In the NHL regular season, each of the 30 teams plays 82 games, according to the results of which, from each conference, and there are only two of them - eastern and western, 8 teams from each conference make their way to the NHL playoffs.

NHL games: who is with whom?

If we talk about NHL games, then 82 games are divided into 41 games at home and, accordingly, 41 away games. Getting into the playoffs of the Stanley Cup, the NHL clubs fight for the annual trophy, which is the most prestigious in world hockey - the Stanley Cup. At the same time, the team that scores the most points in the regular season among all other teams receives the NHL President's Cup.

In addition to the two conferences, all teams in the National Hockey League are divided into four divisions, despite the fact that as many as six divisions were previously formed. Thus, the NHL divisions in modern format divided into Metropolitan (Metropolitan), Atlantic (Atlantic), Central (Central) and Pacific (Pacific).

NHL Hockey: USA vs. Canada

Flagship in terms of all global hockey tournaments is, of course, the National Hockey League, or the NHL for short.

Of course, NHL hockey is popular even in the godforsaken places of our vast planet, and we have to admit that there really is something to see in this tournament. The National Hockey League is sports organization, which combines hockey teams from the US and Canada.

There are a total of 30 teams in the NHL, 23 of which are North American and the other 7 are Canadian. By the way, at the moment, only one city represents 2 NHL teams at once - this is New York, from which the Rangers and Islanders act. So, as you can see, American hockey can also have a derby.

The season in the NHL is played on a mixed basis. First, the regular season takes place, following which the strongest clubs go to the playoffs.

To participate in the regular season, teams are divided into two geographic conferences: East and West, which, in turn, are divided into several divisions. According to the regulations, at this stage, the teams must play 82 matches (41 at the home stadium and the same number away). At the same time, games are played both with clubs in their own division and with opponents from other divisions of both conferences. The number of matches with each specific team is determined before the start of the season, taking into account the annual rotation.

In case of victory, the team receives 2 points in its asset, for a loss in overtime or according to the results of a series of post-match shootouts - 1 point. No points are awarded for a loss in regular time. According to the results of the first stage, several clubs from each division that scored the most points in it receive the right to play in the playoffs and compete for the Stanley Cup. To them are added 4 more clubs on points from the united league tables every conference.

To participate in the playoffs, clubs are divided in pairs. Each of them plays a series of matches up to four victories of one of the clubs. If the main time of the meeting ends with a draw, then the winner is revealed in overtime. The regulations stipulate that overtimes last 20 minutes and are held until the first abandoned puck. At the same time, 5 field players from each club enter the court. The number of additional periods is not regulated. No free throws are awarded at this stage.

The team that wins all playoff series wins the Stanley Cup. The club with the most points during the regular season is awarded the President's Cup. At the end of the whole season best players and goalkeepers are also awarded various trophies:

1. Art Ross Trophy - awarded top scorer according to the goal plus pass system;
2. Maurice Richard Trophy - awarded to the best sniper;
3. William M. Jennings Trophy - awarded to the goaltender who conceded fewer goals on average per game;
4. Heart Trophy - Most Valuable Player;
5. Vezina Trophy - awarded best goalkeeper, according to head coaches;
6. James Norris Trophy - awarded to the best defender;
7. Calder Trophy - receives the best rookie of the season;
8. Lady Byng Trophy - awarded for a fair fight and gentlemanly behavior;
9. Conn Smythe Trophy - receives the most valuable player at the playoff stage;
10. Jack Adams Award - awarded to the best coach.

Get hooked on the line

What is "hooking the line" in hockey? When hockey fans use the expression "hooked on ...

This is such a special form of childhood.

You start skating at three or four, skate in the yard, play hockey with the neighborhood boys, after which you are entered into one of a thousand children's leagues. For the next 8-10 years, you travel all over the country by bus, playing with your peers. Those who have ever raced on Canadian highways will remember the countless buses going back and forth. These are, for the most part, carriers of children's teams. Not only do you play with peers from Ontario and Quebec, not at all, you cover huge distances to get to the Northwest Territories, Nunavut or Yukon. This is your childhood, and it is dedicated to hockey, just as your whole life will be dedicated to it.

In 2013, one of the famous North American personal growth motivators held a series of meetings with young players from the minor leagues. He offered to pass a simple test - you had to write on a piece of paper 5 of your main goals in life. It's easy, right? However, there was one condition - it was impossible to enter anything related to hockey, family or friends.

Most hockey players sat with blank sheets until the end of the test.

Hockey is incredibly popular in Canada. Hockey is talked about at work, in diners, even on first dates, in order to avoid awkward silence, they strike up a conversation about hockey – fortunately, everyone watches it. Hockey is the oldest and most ingrained Canadian disease. But why are the rich Canadian clubs, for which the entire population of the country cheers, are in such a deplorable sporting position?

Where Canadian teams (all seven) did not qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. It was about the sports component of this minor process. But besides this, there are also reasons for the domestic, so to speak, plan - things that are not too common to talk about: in general, Canadian clubs are less attractive to NHL players (regardless of nationality) than American ones.

Why is this happening?

There are three main reasons.

1. Zimnipeg instead of the Big Apple.

In 2015, thanks to the efforts of ESPN, agents compiled a list of the most undesirable clubs for League hockey players. The top five included 4 Canadian clubs (according to the ranking: 1. Edmonton, 2. Winnipeg, 4-5. Ottawa and Toronto), in the top ten - all seven. To sign a free agent, Edmonton or Winnipeg will have to overpay at times, and the player will require a completely different amount than, for example, from the conditional Rangers.

