{"id":40,"date":"2023-12-22T17:33:33","date_gmt":"2023-12-22T17:33:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/hr-blog\/?p=40"},"modified":"2025-11-03T20:38:39","modified_gmt":"2025-11-03T20:38:39","slug":"top-12-greatest-nhl-teams","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/hr-blog\/2023\/12\/top-12-greatest-nhl-teams\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 12 NHL Teams of All Time"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

(last updated on November 3, 2025)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Introduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

It is a big question when someone asks who is the greatest hockey team of all time<\/em>. So many worthy choices have multiple factors and stats to consider … and the legendary players that made these teams the best NHL team ever. In this post, we will take a closer look at some of the top-flight teams with the Hockey-Reference database and examine their accomplishments in NHL history to uncover the best hockey teams of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For this exercise, we will only consider single seasons and view the success through a few categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

Regular-Season Victories<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The objective in hockey is to defeat one\u2019s opponent by plopping more pucks in their net than they do in yours. Some teams in NHL history have put up \u201cW’s\u201d more than any other. Here are some of the top teams in this category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"1996\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 1995-96<\/a><\/span>\n Detroit Red Wings<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 62-13-7 (131 points), Finished 1st in NHL<\/a> Central Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Scotty Bowman<\/a> (62-13-7)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nSteve Yzerman<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Joe Louis Arena<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 325 (3rd of 26), Goals Against:<\/strong> 181 (1st of 26)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 1.64 (1st of 26), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.11 (25th of 26)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Lost Conference Finals (4-2)<\/a> to Colorado Avalanche<\/a>\n
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-3)<\/a> over St. Louis Blues<\/a>\n
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-2)<\/a> over Winnipeg Jets<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +300<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The 1995-96 edition of the Detroit Red Wings earned a top-three place in NHL history with 62 victories during the regular season, a league record performance at season\u2019s end. Some highlights of the fantastic season included a league-leading 131 points, the second-highest total in NHL history, while the Red Wings finished first in the league in goals scored (325) and fewest goals allowed (181). Detroit also boasted a 13-game unbeaten streak from March 3rd to March 31st as they won the Presidents’ Trophy for the second consecutive year.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There were brilliant individual performances from Steve Yzerman<\/a>, who had 59 assists and 95 points, and Chris Osgood<\/a>, recording 39 wins and a 2.17 GAA, along with Sergei Fedorov<\/a> who tallied 107 points, showcasing his exceptional playmaking abilities went a long way to winning. The team featured several other notable players, including Nicklas Lidstrom, Igor Larionov, and Paul Coffey. Despite their dominant regular-season performance, the Red Wings faced unexpected challenges in the playoffs. They were defeated by their heated rival, the Colorado Avalanche, in the Western Conference Finals<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"2019\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 2018-19<\/a><\/span>\n Tampa Bay Lightning<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 62-16-4 (128 points), Finished 1st in NHL<\/a> Atlantic Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Jon Cooper<\/a> (62-16-4)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nSteven Stamkos<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Amalie Arena<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 325 (1st of 31), Goals Against:<\/strong> 222 (5th of 31)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 1.21 (1st of 31), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.05 (30th of 31)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Lost First Round (4-0)<\/a> to Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +875; O\/U: 106.5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Detroit accomplishment we discussed was matched by the 2018-19 Tampa Bay Lightning, which also reached 62 wins in 82 scheduled regular-season games. Tampa Bay established themselves as one of the most dominant teams in NHL history by earning a league-leading 128 points, the most in franchise history. This Lightning squad boasted a remarkable 32-7-2 home record. The team was filled with individual achievements: Nikita Kucherov won the Art Ross Trophy with a league-leading 128 points<\/a>, and Andrei Vasilevskiy won the Vezina Trophy<\/a> for best goaltender with a 39-10-4 record, a 2.40 GAA, and a .925 save percentage. Not to be forgotten, the performance of defenseman Victor Hedman<\/a> also helped the cause with 54 points and the tandem of Steven Stamkos<\/a> scoring a team-high 45 goals, while Brayden Point<\/a> was right behind him with 41 lamplighters. Shockingly, this high-octane squad was swept in the opening round of the playoffs by the Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"2023\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 2022-23<\/a><\/span>\n Boston Bruins<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 65-12-5 (135 points), Finished 1st in NHL<\/a> Atlantic Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Jim Montgomery<\/a> (65-12-5)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nPatrice Bergeron<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> TD Garden<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 305 (2nd of 32), Goals Against:<\/strong> 177 (1st of 32)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 1.54 (1st of 32), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.02 (23rd of 32)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Lost First Round (4-3)<\/a> to Florida Panthers<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +2800; O\/U: 96.5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Boston Bruins squad of the 2022-23 season reset the high-water mark for regular-season victories in an NHL season. The Bruins finished the season with a league-best 65-12-5 record, amassing 135 points. This shattered the previous franchise record for most wins (57) and points (121) set in 1970-71<\/a>. They also boasted the NHL’s best record at home (32-4-3) and on the road (33-8-2). Boston finished second in the NHL with 301 goals scored and boasted a balanced offensive attack. David Pastrnak<\/a> led the team with 113 points (61 goals, 52 assists), and Brad Marchand<\/a> added 67 points (21 goals, 46 assists). The Bruins shattered numerous franchise and NHL records throughout the season. They set the new record for most consecutive home wins to start a season (14), became the fastest team to reach 80 and 100 points in NHL history, and got 50 wins faster than any other team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was quite a surprise, though, when this team, with all their regular-season accomplishments, suffered a shocking first-round playoff defeat at the hands of the Florida Panthers<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Longest NHL Postseason Winning Streak<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\t\"1992\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 1991-92<\/a><\/span>\n Pittsburgh Penguins<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 39-32-9 (87 points), Finished 3rd in NHL<\/a> Patrick Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Scotty Bowman<\/a> (39-32-9)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nMario Lemieux<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Pittsburgh Civic Arena<\/a><\/p>\n

