NHL

The original Ottawa Senators hockey team was formed in 1883.

The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded in 1917 as a professional ice hockey league.

The Montreal Canadiens were established in 1909, laying the groundwork for their future as one of the most iconic hockey teams.

In 1910, the Montreal Canadiens played their first game after joining the National Hockey Association, a new league.

In 1911, teams in Western Canada formed the Pacific Coast Hockey Association, introducing innovations like blue lines, goaltenders falling to make saves, and forward passing in the neutral zone.

In 1912, the number of players allowed on the ice was reduced from seven to six per team.

In 1914, the Toronto Blueshirts of the National Hockey Association achieved Toronto's first Stanley Cup victory.

The National Hockey League (NHL) was established in 1917 as a replacement for the National Hockey Association (NHA).

The National Hockey League was established on November 26, 1917, in Montreal after the National Hockey Association of Canada Limited suspended its operations. Teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Montreal Wanderers, Ottawa Senators, and Quebec Bulldogs were present at the inaugural meeting.

The National Hockey League (NHL) was founded on November 26, 1917. It is a professional ice hockey league in North America and is considered the premier league for the sport.

The first games of the National Hockey League were played on December 19, 1917, marking the official start of the league's competitive matches.

On January 2, 1918, a fire destroyed the Montreal Arena, home to both the Montreal Wanderers and the Canadiens. The Canadiens relocated to the Jubilee Arena, while the Wanderers withdrew from the NHL.

On February 20, 1919, the Toronto team informed the NHL that it was withdrawing from competition. The team was reorganized as the Toronto St. Patricks, ensuring the league did not reduce to two teams for the next season.

Joe Malone of the Quebec Bulldogs scored seven goals in one game against the Toronto St. Patricks, a record that still stands today. Malone was a two-time NHA scoring champion and a key figure in the early years of the NHL.

In 1923, the Supreme Court of Ontario awarded Eddie Livingstone $100,000 in damages in his claim to the Toronto franchise.

In 1924, the NHL became the only major league and the exclusive competitor for the Stanley Cup. By 1947, the NHL secured full control of the Cup.

In 1926, the National Hockey League underwent rapid expansion, adding teams like the New York Rangers, Chicago Black Hawks, and Detroit Cougars (later the Red Wings), marking a significant growth phase for the league.

On February 14, 1927, the St. Patricks were sold to a group represented by Conn Smythe for $160,000, leading to the renaming of the team to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Hockey legend Gordie Howe was born in Floral, Saskatchewan.

In 1929, the NHL allowed the use of the forward pass in all zones, leading to an increase in offensive plays and goals per game as players adapted to the new strategy of positioning near the opponent's goal crease.

On January 20, 1930, Clint Benedict became the first goaltender to wear facial protection during a game by donning a leather mask to shield a broken nose, although he discontinued its use due to vision obstruction.

Dickie Moore, a notable figure in the world of hockey, was born on this day.

On November 12, 1931, Maple Leaf Gardens opened, fulfilling Conn Smythe's vision of a new arena for the Toronto Maple Leafs.

In 1932, five years after Smythe's promise, the Toronto Maple Leafs won the Stanley Cup in three games over the Rangers.

The first NHL game was played on December 19, 1917, between the Montreal Canadiens and the Ottawa Senators. The NHL, or National Hockey League, is a professional ice hockey league in North America.

On December 13, 1933, Bruins defenceman Eddie Shore severely injured Toronto's Ace Bailey, leading to a suspension and significant repercussions.

Maple Leaf Gardens hosted the Ace Bailey All-Star Benefit Game to raise money for Bailey's recovery. The Maple Leafs defeated an all-star team of players from the rest of the league 7–3 while raising over $20,000. The Leafs announced that no Toronto player would ever wear Bailey's #6 again, marking the first time in NHL history that a team retired a player's jersey number.

The NHL reduced its salary cap to $62,500 per team, leading to star players like Howie Morenz being traded. Morenz, a three-time Hart Trophy winner, was sent from Montreal to the Black Hawks. Less than two seasons later, he was traded back to Montreal after a brief time playing for the Rangers.

In 1936, the New York Americans secured a 3-2 victory over Toronto in the first hockey game to be broadcast coast-to-coast in Canada.