Canada is a beautiful country with amazing nature, clean air, the highest quality of life and the highest paid middle class in the world. But small (compared to American) Canadian cities are not very attractive if you are in your 20s and 30s, like the vast majority of NHL hockey players, and you want adventure. Shaw's player is not middle class, and the quiet, measured life in the country of the maple leaf annoys him, by and large. All hockey players like to stay in New York or Los Angeles, but no one would ever think of spending an extra night in Winnipeg.

In addition, some Canadian cities are too specific. Montreal is located in the province of Quebec, and there is a completely different mentality and way of life - mostly European, not North American. Coming to Montreal, a hockey player has to not only rebuild himself, but also get used to the French language. Okay, Montreal, they at least more or less communicate in English, but what if Quebec enters the NHL? A city where no one wanted to go before, except for true Francophones.

In general, Winnipeg is small and with a terrible climate, Edmonton is a real hellish wilderness, there is absolutely nothing to do in free time in Calgary, and Ottawa is too close to Toronto: each has its drawbacks.

1. Pressure.

Canada lives for hockey, and the stick masters in this country are treated like gods who, due to some misunderstanding, descended to earth. But this painful form of adoration has its own dark side– the level of expectations is always very high, as a result of which any Canadian team is under a lot of pressure. If we rate the level of pressure on American teams as one on a scale of one to ten (Boston and Detroit could go up to three in good season), then in Canadian clubs it will be equal to at least five, in Montreal eight (and nine, if the Khabs woke up and became a contender), and in Toronto it will be ten, and it does not depend on anything - neither from the coach, nor from the GM, not from the roster.

Canada lives for hockey, everyone knows the players by sight, so they are constantly under pressure. Going to a bar with club partners is a common occurrence in large cities in the United States, where there are many sports clubs and hockey is not the most popular game. But in Canada, everything is different: the same trip to the bar the next day will end in a rout in the media with a detailed report: how much the hockey player drank, how much he paid for it, how he brawled there, whom he glued together, and at the end there will also be a note of moralizing - but I thought is it about the club and its supporters, drinking with a girl on their knees and bawling karaoke songs? And this applies to all Canadian cities - both small and large, the player must always take care of himself, relaxation is like death.

The press presses all the time. If in the USA, after a match, a hockey player answers ten usual questions with clichés (“Why did you lose today?” - “The opponent was good, they transferred us, but we will get together and fight in the next game”) and goes home, then in Canada these questions much more, and they are much deeper, you can’t get rid of simple excuses from local journalists. The unspoken code of communication with journalists was first adopted by Canadian clubs (“Don’t be rude; don’t dare to hurt someone’s feelings; try to remember the journalist’s name and address him by name, this will increase your level of trust; never lie, even if the question uncomfortable, it’s better to just keep silent, never speak on behalf of the club, don’t raise your voice, etc.), and hockey players should never violate it.

Pressure only from an ordinary point of view seems to be an insignificant reason, but after all, it runs like a red line through the whole life of a professional athlete living in Canada. Your neighbors film your departure for training, you cannot go to the store, you are the number one target all the time, because you are a hockey player in the most hockey country.

Canadian hockey players who grew up with posters of Toronto and Montreal players on the walls will never say directly that they do not want to go to the clubs of their dreams. But they understand only too well what awaits them there.

As a result, a situation often arises when a player arrives at a Canadian club after an American one, and after only one season in the country of the maple leaf, asks him to be exchanged with the only wording: “Just let it not be a Canadian team!”

1. Taxes and other financial component.

We live in a materialistic world in which a person can endure a lot - and Zimnipeg with its two bars and eternal coldness, and the French language, and the pressure of the press - but only if it pays very well for it. However, from this side, Canada is less attractive for life. The country has three levels of taxes (!!!) - federal, provincial or territorial, and local. The primary tax rate for hockey players starts at 29%, and that's just the beginning. Together with all the due fees due to the state and depending on the province in which the player lives, the amount of tax deductions reaches 54.2% (the province of British Columbia, where Vancouver is located) - this is a normal figure for Western Europe, for example, but much more than in the USA. In Canada, you have to pay for everything - income tax, sales tax, income tax, excise taxes, social insurance, registration and license fees, only health insurance is free, and even if it were paid with such and such taxation. It is the system of government fees that helps Canada maintain a stable economic environment and put the urban middle class on a pedestal, but what is good for the middle class is not always good for those who have a lot of money. And hockey players usually have a lot of them. But how much will remain on the card after the payment of all taxes and the traditional 18% escrow for the NHL (these 18% can return back at the end of the season, which is far from a fact)?

Among other things, if in the United States, for example, the purchase of real estate is encouraged - there is an immediate tax relief, then Canadian law does not provide for such a scheme. Food is more expensive, clothes are more expensive, Montreal is more expensive than New York in everything except for luxury restaurants, all real estate transactions are more expensive, especially after housing prices collapsed in the US market in 2009. A conditional million in the USA and Canada are different things.

Any Canadian boy dreams of playing for the Toronto Maple Leafs or Montreal Canadiens, clubs with great history and traditions, but life takes its toll, and in the end it turns out that in a modest team from the USA, he will simply have more money.