1991-92 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 343 (1st of 22), Goals Against:<\/strong> 308 (20th of 22)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 0.52 (5th of 22), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: 0.08 (5th of 22)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0)<\/a> over Chicago Blackhawks<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-0)<\/a> over Boston Bruins<\/a>\n
Won Division Finals (4-2)<\/a> over New York Rangers<\/a>\n
Won Division Semi-Finals (4-3)<\/a> over Washington Capitals<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +800<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

During the 1992 Stanley Cup Playoffs<\/a>, the Penguins, led by Mario Lemieux<\/a> ripped off 11 straight wins to tie the NHL record set by the very team Pittsburgh beat in the Cup Finals, the Chicago Blackhawks. Despite a strong start, the Penguins faced challenges throughout the regular season. Injuries to key players, including Mario Lemieux, hampered their progress. Finishing with a 39-32-9 record, they secured the third seed in the Patrick Division, entering the playoffs with doubts surrounding their potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Embracing their underdog status, the Penguins embarked on a remarkable playoff run. They defeated the Washington Capitals, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, and Chicago Blackhawks in consecutive series, each victory showcasing their resilience and unwavering determination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mario Lemieux, returning from injury, was unstoppable. He dominated the playoffs, leading the league in scoring with 34 points (16 goals, 18 assists) and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tom Barrasso<\/a> provided exceptional playoff goaltending, posting a 16-5 record with a 2.82 GAA. The team’s defensive core, anchored by Larry Murphy and Ulf Samuelsson, provided crucial support throughout the playoffs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the following year’s Stanley Cup chase, the Pens won their first three playoff games to set the NHL record for consecutive postseason wins (14)<\/a>. However, they couldn’t finish the three-peat and were upended in the second round.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Top Winning Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

