Match The NHL Team To The City

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The National Hockey League is the biggest organized hockey league in the world. Recently expanded to 31 teams, the NHL has come a long way since its inception in 1917. The league went through many changes in its first few years, with a multitude of teams coming and going in quick succession, ultimately ending up as six teams from 1942 until the 1960's. Known as the Original Six, these teams are still intact today after multiple expansions added more teams to the league, most recently the addition of a 31st team for the upcoming 2017-18 season.

While it is still the least popular of the Big Four sports leagues in America (NFL, MLB, NBA, and NHL), the league has still landed teams all over the United States, and continues to grow in popularity every season. In 100 years, the NHL has undergone many, many changes, and has had teams relocate constantly. While there are 31 current teams, there are so many others that have existed. The NHL is a successful organization with a long and rich history, filled with many different cities that have been part of or still are part of the league. So, how well do you know NHL teams? Can you match them to their city?

Question 1

Sabres

Established in 1970 along with one other team, the Sabres have become a mainstay of the eastern conference. Having appeared in two Stanley Cup finals, this team has yet to win a championship. Located in the second most populous city in their state, the Sabres were named after the weapon's ability to be used efficiently for offense and defense. The Sabres have had many successful players over the years, including Hall of Fame inductees Tim Horton and goalie Dominik Hasek.

Question 2

Predators

One of the younger teams in the league, the Predators joined in the season of 1998-99. This past season was their first appearance in a Stanley Cup Final, and although they lost. this newfound success has propelled the team into massive popularity in their city. Interestingly, the Predators logo was created before their name, as fans voted on the name after having seen the logo. The Predators have embraced their hometown by inviting many local stars to sing national anthems.

Question 3

Oilers

The Oilers were one of the franchises to join the NHL when it merged with the World Hockey Association in 1979. The Oilers have found much success in the NHL, having won the Stanley Cup five times, the second most of any team since the first expansion in 1967. One of only seven current Canadian teams in the NHL, the Oilers are the only remaining team from their expansion, as all the others have relocated in the years since joining the league.

Question 4

Senators

The Senators have an interesting history, as they were one of the founding teams in 1917 but were not financially successful and ended up relocating to become the St Louis Eagles in 1934. Nearly 60 years later, they returned to the NHL for the 1992-93 season. While they won the championship 11 times in their original inception, the Senators have yet to win a Stanley Cup since returning to the league, despite making the playoffs 16 tomes and the Stanley Cup finals once.

Question 5

Nordiques

Founded in 1972 and joining the NHL with the WHA merger in 1979, the Nordiques remained in the NHL until they were relocated in 1995 and became the Avalanche. Translated to English, the word 'Nordique' means 'Notherners' so they chose this name due to being one of the northernmost teams in professional sports. While there has been discussion in recent years of the team coming back to the NHL, it has so far been unsuccessful in these efforts. The Nordiques never won a Stanley Cup, nor did they ever make the Stanley Cup finals.

Question 6

Avalanche

After the Nordiques were relocated, they become this team. The Avalanche has found more success than its predecessor. The Avalanche appeared in the playoffs for their first ten seasons, winning two Stanley Cups. One of these wins took place in the team's inaugural season, making them only the second team in American professional sports to win a championship in their first season following a relocation. This was also the first championship in professional sports for the city in which the Avalanche play.

Question 7

Lightning

The Lightning, also referred to as the Bolts, was founded in 1992. Co-founded by NHL legend Phil Esposito, the Lightning have won one Stanley Cup in their short time in the NHL. The location in which they are based is nicknamed "The Lightning Capital of North America" hence the name for the team. The current General Manager of the team is another NHL legend, Steve Yzerman who has been GM since 2010. Earlier this year, the Lightning retired a player's jersey for the first time in franchise history: Martin St Louis' number 26.