Of course, for any hockey player, the main thing is still not money, but titles. If the clubs in Maple Leaf Country were true contenders, they would still want to go, as they did in the eighties with the Oilers: Gretzky played there, which means there was always a chance to win the Stanley Cup, and I don’t care that the city of Edmonton is a hole- a hole, and the legislation is tearing you up like sticky. But the point is that last time The Stanley Cup came to Canada 23 years ago (1993, Habs), and now the situation with Canadian clubs is like a vicious circle. Hockey players do not want to go to Canada for all of the above reasons, as a result of which the clubs are forced to develop, in fact, only through the draft, and not by signing free agents and making high-profile trades. Draft development is a difficult and long journey, and if you don't believe it, then ask the Edmonton Oilers about it, a team that has a huge number of first picks, but is consistently at the bottom.

The words of the Canadian anthem do not lie - it really is "The True North, strong and free!"

But it doesn’t say how difficult it is for hockey players to build their lives in the cold house of True Severyanka.

History of names and nicknames of NHL clubs

Anaheim Ducks

Anaheim Ducks (Anaheim Ducks) - nicknames: "Ducks", "Ducks", "Cracks", "Mighty Ducks", "Ducks from Anaheim", According to rivals "Ugly Duckies" until 2007.

When the Walt Disney Company founded a new NHL team in 1993, there was no question of a name. "Mighty Ducks of Anaheim", which translates only as "Mighty Ducks from Anaheim" - that's what they called the club. The Californian team got such a name for a reason. The fact is that in 1992, that is, exactly one year before the founding of the team, Walt Disney Studios released a film about a children's hockey team from Minnesota, which was called - "Mighty Ducks". The company made very good money from this film, and decided that by naming the team "The Mighty Ducks", it would be easier to promote the brand (and make money from it), as well as gain a whole army of fans from the first day of the team's existence. In 2006, the club was sold, the logo was changed, and the word "mighty" was removed from the name. To this day, the team from the Californian city of Anaheim is called the Anaheim Ducks. The nickname "Ducks" is a translation of the word "Ducks", and "Ducks" and "Cracks" are derivatives, and are used by Russian-speaking fans. The Anaheim Ducks mascot, Wild Wing, is an anthropomorphic duck.

Arizona Coyotes

"Arizona Coyotes" (Arizona Coyotes) - nicknames: "Coyotes", "Dogs", "Coyotes from Arizona".

The Arizona Coyotes were known as the Winnipeg Jets until 1996 and were based in Winnipeg, Canada. In fact, the current “Arizona” and “Winnipeg” have nothing in common. The fact is that the current Winnipeg Jets is the former Atlanta Thrashers club, which was based in Atlanta, USA. In 1996, the Winnipeg was renamed the Phoenix Coyotes and moved to Glendale, Arizona, USA. In 2009, the club was declared bankrupt and became the property of the National Hockey League. At the same time, rumors appeared that the team could again change its place of residence, however, the move did not happen. In 2013, the NHL sold the then-Phoenix to new owners. The club's new bosses said the team would still play in Glendale, but the name would be changed to the Arizona Coyotes ahead of the 2014/2015 season. Why exactly "Coyotes" you ask? Everything is very simple! The nickname was chosen by the fans. The Coyotes voted for just over 10,000 people, with the Scorpions in second place. Sometimes Russian-speaking fans call the team "Dogs". Coyote is derived from coyotl, which means "divine dog" in Aztec. The Arizona Coyotes' mascot is the howling coyote, Howler the Coyote.

Calgary Flames

"Calgary Flames" (Calgary Flames) - nicknames: "Lights", "Tongues of flame", "Lights", "Flame", "Lights of Calgary".

In 1972, the Atlanta Flames club was born - that was the name of the team that is now referred to as the Calgary Flames. Until 1980, the Atlanta Flames were based in Atlanta, Georgia, USA. In 1980, the Flames were sold to a new owner and moved to the Canadian city of Calgary. Translated from English "Flames" means "flame", "fire". The name "Flames" reflects the terrible events of the American Civil War and its aftermath, namely the burning of the city of Atlanta to the ground. After moving to Calgary, the Flames decided not to change the name of the club. Interesting fact is that Atlanta is the only city that lost two franchises in the NHL at once (Altanta Flames and Atlanta Thrashers). All nicknames of the team are only related to its name: "Lights", "Lights", "Flame", "Flames". The Calgary Flames' mascot is Harvey the Hound. She was introduced in 1983 and became the first ever mascot in the NHL.

Chicago Blackhawks

Chicago Blackhawks (Chicago Blackhawks) - nicknames: "Hawks", "Black hawks", "Indians", "Inchu Chuns", "Black hawks from Chicago", according to rivals "Chica".

Multimillionaire Frederick McLaughlin purchased the Portland Rosebuds for $200,000 in the mid-1920s from brothers Frank and Lester Patrick, who organized the Western Hockey League. The team was moved to Chicago, Illinois and named the Chicago Black Hawks. And this is not a mistake, indeed, before the team's name was written separately, and only since 1986 a continuous spelling has been used - "Chicago Blackhawks". McLaughlin is a former army major. During the First World War, he served in the division, which was named after the leader of the Indian tribe of Sauk - Black Hawk (Black Hawk). Therefore, McLaughlin did not have to think long about the name of his team. Sometimes "Chicago" is called "Eagles", but this is not correct. The mascot of the Chicago Blackhawks is Tommy Hawk (Tommyhawk; Tommy Hawk, the legendary Indian warrior). He hates being called an eagle. The Chicago Blackhawks are one of the oldest franchises in the NHL.

Colorado Avalanche

"Colorado Avalanche" (Colorado Avalanche) - nicknames: "Avalanches", "Avalanches from Colorado", according to rivals "Beetles", "Kala".