An even better measurement of the best NHL teams of all time is those that won the Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"2020\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 2019-20<\/a><\/span>\n Tampa Bay Lightning<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 43-21-6 (92 points), Finished 2nd in NHL<\/a> Atlantic Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Jon Cooper<\/a> (43-21-6)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nSteven Stamkos<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Amalie Arena<\/a><\/p>\n

2019-20 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 245 (1st of 31), Goals Against:<\/strong> 195 (9th of 31)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 0.71 (2nd of 31), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.00 (15th of 31)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-2)<\/a> over Dallas Stars<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-2)<\/a> over New York Islanders<\/a>\n
Won Second Round (4-1)<\/a> over Boston Bruins<\/a>\n
Won First Round (4-1)<\/a> over Columbus Blue Jackets<\/a>\n
2-1 in Round Robin<\/a> games\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +675; O\/U: 108.5<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Again, the Lightning shows up only a season removed from their previously mentioned success. Due to the pandemic playoff format<\/a>, their 18 postseason wins are more than any NHL team, including their 4-2 Stanley Cup Finals triumph over the Dallas Stars<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"1988\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 1987-88<\/a><\/span>\n Edmonton Oilers<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 44-25-11 (99 points), Finished 2nd in NHL<\/a> Smythe Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Glen Sather<\/a> (44-25-11)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nWayne Gretzky<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Northlands Coliseum<\/a><\/p>\n

1987-88 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 363 (2nd of 21), Goals Against:<\/strong> 288 (8th of 21)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 0.91 (2nd of 21), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.03 (14th of 21)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0)<\/a> over Boston Bruins<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-1)<\/a> over Detroit Red Wings<\/a>\n
Won Division Finals (4-0)<\/a> over Calgary Flames<\/a>\n
Won Division Semi-Finals (4-1)<\/a> over Winnipeg Jets<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +160<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The dominant 1987-88 edition of the Edmonton Oilers suffered only two setbacks in their Stanley Cup Playoffs journey: a 6-4 Game 3 loss to the Winnipeg Jets in the NHL Smythe Division Semi-Finals<\/a> and, ironically, a Game 3 \u201cL\u201d at the hands of the Detroit Red Wings in the Clarence Campbell Conference Finals<\/a>. Edmonton\u2019s success was led by a high-powered offense that featured Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Jari Kurri, and a strong defense that Kevin Lowe anchored. Gretzky was the playoff\u2019s star<\/a>, leading the league in scoring with 43 points (12 goals, 31 assists). Messier also had a strong postseason, recording 34 points (11 goals, 23 assists). Grant Fuhr was outstanding in goal, posting a 16-2 record with a 3.00 GAA. Amazingly, this team was the last Stanley Cup winner of the Great One’s storied career.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"1985\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 1984-85<\/a><\/span>\n Edmonton Oilers<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 49-20-11 (109 points), Finished 1st in NHL<\/a> Smythe Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Glen Sather<\/a> (49-20-11)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nWayne Gretzky<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Northlands Coliseum<\/a><\/p>\n

1984-85 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 401 (1st of 21), Goals Against:<\/strong> 298 (8th of 21)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 1.25 (1st of 21), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.04 (13th of 21)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-1)<\/a> over Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-2)<\/a> over Chicago Black Hawks<\/a>\n
Won Division Finals (4-0)<\/a> over Winnipeg Jets<\/a>\n
Won Division Semi-Finals (3-0)<\/a> over Los Angeles Kings<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +100<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In this discussion, you could also include the 1984-85 Oilers with the same core skaters mentioned above to become one of the best NHL franchises of all time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\t\"1977\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 1976-77<\/a><\/span>\n Montreal Canadiens<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 60-8-12 (132 points), Finished 1st in NHL<\/a> Norris Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Scotty Bowman<\/a> (60-8-12)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nYvan Cournoyer<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Montreal Forum<\/a><\/p>\n