Question 8

Bruins

One of the Original Six teams, the Bruins have been in existence since 1924. The Bruins are tied for the fourth most Stanley Cup wins with 6, and also tied for the second most Stanley Cup wins of any American team. The Bruins have a rich history, having been coached by Don Cherry, the co-host of CBC's "Coach's Corner", as well as being the team for which legend Bobby Orr played most of his career, including his famous Stanley Cup winning goal in 1970.

Question 9

Ducks

From its inception in 1993 until 2006, this team was known as the Mighty Ducks, after the titular hockey team from the film franchise. As they were founded and owned by Disney they were legally allowed to use the name, but had to shorten it to simply Ducks after Disney sold the team. The Ducks have reached the playoffs 13 times In their first season with the new name and logo, the Ducks won their first and only Stanley Cup and haven't looked back.

Question 10

Canadiens

The Canadiens, commonly referred to as the Habs, are the oldest team in the NHL. Having been founded in 1909, the Habs have been around for over 100 years, and in that time have amassed the most Stanley Cups of any team, with 24 wins. The C and H on their jerseys stand for club and hockey respectively, it is simply a misconception that the H stands for Habs. The Canadiens also have the most retired jersey numbers of any NHL team, with 15 retired numbers in honor of 18 different players.

Question 11

Kings

Part of the first expansion in 1967, the Kings have stood the test of time, despite playing in a location where hockey was not popular. In 1988 the Kings received Wayne Gretzky from the Oilers and boosted the popularity of the sport in their region. The Kings were very successful with Gretsky and went to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in 1993, where they were ultimately defeated by the Canadiens. Their next appearance in the finals resulted in their first Stanley Cup in 2012, and was quickly followed by another win in 2014.

Question 12

Capitals

Established in 1974, the Capitals have become a powerhouse in the NHL thanks to superstar Alexander Ovechkin. They have 3 Presidents' Trophies, meaning that they were first place in the entire league at the end of the regular season, but have yet to capitalize on this success and win a Stanley Cup. In fact, they have only appeared in the finals once, in 1998, before they ever won the Presidents' Trophy. Despite their awful first season, the Capitals have outlived their fellow expansion team, the Kansas City Scouts, who only lasted two seasons.

Question 13

Whalers

Another team that joined the NHL as part of the 1979 merger with the WHA, the Whalers lasted until 1997 when they were relocated and became the Hurricanes. For the most part, the Whalers were unsuccessful as an NHL team, having never made it to the Stanley Cup finals and struggling financially for most of their existence. In fact, the Whalers only had three seasons where their winning percentage was over .500, and struggled to sell out their arena unless a nearby rival team was visiting and their fans followed.

Question 14

Flames

Founded in 1972 the Atlanta Flames found themselves relocated to their current city in 1980. They quickly became rivals with the Oilers, becoming one of the most well known rivalries in hockey. They won their first and so far only Stanley Cup in 1989. The team had the honor of hosting the Heritage Classic outdoor game in 2011, in which they defeated the Canadiens 4-0. The Flames made their first playoff appearance since 2009 in the 2014-15 season, where they also had their first playoff series win since 2004.

Question 15

Hurricanes

The Whalers relocated here in 1997 and the team name was changed to the Hurricanes. They have found more success than their predecessor having one a Stanley Cup in 2006. Unfortunately, they have struggled lately to find success in the NHL as they have not made it to the playoffs since the 2008-09 season where they lost in the Eastern Conference Finals. Hurricanes forward Jeff Skinner is the youngest NHL player to play in the All-Star game when he did so in 2011, the same year that the Hurricanes hosted the game.

Question 16

Golden Knights

The most recent team to join the NHL, the Golden Knights have yet to play a game as a team. They are set to make their debut this fall in the upcoming 2017-18 season and is yet to be seen how they will fare as an NHL team. In June 2017, the Golden Knights participated in the expansion draft where they were able to select one player from each team. They ended up with goalie Marc-Andre Fleury and centre Cody Eakin, amongst others.