The history of the current Colorado Avalanche began in 1972 in Quebec, Canada, where the Quebec Nordiques club was born. "Nordix" existed until 1995. On July 1, 1995, the team moved to Denver and changed its name to the Colorado Avalanche. Interestingly, in the same year, immediately after the move, the Avalanches won their first Stanley Cup. The club could have been named differently. Among the options, for example, was the name "Extreme", but it received a lot negative feedback, and "Avelanche" was chosen as the name. Names were also considered: "Beers" (Bears), "Cougars" (Cougars), "Renegates" (Renegades), "Autlows" (Outcasts). Avalanche means "avalanche" in English. Mascot "Colorado Avalanche" - St. Bernard Bernie (Bernie the St. Bernard). He replaced the Yeti Howler (Howler the Yeti) - the first mascot of the Colorado Avalanche.

Dallas Stars

"Dallas Stars" (Dallas Stars) - nicknames: "Stars", "Stars of Dallas".

The birth of the team dates back to 1967. It was this year that the leadership of the National Hockey League decided to expand to twelve teams. The current Dallas Stars were called the Minnesota North Stars until 1993 and were based in Bloomington, Minnesota. "North Stars" translates to "North Star" and the club's name was chosen by fans who used the Minnesota state motto, "L'Etoile du Nord", which means "North Star" in French. The Minnesota North Stars were sold in 1990. New owner Norman Green moved the team to Dallas, Texas in 1993 and changed the club's name to the Dallas Stars. The nickname "Stars" is a translation of the word "Stars". The Dallas Stars mascot - Victor E. Green - is an abstract green creature with horns in the shape of hockey stick hooks.

Edmonton Oilers

"Edmonton Oilers" (Edmonton Oilers) - nicknames: "Oil", "Oilers", "Oilers", "Oils", "Oilers from Edmonton".

From birth, the current Edmonton Oilers was called the Alberta Oilers. The club took the name of a province in Canada, as it was thought that the Oilers would hold home meetings in Edmonton and Calgary, which, in fact, was not destined to happen. Bill Hunter, owner of the Edmonton Oil Kings junior team (Oil Kings), received repeated refusals from the leadership of the National Hockey League in a request to enter the NHL new club from the Canadian city of Edmonton. In the end, having received another “turn from the gate” from the NHL, Hunter managed to declare the team in the WHA. A year later, the club was renamed the Edmonton Oilers. In 1978, the legendary Wayne Gretzky came to Edmonton, and a year later (1979) the team managed to get into the NHL. The name "Oilers" is quite logical, because Edmonton was then the oil capital of Canada, which, in fact, remains to this day. The Edmonton Oilers are one of three NHL teams that do not have a mascot (mascot).

Los Angeles Kings

Los Angeles Kings"(Los Angeles Kings) - nicknames: "Kings", "Kings", "Team from the city of angels", "L.A. Kings" (LA), "Kings from Los Angeles", according to the rivals of "Moose".

Los Angeles Kings is one of the few NHL clubs that has not changed its name since its inception. The Kings were admitted to the NHL in 1967, and are a team of the "Second Six" - one of six teams that appeared in the National Hockey League after its expansion from six to twelve teams. The name "Kings", which means "Kings" in English, was suggested by the fans. Club owner Jack Kent Cook did not hesitate for a second, he really liked the idea of ​​\u200b\u200bcreating a “Royal Team” in Los Angeles. In addition, giving the club such a name is great way pay tribute to the Los Angeles Monarchs, who played in the 1930s in the Pacific Hockey League (PCHL). Jack Kent Cooke also owned the Lakers basketball team, and their colors were gold and purple. Cook decided that the colors of the Kings would also be gold and purple, because they symbolize royal majesty and power. When Bruce McNall became part owner of the Kings in 1980, he insisted on changing the color scheme to black and silver. But the name of the club remained untouched. The Los Angeles Kings mascot is Kingston, an anthropomorphic snow leopard.

Minnesota Wild

"Minnesota Wild" (Minnesota Wild) - nicknames: "Savages", "Wild", "Savages from Minnesota".

Minnesota State lost the North Stars in 1993 when they moved to Dallas. But it was replaced in 2000 by the Minnesota Wild, and the staff of the Northwest Center again received an NHL team. The city of Saint Paul, the capital of Minnesota, became the home for the "Savages", and this is how "Wild" is translated. The Wild are the only US professional league team based in St. Paul. Among such variants of the name of the club as "Blue Ox" (Blue Oxen), "Wild" (Savages), "Freeze" (Freezers), "Voyageurs" (Travelers), "Northern Lights" (Northern Lights) and "White Bears" ( Polar bears), it was the option "Savages" that was chosen. The name "Wilde" symbolizes the harsh climate of Minnesota. The name of the club was presented to the public in 1998, that is, two years before the team's debut in the NHL. The Minnesota Wild mascot, Nordy, is a mixture of a bear and a fox with a green "M" on its head.

Nashville Predators

"Nashville Predators" (Nashville Predators) - nicknames: "Predators", "Smilodons", "Saber-toothed tigers", "Predators from Nashville", "Smeschville".

"Predators" translates to "Predators". The team entered the NHL in 1998 and has never changed its name. The name for the club was chosen by a fan vote. In addition to the "Predators", which were proposed by the owner of the club, Craig Leipold, there were also options for "Ice Tigers" (Ice Tigers), "Fury" (Rage) and "Attack" (Strikers). The name of the club is a reference to 1970, when the remains of a saber-toothed tiger (smilodon) were found in a suburb of Nashville. By the way, Nashville was originally supposed to get a franchise in the NBA, but this was not possible, so the city received a franchise in the NHL. The Nashville Predators mascot is Gnash. Gnash is an anthropomorphic saber-toothed tiger.

