Why did the NHL only have 6 teams?

World War II and its own economic strains severely depleted the league’s Canadian player base, since Canada entered the war in September 1939 and many players left for military service. The Americans suspended operations in the fall of 1942, leaving the NHL with just six teams.

When did the NHL go from 6 teams?

1967
Considering the age of the NHL, the term “Original Six” is fairly new to its history, coming into use after the league’s expansion from six to 12 teams in 1967.

What NHL team won the first Stanley Cup?

The Montreal Canadiens
1916: The Montreal Canadiens win the first of their 24 Stanley Cups by beating Portland in a five-game final.

Who were the 1967 NHL expansion teams?

The 1967 NHL Expansion Draft The six expansion teams approved by the NHL Board of Governors were the California Seals (San Francisco/Oakland), Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues.

When did the Florida Panthers join the NHL?

1993
The new franchise joined the NHL for participation in the 1993–94 season, along with the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim.

When did the NHL expand past the original 6?

After several years of discussion, the NHL announced in February 1966 that it would expand by six teams, doubling the league’s size. The Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, California Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues began play in the 1967–68 season.

When did the NHL expand to 82 games?

1995–96
Since the 1995–96 season, each team in the NHL plays 82 regular season games, 41 each of home and road.

Who founded the NHL?

Renfrew paid Lester and Frank Patrick the lofty sums of $3,000 and $2,000, respectively. In 1909, O’Brien became co-founder of the National Hockey Association, forerunner of the National Hockey League….The Birth of the National Hockey League (NHL)