against the Washington Capitals. The Red Wings were frontrunners for the cup and proved their dominance in the final. Scotty Bowman’s team swept the Capitals in a four-game series, winning the Holy Grail back-to-back and dedicating the win to Vladimir Konstantinov.

  • Coach: Scotty Bowman
  • Record: 44-23-15
  • Points: 103
  • Goals For: 250
  • Goals Against: 196
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

4. Colorado Avalanche, 2000-01

Two Colorado Avalanche skaters lift the 2001 Stanley Cup

In the early 2000s, the Colorado Avalanche formed one of the best NHL teams of all time thanks to many high-profile trades. The sole intent of their transactions was to win the Stanley Cup, and they did just that. Colorado’s roster featured multiple future Hall of Famers, such as Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Ray Bourque, Rob Blake, and Patrick Roy.

The Avalanche didn’t have a weakness on the roster, with every position covered by a hockey legend. Sakic posted 118 points (54G, 64A) while playing center, and Forsberg also tallied a staggering 89 points (27G, 62A). Bourque and Blake were notorious defencemen for Colorado, with Bourque even notching 59 points (7G, 52A). Roy is arguably one of the greatest goaltenders in NHL history. The Colorado legend is the first NHL goalie to play 1,000 games and the first to win 500 contests. Roy also has the most NHL playoff wins as a goaltender and the most playoff contests played by a netminder.

The Colorado Avalanche unsurprisingly eased their way into the playoffs, recording 52 wins in the regular season. Colorado’s all-star roster proved a worthwhile investment, scoring 3.29 goals per game in 82 contests. The Avalanche continued their dominance in the playoffs, sweeping the Vancouver Canucks in the conference quarter-finals. Two more successful series over the Los Angeles Kings and St. Louis Blues led them to a showdown against the New Jersey Devils.

Colorado had lost in the playoffs in the last two seasons. The 2001 Stanley Cup Final went to game seven, but this time, Bob Hartley’s star-studded roster got the job done and lifted the Stanley Cup for the second time in Avalanche’s history. 21 years later, the Colorado Avalanche won the cup for a third time.

  • Coach: Bob Hartley
  • Record: 52-16-10-4
  • Points: 118
  • Goals For: 270
  • Goals Against: 192
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

3. Montreal Canadiens, 1976-77

The 1977 Montreal Canadiens celebrate with the Stanley Cup

If this list was based purely on the amount of Stanley Cup wins, then the Montreal Canadiens would be number one. But, we are looking for the best NHL teams of all time, not the most successful franchise. However, the Canadiens’ 1976-77 season was a dominant campaign, losing just eight contests in the regular season and they deserve a spot in our top three.

Montreal’s roster is unmatched in terms of strength. The Canadiens had nine Hall of Famers at their disposal and two stars notched over 100 points in the regular season. Guy Lafleur led the way with 136 points (56G, 80A) for Montreal, with Steve Shutt the second-highest scorer getting 105 points (60G, 45A).

But the Canadiens weren’t just impressive in front of the net, they also set multiple records because of their dominance on the ice. They set the record for the most amount of wins and points, winning 60 times and notching 132 points. Montreal still holds the record for the most regulation-time wins. The Canadiens also posted a +216 goal difference, which is better than any other NHL team in history.

The Montreal Canadiens roster is special because they did not look far and wide for talent. Nearly all the skaters drafted by the Canadiens were local players. They depended on skaters from Montreal, and the team always looked dangerous. Pete Mahovlich was the only player not trained by the side, but Mahovlich was still a huge part of the Canadiens’ success. Posting 62 points (15G, 47A) in 76 regular season contests.

The team cohesion made them a formidable side during the season, setting up an outstanding playoff campaign. Montreal swept the St. Louis Blues in the quarter-finals and won four out of six games against the New York Islanders in the semis. The Canadiens made winning the Stanley Cup look scarily easy, sweeping the Boston Bruins in a four-game series to lift the Holy Grail. This was the franchise’s 20th Stanley Cup victory. Montreal has won the cup 24 times, the current NHL record.