San Jose Sharks

"San Jose Sharks" (San Jose Sharks) - nicknames: "Sharks", "Fish", "Toothy", "Sharks from San Jose", according to rivals "Perches", "Sprats".

Brothers George and Gordon Gand, having sold the Minnesota North Stars club in 1990, received the rights to a new club in the San Francisco Bay Area. The club management announced a competition for the name of the team. More than 2,000 nicknames were submitted to the vote, in which more than 5,000 people took part. In fact, "Sharks" could become "Blades" (Blade) - it was for this name that more people voted. However, the Gand brothers decided to give the club the name "Sharks" (Sharks), which was the second most popular name. The name "Blade", according to the management, was associated with war, cruelty and violence. Names such as "Rubber Puckies", "Screaming Squids", "Salty Dogs" were also considered. It is interesting that the brothers were not embarrassed by the name "Sharks", although the shark is a predator, with powerful and razor-sharp teeth, a deadly and ruthless creature. Matt Levine, Vice President of Marketing, said of the team's name choice: "Sharks are very smart, fast, agile, determined and fearless creatures. We want our club to have all of these qualities." Among other things, the San Jose area is home to many various kinds sharks, so this name is just right for the club. The San Jose Sharks' mascot, S.J. Sharkie, is an anthropomorphic shark.

St. Louis Blues

"St. Louis Blues" (St. Louis Blues) - nicknames: "Musicians", "Bluesmen", "Notes", "St. Louis Bluesmen".

Louis entered the National Hockey League in 1967 and became the "Second Six" team. As the name of the club, the variants "Mercury" (Mercury) and "Apollo" (Apollo) were also considered, but they decided to stop on "Blues". The team's name is the title of a William K. Handy song called "St. Louis Blues" (St. Louis Blues). Naturally, all team nicknames are associated with the name. Many people call the "St. Louis Blues" just "Notes", because the club's emblem depicts exactly the note. The mascot of "St. Louis Blues" - Louis (Louie) - a blue polar bear (since 2007). Louis loves hot dogs and plays the saxophone.

Vancouver Canucks

"Vancouver Canucks" (Vancouver Canucks) - nicknames: "Orcas", "Canucks", "Canucks", "Wanks", "Canucks from Vancouver".

The Vancouver Canucks are another team that has not changed its name since the club's existence. The Canucks arrived in 1970. Many people think that "Canucks" is translated as "Orcas", but this is not true, and no reference book gives such a translation. The word "Canuck" in English means "Canadian" - a resident of Canada. However, in this case, the word "Canucks" is associated with comic book lumberjack Johnny Canuck. This character is a real symbol and national hero of Canada, and is still popular today. During the Second World War, comics were published in Canada about how Johnny Canach confronts Adolf Hitler. The Vancouver Canucks' mascot is Fin the Whale, an anthropomorphic killer whale. The killer whale is also depicted on the emblem of the team.

Winnipeg Jets

"Winnipeg Jets" (Winnipeg Jets) - nicknames: "Fighters", "Airplanes", "Jet Planes", "Fighters from Winnipeg". According to rivals "Winnie the Pooh".

As mentioned earlier, the Jets are in no way associated with the Winnipeg that existed in Canada from 1972 to 1996. The current Winnipeg Jets are former team The Atlanta Thrashers, which ceased to exist in 2011, moved from Atlanta, Georgia to the Canadian city of Winnipeg. The name was coined by the then-owner of the team, Ben Hatzkin, who admired the game of the New York Jets - football club from FNL. In addition, Khatskin was also the owner of the Jets, who played in the junior hockey league who later became the "Monarchs". The English word "Jets" is translated as "Jet aircraft". The name itself and the fighter on the Winnipeg emblem are a tribute to the Royal Canadian Air Force, whose largest base was located just in Winnipeg. The military took an active part in the sports life of the city. The Winnipeg Jets mascot is Mick E. Moose.

Buffalo Sabers

"Buffalo Sabers" (Buffalo Sabres) - nicknames: "Sabers", "Bulls", "Bison", "Buffalos".

The Buffalo Sabers were formed in 1970 when the NHL decided to expand the league. The Knox brothers, the founders of the club, decided to hold a competition for the name of the team. Many good versions have been proposed. Among the names for the club, in addition to "Sabre", also sounded "Bison" (Bison) and "Bulls" (Bulls). However, the brothers thought that for a team from Buffalo, such names are too simple and uncreative, besides, "Buffalo" can be translated as "buffalo", "buffalo". The choice fell on the "Sabers" option, which means "Sabres" in English. According to the founders, the saber is a very good weapon, the weapon of the winners, which can be effectively used both for defense and for attack. However, the nicknames "Bulls", "Bisons" and "Buffaloes" are attached to the team and are actively used, because the club's emblem, in addition to two sabers, also depicts a bison. The Buffalo Sabers' mascot, Sabretooth, is an anthropomorphic saber-toothed tiger.

Boston Bruins

"Boston Bruins" (Boston Bruins) - nicknames: "Bears", "Bears", "Clumsy", "Boston Bears".

Charles Adams, a chain store owner in Boston, became a hockey fan after watching the Stanley Cup in 1924. He passionately wanted to create his own team that would play in Boston. Adams managed to convince the leadership of the NHL to expand the league and accept a team from the United States. On November 1, 1924, Boston received permission to play in the National Hockey League, and became the first American team in history to be admitted to the NHL. Adams chose brown and yellow colors for the club, which matched the colors of his chain of stores. Art Ross was invited to take the place of the general manager of the club, after whom the Art Ross Trophy is now named. Charles Adams decided to organize a competition for the name of the club, and one of the fans of the newly minted team suggested the name "Bears" (Bears). Adams liked the way he thought, but the owner of the club decided to call the team "Bruins" (Bruins). Bruins is the name of a bear in English fairy tales, folklore, and translated as "Bear", comparable to our "Mikhal Potapych", "clubfoot".

