NHL Teams Guide
INDEXAbout the NHL
The National Hockey League is the top professional ice hockey league in North America, with 32 teams across the United States and Canada. It is split into two conferences: the Eastern Conference (Atlantic and Metropolitan divisions) and the Western Conference (Central and Pacific divisions). Teams play an 82-game regular season, after which 16 teams qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs — a bracket of best-of-seven rounds that ends with the Stanley Cup Final.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teams are in the NHL?
There are 32 teams, divided between the Eastern and Western Conferences, with two divisions in each conference.
How long is the NHL season?
Each team plays 82 regular-season games, typically from October through April, before the playoffs begin.
What is the Stanley Cup?
The Stanley Cup is the NHL championship trophy, awarded to the winner of the best-of-seven Stanley Cup Final between the two conference champions.