On January 28, 1937, Howie Morenz broke his leg in four places during a game. He died on March 8 of a coronary embolism. Morenz's death was attributed to his love for hockey and the realization that he would never play again.

The Montreal Maroons suspended operations in 1939 after being denied permission to relocate to St. Louis due to financial difficulties. This led to the transfer of players to other NHL teams.

In 1941, the New York Americans changed their name to the Brooklyn Americans for the 1941-42 season, which turned out to be their final season.

Due to the Great Depression and World War II, the NHL was reduced to six teams by 1942, known as the 'Original Six', including iconic teams like the Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and Montreal Canadiens.

In 1943, the NHL introduced the neutral zone divided by a center red line, changing the game dynamics. This innovation, proposed by Rangers coach Frank Boucher, aimed to increase the game's speed and enhance entertainment value.

The period of dynasties in the NHL began around 1944, with Maurice Richard achieving the milestone of being the first player to score 50 goals in a season during 1944-45.

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard of the Montreal Canadiens scored his 45th goal in a single season, surpassing Joe Malone's NHL record of 44 goals set in 1918.

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard reached a milestone by scoring his 50th goal of the season, showcasing his exceptional performance in the NHL.

Clarence Campbell was named president of the NHL in 1946, succeeding Red Dutton, and he remained in this position until his retirement in 1977.

In 1947, the NHL completed a deal with the Stanley Cup trustees to gain full control of the prestigious trophy. This solidified the NHL as the sole competitor for the Stanley Cup.

In 1948, Asian Canadian Larry Kwong made history by becoming the first Asian player in the NHL. He played for the New York Rangers, breaking barriers in the league.

The center red line first appeared on the ice in 1949, changing the dynamics of gameplay and strategy in NHL matches.

In a playoff game against the Leafs in 1950, Gordie Howe suffered a near-fatal injury as he mistimed a check, slamming head first into the boards. Despite initial doubts, Howe recovered to continue his legendary career.

In the 1951 Stanley Cup Finals, Maple Leafs' defenceman Bill Barilko scored the Cup-winning goal in overtime against the Canadiens, securing Toronto's fourth championship in five seasons.

The Legend of the Octopus is a tradition in Detroit Red Wings history where fans throw octopuses onto the ice during games for good luck.

On November 1, 1952, Hockey Night in Canada was first broadcast on television, with Foster Hewitt calling the action between the Leafs and Bruins. The broadcasts quickly became the highest-rated show on Canadian television.

In 1953, Jean Beliveau signed a groundbreaking contract with the Canadiens, receiving $105,000 over five years and a $20,000 bonus as a rookie. Beliveau went on to win ten Stanley Cups with Montreal.

Maurice Richard was a prominent ice hockey player known for his prolific goal-scoring ability. He played for the Montreal Canadiens and was the first player in NHL history to score 50 goals in one season. Richard's career had a significant impact on the sport of hockey.

In March 1955, Maurice Richard was suspended for the season after a violent incident during a game, leading to a riot in Montreal. The riot highlighted the cultural divide between French Quebec and English Canada.

Jean Beliveau becomes the first hockey player to appear on the cover of 'Sports Illustrated'.

The first players' union in the NHL was formed on February 12, 1957 by Red Wings player Ted Lindsay, leading to conflicts with team owners and eventual concessions for players.

On October 19, 1957, Maurice Richard became the first player to score 500 career goals in the NHL. He retired as an eight-time Stanley Cup champion and the league's all-time leading scorer.

On January 18, 1958, Willie O'Ree made history by becoming the first black player in the NHL when he joined the Boston Bruins as an 'injury call-up' for a game in Montreal. Despite facing racism and taunts from opponents and fans, O'Ree played a total of 45 NHL games and earned the nickname the 'Jackie Robinson of hockey'.

During a game on March 13, 1958, American goalie John Aiken, an employee of the Boston Bruins, played half a game for the Montreal Canadiens as an emergency replacement for Jacques Plante, who was injured. Aiken's appearance was a rare instance of an American-born player suiting up for a Canadian team during the Original Six era.

On November 1, 1959, Jacques Plante was struck in the face during a game at Madison Square Garden, leading to him wearing his goalie mask in games after a delay and stitching up by doctors.