Carolina Hurricanes

Carolina Hurricanes Nicknames: Hurricanes, Carolina Hurricanes

The Carolina Hurricanes was founded in 1972. The team was originally called the New England Whalers and played in the VHL. Before the 1979/1980 season, the club was accepted into the NHL. In the National Hockey League, the current Hurricanes have played as the Hartford Whalers for 18 seasons. In 1994 the team was bought by Peter Karmanos. The Carolina Hurricanes named the club at the end of the 1996/1997 season, after being moved from Connecticut to Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. In translation, "Hurricanes" means "Hurricane", so the nickname of the team - "Hurricanes" is quite logical. Interestingly, the new owner did not announce any contests for the name of the club, as many of his colleagues did. Karmanos chose the name "Hurricane" on his own, citing the fact that hurricanes in North Carolina are a frequent occurrence, so this name is ideal for the club. Meanwhile, due to the large number of pig farms in the state, he also considered the Carolina Ice Hogs option, so the current Hurricanes could easily become the Ice Pigs. True, the "pig trail" on the team is still reflected, because the mascot of the "Carolina Hurricanes" is Stormy - an anthropomorphic ice boar.

Columbus Blue Jackets

"Columbus Blue Jackets" (Columbus Blue Jackets) - nicknames: "Blue uniforms", "Blue jackets", "Blue jackets", "Mods", "Dandies", "Blue uniforms from Columbus". According to rivals "Jackets".

In 1997, the leadership of the NHL decided to expand the league. Then a team was accepted into the National Hockey League, the home for which would be the city of Columbus, Ohio, USA. In 2000, the Columbus Blue Jackets held their debut season in the NHL. The naming competition for the team saw more than 14,000 fans support the Blue Jackets option. Many mistakenly believe that the English word "Jackets" in the name of the club is translated as "jackets" or "jackets". In fact, "Jackets" means "uniforms", so the team's name sounds like "Bluecoats". This is the correct translation of the name of the club "Columbus Blue Jackets". The nickname "Bluecoats" is rooted in American history, and has nothing to do with fashion and style, so the nicknames "Mods" and "Hipsters" are also erroneous, but still the team is sometimes called that. Blue uniforms were worn by officers of the federal troops of the North during the American Civil War. Having dealt with the history of the name of the club, everything fell into place, and now it is clear where the Bluecoats came from. By the way, the famous cannon at home games, “Columbus”, producing a volley with every abandoned washer, “Blue Jackets”, from the same opera. Mascot "Columbus Blue Jackets" - Stinger (Stinger) - predatory bright green bee with red eyes.

"Detroit Red Wings" (Detroit Red Wings) - nicknames: "Red Wings", "Wings", "Reds", "Team from the city of motors", "Red Wings of Detroit". Version of the rivals "Red Feathers".

In 1926, the NHL took over the Detroit Cougars (Pumas). That is the name until 1930 had the “Detroit”, which we know now. After that, the team's name was changed to the Detroit Falcons (Falcons) and it was called that until 1932. In 1932, the club was acquired by millionaire James Norris, who changed the name to the now familiar Red Wings. Many people ask: "why does the emblem of Detroit have wings and a wheel?". And here's why: Norris was at one time a member of the Montreal Amateur Athletes Association and played for the Montreal Wings Wills team (Winged Wheels). The Wings Wills are the first team in history to win the Stanley Cup. By naming the club the Red Wings, Norris paid homage to the club that won the first Stanley Cup. The team emblem depicted a wheel and wings, which, by the way, migrated to the Detroit Red Wings logo. Norris believed that the logo with wings and a wheel would be ideal for a team from the city of Detroit, which was already beginning to become the center of the US automotive industry. Detroit Red Wings mascot - Al the Octopus. Al is the only non-costumed NHL mascot.

Florida Panthers

"Florida Panthers" (Florida Panthers) - nicknames: "Panthers", "Cats", "Seals", "Panthers from Florida".

In 1992, Miami received the consent of the National Hockey League to create a team and subsequently accept it in the NHL. The club from the city of Sunrise, Florida, was given the name "Florida Panthers". The team is called "Cats" and affectionately "Seals". However, Florida's official nickname is the Panthers. Team owner Wayne Huizeng chose this name because the panther is a very fast and agile animal. He wanted to reflect in the name the style of play that the team would follow, i.e. fast and aggressive. In addition, the name of the club was given in honor of the Florida panther, the species of which is on the verge of extinction. Now there are about 150 left. The Florida panther is under state protection. She lives in the famous Florida national park called Everglades. The Florida Panthers' mascot is Stanley C. Panther.

Montreal Canadiens

"Montreal Canadiens" (Montreal Canadiens) - nicknames: "Canadians", "Habs" (Habs), "Hubs", "Francophones", "Canadians from Montreal".

