An Expert’s Guide to Picking the Right NHL Team to Support
An Expert’s Guide To Choosing Which NHL Team To Support
Introduction: How to Find Your NHL Team
Hockey offers a thrilling mix of speed, skill, physical play, and unforgettable moments. For those new to the game, backing a National Hockey League (NHL) team adds an extra level of excitement to every season. If you live in a city with an NHL team, the choice may seem obvious. But if you’re not in a traditional hockey market—or want to look beyond your hometown squad—finding the ideal team can be a bit overwhelming. This comprehensive guide breaks down each NHL franchise, highlighting their history, star players, and what makes them unique, all to help you decide which team deserves your loyalty.
Anaheim Ducks: For Fans of 90s Nostalgia
Anaheim Ducks apparel, due to the team’s unique eggplant and jade color scheme, was extraordinarily popular in the 1990s. [Image: Andrew Gardecki/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]
Founded in 1993 by Disney after the success of the “Mighty Ducks” film series, the Anaheim Ducks became a pop culture phenomenon with their quirky branding and colors. Currently, they’re building a promising new squad but still trail the Los Angeles Kings in local popularity.
Stanley Cups: 1 (2007)
Notable Players: Ryan Getzlaf, Rickard Rakell, John Gibson
Legendary Names: Paul Kariya, Teemu Selanne, Scott Niedermayer
Support the Ducks if you enjoy a team with a fun backstory and are willing to watch a new generation of stars develop.
Arizona Coyotes: The Ever-Roaming Franchise
The 2021-22 season could be the last for the Arizona Coyotes at Gila River Arena. [Image: Wikimedia Commons]
After relocating from Winnipeg in 1996, the Coyotes have faced ownership issues and potential moves, with playoff appearances few and far between.
Stanley Cups: 0
Key Players: Phil Kessel, Clayton Keller, Jakub Chychrun
Notable Alumni: Keith Tkachuk, Jeremy Roenick
Consider Arizona if you prefer an underdog story where relocation rumors always linger.
Boston Bruins: Embracing Tradition
Bobby Orr created thousands of new Boston Bruins fans with his spectacular skill and skating while also guiding the team to championships in the 1970s. [Image: Aaron Frutman/Wikimedia Commons]
Established in 1924, the Bruins have deep roots, iconic branding, and one of the league’s most passionate fan bases. Legendary players like Bobby Orr and Cam Neely have defined generations.
Stanley Cups: 6 (most recently 2011)
Top Players: Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, Taylor Hall
Choose Boston if you want to root for a classic powerhouse with rich history.
Buffalo Sabres: Champions of Loyalty and Patience
Jack Eichel became the most recent Buffalo Sabres star to exit Western New York in 2021. [Image: Lisa Gansky/Wikimedia Commons]
Since 1970, the Sabres have come close but remain without a Cup, enduring the league’s longest playoff drought. Their loyal fans stick by the team through seemingly endless rebuilds.
Stanley Cups: 0
Key Players: Jeff Skinner, Rasmus Dahlin
Support Buffalo if you enjoy sticking with a perennial underdog optimistic for the future.
Calgary Flames: Rivalry and Resilience
The Calgary Flames have played their home games at the Saddledome since 1983. [Image: Wikimedia Commons]
Long overshadowed by the Edmonton Oilers, Calgary’s single Cup win came in 1989. The Flames boast a committed roster and an ongoing quest to break through in the postseason.
Stanley Cups: 1 (1989)
Leading Players: Johnny Gaudreau, Matthew Tkachuk, Jacob Markstrom
Choose Calgary if you root for teams fighting uphill battles amid legendary rivalries.
Carolina Hurricanes: The Fun-Loving Innovators
Rod Brind’Amour helped the Hurricanes hoist the Stanley Cup in 2006 and leads them as coach today. [Image: Wikimedia Commons]
Carolina stands out for its offbeat branding and celebratory atmosphere. From “Storm Surges” after wins to wearing throwback Hartford Whalers uniforms, the Hurricanes have a spirit all their own.
Stanley Cups: 1 (2006)
Notables: Sebastian Aho, Teuvo Teravainen, Jordan Staal
Pick the Hurricanes if you want a team that doesn’t shy from being different.
Chicago Blackhawks: From Obscurity to Dynasty
Duncan Keith was named the most valuable player in the Blackhawks’ 2015 Cup run. [Image: Lisa Gansky/Wikimedia Commons]
Once seen as irrelevant, Chicago became the NHL’s team of the 2010s, winning three Cups in six years. Recently, the franchise has faced both performance declines and controversy.
Stanley Cups: 6 (latest in 2015)
Current Stars: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane
Go for Chicago if you appreciate historic comebacks and dynasties.
Colorado Avalanche: Excellence in Speed and Skill
Joe Sakic, the first Avalanche captain to raise the Cup, now shapes the team as general manager. [Image: Håkan Dahlström/Flickr, CC BY 2.0]
After moving from Quebec, Colorado raced to two Cups in their first six years and remains a top contender, known for their fast-paced, offensive style.
Stanley Cups: 2 (1996, 2001)
Elite Players: Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, Cale Makar
Choose Colorado for a blend of winning tradition and electrifying hockey.
Columbus Blue Jackets: For Fans of Gutsy Underdogs
The Blue Jackets fire a cannon after every home goal at Nationwide Arena. [Image: Wikimedia Commons]
A relative newcomer since 2000, Columbus is notable for their in-arena cannon and a passionate local following. A recent playoff win over Tampa Bay marked a turning point.