The Hockey Hall of Fame opened its doors in Toronto in 1961, becoming a prestigious institution honoring the greatest hockey players and contributors.

Bill Barilko's remains were discovered in 1962, the same year the Maple Leafs won the Cup for the first time since his overtime winner eleven years prior, immortalizing his disappearance.

The first NHL Amateur Draft took place on June 5, 1963, at the Queen Elizabeth Hotel in Montreal. This draft, created to distribute talent more evenly, marked a shift from the previous sponsorship system of acquiring players.

In the 1964 Stanley Cup Finals against the Red Wings, Maple Leafs' defenceman Bobby Baun scored the winning goal in overtime despite suffering a broken ankle from a slap shot earlier in the game.

On February 1, 1966, the NHL expanded westward, marking a significant geographical expansion for the league.

On April 1, 1967, marked the end of the Original Six era in the NHL. This period in NHL history refers to the six teams that comprised the league before the expansion in the late 1960s.

The Maple Leafs clinched the Stanley Cup in 1967, marking their last championship title to date. This victory was part of their successful run in the Original Six era.

On January 13, 1968, North Stars' rookie Bill Masterton tragically became the first and only player to die as a result of injuries suffered during an NHL game, leading to changes in player safety regulations.

Before the 1971-72 season, hockey legends Gordie Howe and Jean Beliveau announced their retirements. Howe, a six-time league scoring champion, and Beliveau, a multiple Stanley Cup winner, were both inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame with waived waiting periods.

The Summit Series in 1972 was a historic ice hockey competition between Team Canada and the Soviet Union. It was a significant event that showcased the rivalry and skill between the two hockey powerhouses.

On January 17, 1972, the World Hockey Association (WHA) was established as a rival professional ice hockey league to the NHL. The WHA aimed to challenge the dominance of the NHL and introduced new dynamics to the world of hockey.

In 1972, the NHL participated in the Summit Series, where the top Canadian players faced off against the top players from the Soviet Union. The series culminated in a historic moment when Paul Henderson scored the series-winning goal in the eighth and final game.

Borje Salming, the first European star in the NHL, signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1973 and went on to play 16 seasons in the NHL, retiring in 1990.

During the 1974 and 1975 seasons, the Philadelphia Flyers were the only expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, showcasing their dominance in the league.

On March 1, 1975, the NHL saw the emergence of more dynasties within the league, showcasing dominant teams that achieved success over a period of time.

On New Year's Eve 1975, the Montreal Canadiens played Central Red Army in a game that is considered one of the finest ever played. The game ended in a 3-3 draw and showcased the competitive spirit and skill of both teams.

On February 7, 1976, Maple Leafs star Darryl Sittler scored 10 points in one game, breaking Maurice Richard's record. He achieved this in an 11–4 victory over the Bruins.

In December 1977, the New York Rangers played an exhibition game against Poldi Kladno of the Czechoslovak First Ice Hockey League, marking one of the first NHL vs. European-based team matchups.

Wayne Gretzky, a legendary figure in ice hockey, made a significant impact on the sport during his career.

In 1981, Wayne Gretzky made history by becoming the first player since Maurice Richard in 1945 to score 50 goals in 50 games.

In 1982, the Colorado Rockies moved to New Jersey and rebranded as the Devils.

The NHL implemented a five-minute sudden death overtime period for tie games during the regular season in 1983.

In 1984, Mario Lemieux was selected as the first overall draft pick by the Pittsburgh Penguins, with hopes of improving the team's performance and increasing interest in the Pittsburgh market.

Pelle Lindbergh, a top goaltender in the early 1980s, tragically died in a car accident during the 1985–86 season after leading the Flyers to the 1985 Stanley Cup Finals.

In the 1986 playoffs, Edmonton Oilers' rookie Steve Smith accidentally scored the series-winning goal into his own net, leading to the team's defeat by the Calgary Flames.

In a shocking move, Oilers owner Peter Pocklington traded Wayne Gretzky, along with Marty McSorley and Mike Krushelnyski, to the Los Angeles Kings in 1988. This trade marked a significant moment in NHL history and popularized ice hockey in the United States.

On December 31, 1988, Mario Lemieux scored five goals in five different ways in a single game, a unique achievement in NHL history.