"Les Canadiens de Montreal" (fr.) - were born in 1909 in the province of Quebec, the city of Montreal, that is, eight years before the emergence of the National Hockey League itself. The Montreal Canadiens are the oldest and most decorated club in the NHL. The Canadiens have made 34 Stanley Cup Finals. The team has won 24 trophies and 10 defeats in the final. Closest to Montreal in terms of Stanley Cup victories is the Toronto Maple Leafs, but the other Canadian team has almost half as many trophies - 13, and 21 finals. "Canadiens" means "Canadians" in French. An interesting fact is connected with the nickname "Habs" (Habs). The word "Habs" is derived from the French "Le Habitants", which translates as "inhabitants". This is how the English-speaking population of Canada called the Francophones. Now pay attention to the team logo. The emblem of the Montreal Canadiens depicts the Latin letter "C", which, of course, means "Canadiens", as well as the Latin letter "H", which stands for the word "Hockey" (Club de Hockey Canadien). In 1924, Tex Rickard, the owner of the New York Rangers club, during an interview, due to his ignorance, made a gross mistake when he said that the letter "H" on the emblem of "Montreal" means "Habitants". This was fundamentally wrong. So, because of the mistake of a sports figure, the Canadiens were nicknamed "Khabs" or "Hubs". The nickname "Francophones" is directly associated with the city of Montreal. The fact is that the province of Quebec is inhabited by more than 80% of French-speaking Canadians, and Montreal is generally the largest French-speaking city outside of France. The only official language in the province of Quebec is French. The Montreal Canadiens' mascot is Yuppie! (Youppy!). Yuppie! (Hooray!) - the only mascot in the NHL who changed the sport. He used to be the mascot for the Montreal Expos baseball team.

New Jersey Devils

New Jersey Devils "(New Jersey Devils) - nicknames: "Devils", "Demons", "Mickey Mouse", "Devils from New Jersey". Version of rivals "Devil".

The New Jersey Devils were founded in 1974. At first the club was called "Kansas City Scouts" and was based in the city of Kansas City, Missouri, USA. In 1976, the club moved to Denver, Colorado and changed its name to the Colorado Rockies. Six years later, in 1982, the club was bought by John J. McMullen, who moved the team to Newark, New Jersey. A competition was announced for the name for the club, and in addition to "Devils", which means "Devils", there were also options: "Coastals" (Coastal), "Meadowlarks" (Meadow larks), "Blades" (Blade), " Jaguars" (Jaguars). In the end, the choice fell on the Devils. The nickname "Devils" comes from the legend of the Jersey Devil. According to legend, this creature roamed the forests of New Jersey many years ago. Another interesting nickname for the New Jersey Devils is the Mickey Mouse. It's a very derogatory nickname for the Devils. Although it has not been attached to the team, but sometimes, fans, annoyed by the defeat of their favorites, in their hearts, can call them "Mickey Mouse". The nickname goes back to 1983, when, after a 13-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, legendary Oilers forward Wayne Gretzky called the New Jersey Devils a "Mickey Mouse organization." The New Jersey Devils' mascot is the N.J. Devil.

New York Islanders

"New York Islanders" (New York Islanders) - nicknames: "Islanders", "Islands", "Isles", "Islanders of Long Island".

In 1970, the National Hockey League approved a proposal by Roy Boe, owner of the New Jersey Nets basketball team, to create and incorporate new team from Long Island in the NHL. In 1972, a team called the New York Islanders was born, and on October 7 of the same year, the Islanders played their first game in the NHL, losing on their ice to the Atlanta Flames with a score of 2: 3. Initially, they wanted to call the team "Long Island Ducks" (Ducks of Long Island), but it was decided to stop on the name "Islanders". The nickname "Islanders" is a translation of the word "Islanders". The very name and nickname are quite logical, because Long Island, and this is where the team is based, is an island. The New York Islanders' mascot is Sparky the Dragon.

New York Rangers

"New York Rangers" (New York Rangers) - nicknames: "Rangers", "Cops", "Cops", "NYR", "Rangers from New York".

The New York Rangers are one of the oldest teams in the NHL and are part of the so-called "Original Six". In addition, the Rangers are the first American team to win the Stanley Cup. The club was founded in 1926 and has not changed its name throughout its history. The founder of the new club from New York was the owner of "Madison Square Garden" George Lewis Rickard, who was called "Tex". The name of the team comes from the name of the law enforcement agency in the state of Texas - "Texas Rangers". By the way, the media called the team that way for some reason, but then they simply called it "Rangers". The nickname "Rangers" is quite logical, in fact, like the nicknames "Cops", "Cops". The New York Rangers team does not have a mascot.

Ottawa Senators

"Ottawa Senators" (Ottawa Senators) - nicknames: "Senators", "Sens", "Ottawa Senators".

The Ottawa Senators were founded in 1990. The owner of “Ottawa” Bruce Firestone only two years later managed to convince the leadership of the NHL to accept a new franchise from the capital of Canada into the league. The team played its first game in the National Hockey League in 1992 and has been an integral part of that organization ever since. In fact, big hockey appeared in Ottawa as early as 1883, when an amateur club "Ottawa HC" was founded in the province of Ontario. In 1890, the team was renamed the Ottawa Generals. From 1903 to 1907 it was called "Silver Seven". And only since 1908 the club received the name Senators, which is familiar to us. The team won 11 Stanley Cups between 1917 and 1934. In 1934, the Senators were going through hard times and had serious financial problems, as a result of which the team had to move to St. Louis, Missouri, USA. The team changed its name to the St. Louis Eagles. After only a year, the club "went down in history." However, as already mentioned above, Bruce Firestone in 1990 managed to "resurrect" the old Senators. The nickname "Senators" is a reference to the fact that the team is based in the capital of Canada, and in fact the Canadian Senate meets in Ottawa. The Ottawa Senators' mascot is Spartacat, an anthropomorphic red-haired lion.