Question 17

Panthers

One of the southernmost teams in the league, the Panthers were added to the NHL in 1993. This expansion team has a short history, and a few playoff appearances, with one run that took them all the way to the Stanley Cup finals. The Panthers hold the record for most consecutive seasons without a playoff appearance, at ten consecutive seasons. Hall of Fame goaltender Ed Belfour played his final NHL season with the team before playing Europe and then entering retirement.

Question 18

Blues

One of the original expansion teams from 1967, the Blues are the oldest NHL team to have never won a Stanley Cup. They have, however, appeared in the finals on three occasions, but the most recent of these was in 1970. The Blues have been home to superstars like Brett Hull, Brenden Shanahan, Chris Pronger, and David Backes. Despite their struggles to ever win a Stanley Cup, the Blues have proven themselves to be a force to be with reckoned in recent years, having made the playoffs every year since 2012.

Question 19

Coyotes

In 1996 the Jets were relocated south and became the Coyotes. This team has had limited success, particularly in recent years where their last playoff appearance was in 2012. Interestingly, the Coyotes' former owner Jerry Moyes went bankrupt and was forced to turn the team over to the NHL, prompting much discussion that they would return to their original hometown and become the Jets once again. In the end that did not happen and the NHL managed to sell the team.

Question 20

Blue Jackets

The Blue Jackets joined the NHL in an expansion alongside the Wild in 2000. Their odd name comes from a contest where fans could submit ideas for the new team's name. Eventually, the league and the franchise chose one of these entries, as it had to do with the team's state's history in the Civil War. The Blue Jackets have yet to win a Stanley Cup, but recently came one win short of tying the win streak record in the NHL.

Question 21

Canucks

Added in 1970 as part of an expansion with the Sabres, the Canucks are one of the seven Canadian teams currently active in the NHL. They are known for having changed their logo time and time again, even using Canadian cartoon character Johnny Canuck as part of some of their logos. The Canucks have made it to the Stanley Cup finals three times, but have never succeeded in winning the championship. Their most recent appearance in the finals was in 2011, and this loss sparked riots in the city.

Question 22

Thrashers

The Thrashers were founded in 1999 and lasted until 2011 when they were relocated to become the new iteration of the Jets. They were not the first team in their city, as the previous team was relocated to become the Flames in 1980. This makes this particular city the only one to have two teams relocated in NHL since the times before the Original Six. The team never won a Stanley Cup in its short existence, and only made it to the playoffs once.

Question 23

Penguins

The Penguins are the most recent Stanley Cup champions, having won for the past two seasons. They are the first back to back Stanley Cup winners in 19 years. The Penguins were part of the 1967 expansion, and have since won five Stanley Cups out of six appearances in the Stanley Cup finals. Boasting two of the league's greatest players of all time in Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby, the Penguins have had a long and successful history in the NHL.

Question 24

Sharks

The Sharks were established in 1991. Despite having won their division a total of six times, they are yet to win a Stanley Cup and have only made it to the finals once, in 2016. The Sharks have a well known entrance onto the ice where the players emerge from a giant shark head. Their hometown arena has been nicknamed the "Shark Tank" and the theme from Jaws is played whenever they have a power play. The Sharks had a ten season consecutive playoff streak, which was sadly broken in 2015.

Question 25

Wild

Joining the NHL in an expansion alongside the Blue Jackets, the Wild entered the league in 2000. They were not the first team for their location, but the previous team had relocated in 1993. The Wild have never made an appearance in the Stanley Cup finals. Their logo is unique in that it depicts the wilderness in the shape of an animal, with the north star representing the animal's eye. The 2017 season was a successful one for the team, as they finished with their most points, wins, and goals ever.

Question 26

Stars

The North Stars were relocated in 1993 and dropped the word North in their name, becoming the Stars. This team went to on to much success in the late 1990's, winning one Stanley Cup and appearing in the finals a year later when they were defeated by the Devils. The Stars have failed to repeat their success of the 1990's, but in recent years some of the NHL's top scorers have played for the Stars, including 2015 Art Ross winner Jamie Benn (meaning he had the most points).