Stanley Cups: 0
Key Players: Boone Jenner, Patrik Laine, Zach Werenski
Back Columbus if you crave the thrill of a team fighting for respect.
Dallas Stars: Lone Star State Champions
The Dallas Stars brought hockey glory to Texas in 1999. [Image: Wikipedia]
Transplanted from Minnesota, the Stars quickly became champions and are regularly in contention, despite recent near-misses.
Stanley Cups: 1 (1999)
Current Leaders: Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn, Miro Heiskanen
Support Dallas if you love hockey with a Texas twist.
Detroit Red Wings: Hockey’s Timeless Legacy
The Detroit Red Wings last claimed the Stanley Cup in 2008. [Image: Michael Righi/Wikimedia Commons]
One of the NHL’s most storied franchises, Detroit is famed for traditions like octopus tossing and boasts one of the best alumni rosters.
Stanley Cups: 11
Stars New and Old: Dylan Larkin, Gordie Howe, Steve Yzerman
Choose Detroit for a team steeped in history and community support.
Edmonton Oilers: Revisiting Dynasty Days
Wayne Gretzky made Edmonton a dynasty in the 1980s. [Image: Richard Bartlaga/Flickr, CC BY-ND 2.0]
Once dominant, the Oilers are home to some of hockey’s most exciting stars but have struggled to recapture their championship form.
Stanley Cups: 5 (1984–1990)
Big Names: Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl
Pick Edmonton for thrilling individual brilliance and a shot at future glory.
Florida Panthers: Rising from Under the Radar
The Panthers have struggled in the spotlight but are now on the rise. [Image: Ines Hegedus-Garcia/Flickr, CC BY 2.0]
Long overlooked, Florida’s recent resurgence puts them among the most promising young teams in the league.
Stanley Cups: 0
Star Players: Aleksander Barkov, Jonathan Huberdeau, Aaron Ekblad
Support the Panthers if you’re drawn to exciting prospects and underdog energy.
Los Angeles Kings: Hollywood’s Hockey Stars
Dustin Brown and the Kings celebrated two Cup wins this century. [Image: Wikimedia Commons]
The Kings are famous for bringing Wayne Gretzky to the US and winning two Cups in the 2010s. Celebrity sightings and star power abound.
Stanley Cups: 2 (2012, 2014)
Core Players: Anze Kopitar, Drew Doughty, Jonathan Quick
Root for LA if you crave a team in the spotlight.
Minnesota Wild: The State of Hockey’s Redemption
Mikko Koivu was the Wild’s longtime captain before moving on in 2020. [Image: Andy Witchger/Flickr, CC BY 2.0]
Founded in 2000 to fill the void left by the departed North Stars, the Wild have passionate support and an emerging group of young players.
Stanley Cups: 0
Current Standouts: Kirill Kaprizov, Joel Eriksson-Ek
Support Minnesota for small-market charm and true grit.
Montreal Canadiens: Hockey’s Winning Tradition
The Montreal Canadiens lead all NHL teams with 24 Stanley Cup wins. [Image: Ken Lund/Wikimedia Commons]
As hockey’s most decorated franchise, Montreal is synonymous with tradition, stellar alumni, and French-Canadian culture.
Stanley Cups: 24 (most of any team)
Notables: Carey Price, Patrick Roy, Maurice Richard
Choose Montreal if you’re drawn to legends, history, and passionate crowds.
Nashville Predators: Where Hockey Meets Honky-Tonk
Nashville fans show their southern flair by tossing catfish onto the ice. [Image: Brent Moore/Flickr, CC BY-NC 2.0]
Introduced in 1998, the Predators blend hockey with Music City vibes and unforgettable in-arena experiences.
Stanley Cups: 0
Featured Players: Roman Josi, Filip Forsberg
If you value lively crowds and music-infused traditions, Nashville is your team.
New Jersey Devils: Defensive Dominance and Thick Skin
The Devils claimed three Stanley Cups between 1995 and 2003. [Image: Wally Gobetz/Flickr, CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]
Known for legendary goaltending and defensive play, the Devils often fly under the radar—but their triple-championship run is nothing to scoff at.
Stanley Cups: 3 (1995, 2000, 2003)
Star Talent: Jack Hughes, Nico Hischier, Martin Brodeur
Support New Jersey if you want to root for a small-market team that values grit over glitz.
New York Islanders: The Pride of Long Island
The Islanders claimed the Cup in four straight seasons (1980–1983). [Image: Wikimedia Commons]
Famous for their early-80s dynasty and underdog status relative to the city’s other teams, the Islanders have a fiercely loyal fanbase.
Stanley Cups: 4
Noteworthy Players: Mathew Barzal, Denis Potvin, Mike Bossy
Choose the Islanders if you love history, community, and a fighting spirit.
New York Rangers: Big Apple’s Hockey Giants
Henrik Lundqvist was a Rangers icon, even without a Stanley Cup win. [Image: Lisa Gansky/Wikimedia Commons]
With massive media attention and one of the greatest hockey venues—Madison Square Garden—the Rangers are synonymous with New York sports.
Stanley Cups: 4 (most recently 1994)
Noted Players: Mika Zibanejad, Adam Fox
Support the Rangers if you want tradition, visibility, and the energy of NYC.