On October 15, 1989, Wayne Gretzky broke Gordie Howe's record for career points in a game against his former team, the Edmonton Oilers. This achievement solidified Gretzky's legacy as one of the greatest players in NHL history.

The San Jose Sharks began playing in the NHL during the 1991-92 season, as one of the three new teams announced as part of the league's expansion plans.

On September 23, 1992, Manon Rheaume made history by becoming the first woman to play in an NHL game. She broke barriers and inspired many with her achievement.

The Ottawa Senators and Tampa Bay Lightning joined the NHL a year after the San Jose Sharks, as part of the league's expansion to 28 franchises.

Gary Bettman started his tenure as the first Commissioner in NHL history in February 1993, marking a significant milestone for the League.

At the start of the 1994-95 season, NHL players faced a 103-day lockout, resulting in the shortest regular season in 53 years, commencing on January 20, 1995.

In 1996, the Colorado Avalanche defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the Western Conference Finals, marking the beginning of an intense rivalry between the two teams.

On March 26, 1997, a brawl known as the Brawl in Hockeytown erupted during the last regular season meeting between the Colorado Avalanche and the Detroit Red Wings.

The Toronto Maple Leafs played their final game at the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens before moving to the Air Canada Centre for future games.

Wayne Gretzky, at the age of 38, announced his retirement from hockey after a remarkable 21-year career where he held or shared 61 NHL records.

Maurice 'Rocket' Richard, a legendary Montreal Canadien and Hockey Hall of Famer, passed away in Montréal at the age of 79.

After completing its 1990 plan to grow to 30 teams, the NHL stated that no further expansion or relocation was planned for the foreseeable future. However, changes occurred with a relocation in the 2011-12 season and subsequent semi-regular growth and change.

In 2002, the Detroit Red Wings clinched the Stanley Cup, with Niklas Lidstrom becoming the first European to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.

Patrick Roy, one of the NHL's premier goalies, retired after 18 seasons. He achieved 551 wins during the regular season and 151 wins in playoffs.

The NHL's first regular-season outdoor game took place on November 22, 2003, at Edmonton's Commonwealth Stadium, attracting a sellout crowd of 57,167 fans.

Due to a labor stoppage, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman announced the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 season, making the NHL the first major North American league to do so.

The 2004–05 NHL season was canceled because of a lockout, leading to Avalanche players like David Aebischer, Alex Tanguay, Milan Hejduk, and Peter Forsberg playing in European leagues during this period.

The NHL owners locked out the players before the start of the 2004-05 season due to disputes over player salaries and revenue losses. The entire season was eventually cancelled on February 16, 2005, leading to a new collective bargaining agreement with a hard salary cap.

The NHL Winter Classic series started with the Sabres hosting the 2008 game. It continued with games in 2009 at Wrigley Field and in 2010 at Fenway Park, becoming a popular annual event.

On February 16, 2005, the 2004-05 NHL season is officially cancelled as a result of the failure to reach a new collective agreement between the NHL and the players' association.

On July 13, 2005, after 301 days of the lockout, the NHL and NHL Players' Association announce a tentative agreement, allowing the league to resume play in October.

In the 2006-07 season, the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim changed their name to the Anaheim Ducks. The newly named Ducks went on to win the Stanley Cup that season.

Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins achieved a remarkable feat in 2007 by finishing the season with 120 points, making him the youngest scoring champion in NHL history at the age of 19 years and 244 days.

The Winter Classic, an outdoor regular season NHL game that debuted on New Year's Day 2008, was a significant success for the league. It has become an annual event in the NHL schedule, contributing to increased viewership and fan engagement.

In December 2009, Brendan Shanahan was appointed as the senior vice-president of player safety, handing out suspensions for dangerous hits to improve player safety.

In May 2010, Kyle Beach, a first-round draft pick of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2008, came forward as the central figure in an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse within the organization. Beach alleged that Brad Aldrich, the team’s video coach from 2008 to 2010, sexually assaulted him.

The name of Aldrich, who was involved in the allegations, was later removed from the Stanley Cup, which the Chicago Blackhawks had won in June 2010.

The NHL Board of Governors approved a plan to transition from a six-division setup to a four-conference structure.

The National Hockey League Players' Association (NHLPA) rejected the conference realignment plan proposed by the NHL Board of Governors.