Question 27

Maple Leafs

Established in 1917 named simply for their city, this team underwent a couple of name changes before settling on Canada's national symbol, the maple leaf, in 1927. The Maple Leafs are part of the Original Six teams, have won 13 Stanley Cups, and have a long and illustrious history. However, their last championship win came in 1967, resulting in the longest drought in the league. Despite their struggles to achieve success in 50 years, the Maple Leafs remain the third most valuable franchise in the NHL.

Question 28

Jets

The original Jets lasted in this city from 1972 to 1996 before relocating and becoming the Coyotes. In 2011, the Thrashers were relocated to this city, and the new team took the same name to honor their past. The new Jets have played 6 seasons so far, making one playoff appearance, but despite their lack of success they remain very popular in their city. They hosted the Heritage Classic in 2016, and honored the original Jets by inviting alumni and wearing their old jerseys.

Question 29

North Stars

The North Stars were part of the first NHL expansion in 1967. They remained in the NHL in their original city until 1993 when they were relocated south and changed their name to just Stars. Throughout their nearly 30 years in the NHL, the North Stars never won a Stanley Cup and only appeared in the finals twice, despite 17 playoff appearances. Mike Modano retired in 2011, making him the last North Star player to be active in the NHL.

Question 30

Blackhawks

The Black Hawks were founded in 1926 as one of the Original Six NHL teams. in 1986 their name was condensed into one word. The Blackhawks have been home to some the NHL's best and most well-respected players, including both Esposito brothers, Bobby Hull, and the modern day one-two punch of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane. The Blackhawks have won 6 Stanley Cups in their history, 3 of which came in recent years (2010, 2013, and 2015). The Blackhawks have had the honor of hosting a Winter Classic as well as playing in two others.

Question 31

Islanders

The Islanders are one of two active NHL teams under the name of this city. Established in 1972, the Islanders found most of their success primarily in the late 1970's until the mid-1980's. The Islanders won 4 consecutive Stanley Cups in that time. The Islanders of that era are one of the eight dynasties recognized officially by the NHL. Eight players from those Stanley Cup championship have been inducted into the Hall of Fame. seasons They went 22 seasons without winning a playoff series until 2016 when they defeated the Panthers in 6 games.

Question 32

Flyers

The Flyers were part of the 1967 expansion of the NHL, and they later went on to win two consecutive Stanley Cups in 1974 and 1975. This made the Flyers the first expansion team to win a Stanley Cup, however they are yet to win since. One of the most iconic aspects of the Flyers is their nickname, the "Broad Street Bullies" as their arena was located on Broad Street and they were a very tough team in their prime.

Question 33

Devils

In 1974 the Scouts joined the NHL for two years before relocating and becoming the Rockies until 1982. In that year, they were once again relocated and become the Devils, having stayed put ever since. The Devils have reached the Stanley Cups finals on five occasions, having won three times. The Devils are also notable for their long-time goaltender Martin Brodeur, who played with the team for 21 seasons. Brodeur holds the records for most regular season wins and shutouts.

Question 34

Rangers

The Rangers are one of the Original Six NHL teams, and were the first American team to win the Stanley Cup in 1928. They have won the Stanley Cup three more times since then, most recently in the 1993-94 season. They were established in 1926 and were the first of two NHL teams to use this location for their franchise. Wayne Gretzky ended his NHL career as a player for the Rangers. The Rangers have also qualified for the playoffs for the past seven seasons.

Question 35

Red Wings

The Red Wings were founded in 1926 as the Cougars. They later went by the Falcons before settling on the Red Wings in 1932. The Red Wings have the third-most Stanley Cup championships of any team, behind only the Canadiens and Maple Leafs, which makes them the American team with the most Stanley Cup wins, with 11 overall. The Red Wings were the home of one of the greatest players of all time, Gordie Howe, who played for 25 seasons with them.

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