  • Coach: Scotty Bowman
  • Record: 60-8-12
  • Points: 132
  • Goals For: 387
  • Goals Against: 171
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

2. Pittsburgh Penguins, 1991-92

The 1992 Pittsburgh Penguins celebrate scoring.

Seeing any team above the 1977 Montreal Canadiens will shock most hockey fans. But as we stated at the beginning of the list, hockey isn’t just about records and stats. The Pittsburgh Penguins not only had a great 1991-92 season, winning the Stanley Cup and scoring over 343 goals. But the Penguins had to overcome adversity to get there, losing their head coach, Bob Johnson, early in the campaign. Johnson was battling with cancer at the beginning of the season and died in November 1991. Scotty Bowman came in during Johnson’s battle and stayed in charge for the rest of the season.

Pittsburgh’s regular season stats were just above average. Winning 39 times, but they also lost 32 contests. Their record could have been much better if they didn’t suffer yet more adversity. The Penguins’ star skater, Mario Lemieux, missed 16 games because of a back injury. Lemieux still notched an outstanding 131 points (44G, 87A) during the regular season. Pittsburgh also lost Jaromír Jágr for ten contests. The young winger was an important part of the Penguins’ attack, posting 69 points (32G, 37A) in 70 games.

However, Kevin Stephens was one of the standout players for Pittsburgh, recording his career-best tally for the Penguins. When his side was struggling with injuries and emotional torment, Stephens was there to steady the ship. The winger recorded 123 points (54G, 69A) in the regular season and scored more goals than any other player on the roster.

Of course, if you’re going to be amongst the best NHL teams of all time, you must lift the Stanley Cup. Despite being the defending champions, the Pittsburgh Penguins started the playoffs with two close games. They narrowly defeated the Washington Capitals 4-3 in the division semi-finals and successfully navigated a six-game series against the New York Rangers. In the last two series, the Penguins showed their full strength. Pittsburgh swept the Boston Bruins in the conference finals and the Chicago Blackhawks in the Stanley Cup Final. This was their first time winning back-to-back Stanley Cups as a franchise, but they have won the cup five times, most recently in 2017.

  • Coach: Scotty Bowman
  • Record: 39-32-9
  • Points: 87
  • Goals For: 343
  • Goals Against: 308
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

1. Edmonton Oilers, 1983-84

The Edmonton Oilers celebrating together in 1984

Topping our list of the best NHL teams of all time is the 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers. Losing just 18 games in the regular season and having one of the best rosters in hockey history, it’s hard not to consider the early 1980s Oilers the greatest of all time.

Edmonton had seven future Hall of Famers in their ranks and one of the best NHL players of all time, Wayne Gretzky. It takes a team to win a Stanley Cup, but this team had an unfair advantage. A one-of-a-kind individual posting 205 points (87G, 118A) in a regular season. This was just one of four times that Gretzky notched over 200 points. 1985-86 was his best campaign with 215 points (52G, 163A) for the Oilers. However, Edmonton had three more skaters who posted over 100 points, and Glenn Anderson registered 99 (54G, 45A). Mark Messier notched 101 (37G, 64A), Jari Kurri got 113 (52G, 61A), and Paul Coffey got the second-most with 126 points (40G, 86A).

But the 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers also achieved multiple records as a team. After scoring 446 times, the Oilers set the NHL record for the most goals scored in a single season. They also set two club records, getting 57 wins and 119 points. Edmonton sealed this amazing season with the Stanley Cup.

The Oilers made the playoffs look easy, with the Calgary Flames giving them their toughest test on the way to lifting the cup. Edmonton swept the Winnipeg Jets in the division semi-finals and beat Calgary in game seven of the division finals. However, they swept the Minnesota North Stars in the conference final and lost just one game against the New York Islanders to win the Holy Grail. However, the Edmonton Oilers haven’t won a Stanley Cup since 1990.

  • Coach: Glen Sather
  • Record: 57-18-5
  • Points: 119
  • Goals For: 446
  • Goals Against: 314
  • Playoffs: Stanley Cup Winners

Conclusion

Here is a complete list of the best NHL teams ever. We scoured far and wide when putting this list together, but if you think we have missed something, let us know! Here at Novibet, we are always updating our hockey predictions and guides. Check back here in a few weeks to see who else makes the list!

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