The NHL locks out the players on September 15, marking the league's fourth work stoppage in 20 years. The lockout lasts until January 6, 2013, when a new deal is reached, allowing for a shortened regular season starting on January 19.

The league locked out players in 2012, proposing a reduction in players' share of revenues, leading to a shortened 48-game season starting on January 19, 2013.

On January 6, 2013, after 16 hours of negotiating, the NHL and the player's union reached a tentative deal on a new collective bargaining agreement to end the lockout.

The first games of the NHL season were held on January 19, 2013, after the resolution of the lockout.

The NHL's Board of Governors officially approved the realignment plan, which included moving teams like Columbus Blue Jackets, Detroit Red Wings, and Winnipeg Jets to different conferences.

On November 25, 2013, ten former NHL players sued the league for negligence in protecting players from concussions, following a similar lawsuit in the NFL.

The Phoenix Coyotes changed their name to Arizona Coyotes for the 2014–15 season.

Elmer Lach, a prominent figure in the National Hockey League, passed away.

The Board of Governors voted to add an expansion franchise in Las Vegas for the 2017–18 season, leading to the creation of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The NHL 100 Classic between the Canadiens and Senators was played at TD Place Stadium in Ottawa, Canada, commemorating the first games of the NHL in 1917.

On December 4, 2018, Seattle was announced as the location for the NHL's thirty-second franchise, set to begin play in the 2021–22 season with an expansion fee of $650 million.

In September 2019, the NHL hired the first female referees in a test-run during the league's preseason prospect tournaments.

The NHL stopped the 2019–20 season because of the COVID-19 outbreak, postponing the remaining regular season and playoffs indefinitely.

On March 12, the NHL canceled morning practices and media access for all teams, ultimately announcing the indefinite pause of the 2019–20 season.

A player from the Ottawa Senators tested positive for COVID-19 on March 17.

On May 22, the league and the NHLPA reached an agreement to hold a 24-team playoff tournament behind closed doors, based on each club's points percentage when the season paused on March 12.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL declared the premature termination of the 2019-20 regular season on May 26, 2020. A 24-team playoff tournament was subsequently announced to be held in Toronto and Edmonton.

Amid a surge in COVID-19 cases in Florida, the Tampa Bay Lightning temporarily shut down their training facility after several staff members and players tested positive for the virus on June 19.

The NHL ratified agreements with the NHLPA to start the playoffs on August 1, with games hosted in Edmonton and Toronto. Additionally, the league renewed its CBA for four more seasons.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NHL adopted a temporary divisional alignment for the 2020–21 season, suspending the Eastern and Western Conferences and realigning to four non-conference divisions: North, East, Central, and West. The North Division consisted of all seven Canadian teams, marking the first all-Canadian division since the league expanded into the United States in 1924.

The 2020–21 NHL season commenced on January 13, 2021, with a 56-game regular season and temporary realignment into four regional divisions due to travel restrictions.

The NHL Outdoors at Lake Tahoe event saw the Vegas Golden Knights play the Colorado Avalanche and the Bruins play the Flyers at the Edgewood Tahoe Resort in Nevada.

On May 14, 2021, NHL and the sports-betting company Betway announced a multi-year partnership in which Betway became the official sports betting partner to the NHL in North America. This partnership marked a significant step in the league's engagement with sports betting.

Artemi Panarin's impressive performance, scoring his 49th goal, led the New York Rangers to a 4-0 victory over the Ottawa Senators. This win secured the Presidents' Trophy for the Rangers, highlighting their dominance in the league.

On June 26, 2022, the Colorado Avalanche won their third Stanley Cup by defeating the two-time defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.

Jets bounce back with a win over the Capitals, as Hellebuyck achieves a shutout, showcasing a strong performance.

Devils' player MacDermid expresses disappointment in Rangers' player Rempe, stating that he has lost respect for him.

In 2023, the top five most valuable NHL teams were Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Los Angeles Kings, and Boston Bruins.

On March 14, 2023, ESPN, Disney Channel, and the NHL teamed up to bring fans the “NHL Big City Greens Classic,” the first-ever live, animated NHL game telecast, featuring the Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers.

Shane expresses his emotions about his son achieving his dream of playing in the NHL. He reflects on how parents never truly expect their children to reach such heights but are proud to see them succeed.