Philadelphia Flyers

"Philadelphia Flyers" (Philadelphia Flyers) - nicknames: "Pilots", "Flyers", "Phila", "Pilots from Philadelphia". Version of rivals "Behemoths", "Flying Hippos".

The Philadelphia Flyers joined the National Hockey League in 1967 and are the "Second Six" team. Bill Putnam, one of the co-owners of Philadelphia, insisted that the color scheme of the club was dominated by orange, which he really liked. To come up with a name for the team, I had to announce a competition among the fans. The one whose version gets the most votes was promised a gift - a color TV with a diagonal of 21 inches (53 cm). Fans offered various options, including: "Quakers" (Quakers), "Ramblers" (Vagabonds) and Liberty Bells (Liberty Bell). However, the co-owner of the club, Ed Snyder, liked the option proposed by his sister - "Flyers", which means "pilots" in translation. And the very promised TV went to a nine-year-old fan of the Flyers, Alec Stockard. He, along with another hundred applicants, also proposed the option "Pilots", however, he wrote his own version with an error - "Fliers". This mistake made the Flyers management smile and announce the nine-year-old boy as the winner. It should be noted that the nickname "Pilots" is the only correct one, and all other nicknames are only derivatives and are rarely used. "Philadelphia Flyers" is another team that does not have a mascot (mascot).

Pittsburgh Penguins

"Pittsburgh Penguins" (Pittsburgh Penguins) - nicknames: "Penguins", "Pens", "Penguins from Pittsburgh".

In 1966, the leadership of the National Hockey League granted Pittsburgh an NHL club franchise. This was the league's second expansion and marked the end of the 25-year "Original Six" era. The Pittsburgh Penguins were not the only team from Pennsylvania to enter the National Hockey League during this expansion. Along with the Penguins, the Philadelphia Airmen came to the NHL. A year later, in 1967, the Pittsburgh team made their debut in the NHL. The nickname "Penguins" is a translation of the word "Penguins". The name "Penguins", in fact, was coined to a large extent due to the illiteracy of the wife of one of the then owners of the club. Carol McGregor, the wife of Penguins co-owner Jack McGregor, was given the right to name the club. She pondered the name of the team, starting from the arena, which will be home to Pittsburgh. Arena "Civic Arena" reminded her of a large igloo - the winter dwelling of the Eskimos. Women's logic is a strange thing, but only penguins came to Carol's mind, which, in her opinion, live side by side with the Eskimos. The only thing is that penguins live in Antarctica, and igloos are dwellings built by Eskimos, and Eskimos are people living in the territory from Greenland and Nunavut (Canada) to Alaska (USA) and the eastern edge of Chukotka (Russia). But, in spite of everything, both the leadership and the fans liked this name, so it was approved. The Pittsburgh Penguins mascot is Iceburgh, an anthropomorphic penguin.

Tampa Bay Lightning

"Tampa Bay Lightning" (Tampa Bay Lightning) - nicknames: "Lightning", "Tampa", "TBL", "Lightning from Tampa". Version of rivals "Monters".

The hockey club in Tampa, Florida, USA appeared in 1992, and the idea of ​​​​creating a team belongs to the legendary Canadian hockey player Phil Esposito. Already in 1992, the Lightning had their debut season in the NHL. "Lightning" is translated from English as "lightning", hence the nickname. The name for the newcomer to the NHL, by the way, also came up with Esposito. As he himself claims, the name of the club came to his mind during a severe storm. Lightning in the sky blazed without interruption, one after another. The Tampa Bay Lightning's mascot is the Thunderbug, an anthropomorphic black and yellow beetle.

Toronto Maple Leafs

"Toronto Maple Leafs" (Toronto Maple Leafs) - nicknames: "Maple Leaves", "Leaves", "Maple Leaves of Toronto". Version of rivals "Bras".

The Toronto Maple Leafs club has changed its name four times in history, and thus is the real record holder by name change. Maple Leafs was founded in 1917 in Toronto, Canada, but was given the name simply "Toronto" from birth. A year later, the club's name was changed to Toronto Arenas. In 1919, the club's name was changed to the Toronto St. Patricks. And only since 1927 the club was called "Toronto Maple Leafs". Translated from English "Maple Leafs" means "Maple Leaves". The team was owned by the famous Conn Smythe, after whom the Conn Smythe Trophy is now named. It was Smythe who came up with the name for the team. His choice is due to the fact that, firstly, "Maple Leaves" is a very symbolic name, because the maple leaf is depicted on the flag of Canada, and this country is called the "Maple Leaf Country". Secondly, a long time ago there was a team in Toronto called the East Maple Leaves, so it's a memory of the old Maple Leafs. And, thirdly, this name is a tribute to the Canadian Royal Division (Maple Leaves), the distinguishing mark of which was precisely the maple leaf. The Toronto Maple Leafs' mascot is Carlton the Bear, an anthropomorphic polar bear.

Washington Capitals

"Washington Capitals" (Washington Capitals) - nicknames: "Capitalists", "Capital", "Vashiki", "Lice".

The Washington Capitals joined the NHL in 1974. The name "Capitals" was chosen by club owner Abe Pollin after he held a competition for the name of the team. "Capitals" of all the options was not chosen by chance, with this Pollin wanted to indicate that the team is based in the US capital - Washington. In addition, in his opinion, this name will noticeably distinguish his offspring from other clubs. The nickname "Washiki" and "Lice" are derived from "Washington", and are used only by fans. The nickname "Capital" and "Capitalists" are official. The Washington Capitals' mascot is Slapshot, a large anthropomorphic bald eagle.