1976-77 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 387 (1st of 18), Goals Against:<\/strong> 171 (1st of 18)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 2.54 (1st of 18), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.16 (18th of 18)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0)<\/a> over Boston Bruins<\/a>\n
Won Semi-Finals (4-2)<\/a> over New York Islanders<\/a>\n
Won Quarter-Finals (4-0)<\/a> over St. Louis Blues<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Canadiens may not have won many games in their 1977 Stanley Cup quest, but the NHL Playoffs were not as expanded in the 1970s as in latter years. Montreal sported a 12-2 postseason record to take home the Cup that year. The team finished with an impressive 60-8-12 record, setting a new NHL record for most wins (60) and points (132) in a season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They boasted the highest-scoring offense in the league, led by Guy Lafleur<\/a> (136 points), Steve Shutt<\/a> (105 points), and Larry Robinson<\/a> (85 points).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anchored by legendary players like Guy Lapointe and Serge Savard, the dominant defense allowed the fewest goals in the league. Ken Dryden’s<\/a> stellar goaltending had the netminder posting a league-leading 41 wins with a 2.14 GAA, solidifying his position as one of the best goaltenders in the game. The Habs swept through the playoffs, suffering only two setbacks to the NY Islanders in the NHL Semi-Finals<\/a>, showcasing their complete dominance over the competition. The Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins in the Stanley Cup Finals<\/a> in four straight games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Some Other Top Contenders for Best Ever<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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\n\t\t\"1983\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

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\n \n 1982-83<\/a><\/span>\n New York Islanders<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 42-26-12 (96 points), Finished 2nd in NHL<\/a> Patrick Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Al Arbour<\/a> (42-26-12)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nDenis Potvin<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum<\/a><\/p>\n

1982-83 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 302 (15th of 21), Goals Against:<\/strong> 226 (1st of 21)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 0.84 (4th of 21), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.11 (19th of 21)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0)<\/a> over Edmonton Oilers<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-2)<\/a> over Boston Bruins<\/a>\n
Won Division Finals (4-2)<\/a> over New York Rangers<\/a>\n
Won Division Semi-Finals (3-1)<\/a> over Washington Capitals<\/a>\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Islanders finished second in the Patrick Division with a 42-26-12 record, solidifying their position as one of the league’s elite teams.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mike Bossy<\/a> led the Islanders in scoring with 60 goals and 118 points, showcasing his exceptional finishing ability. Bryan Trottier<\/a> remained dominant, recording 89 points (34 goals, 55 assists). Billy Smith provided steady goaltending, posting an 18-14-7 record with a 2.87 GAA. In the Finals<\/a>, they faced the up-and-coming Edmonton Oilers, led by Wayne Gretzky. The series was a close contest, showcasing the talent of both teams. New York bested the Oilers’ talent by winning the Cup in four hard-fought games.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"1998\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n 1997-98<\/a><\/span>\n Detroit Red Wings<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 44-23-15 (103 points), Finished 2nd in NHL<\/a> Central Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Scotty Bowman<\/a> (44-23-15)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nSteve Yzerman<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Joe Louis Arena<\/a><\/p>\n

1997-98 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 250 (2nd of 26), Goals Against:<\/strong> 196 (7th of 26)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 0.64 (3rd of 26), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.02 (19th of 26)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-0)<\/a> over Washington Capitals<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-2)<\/a> over Dallas Stars<\/a>\n
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-2)<\/a> over St. Louis Blues<\/a>\n
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-2)<\/a> over Phoenix Coyotes<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +500<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Red Wings navigated a challenging playoff path, defeating the Phoenix Coyotes, St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, and Washington Capitals en route to the Stanley Cup Finals. Detroit featured a balanced attack led by Steve Yzerman<\/a> (69 points), Nicklas Lidstrom<\/a> (59 points), and Brendan Shanahan<\/a> (57 points).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"1987\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n 1986-87<\/a><\/span>\n Edmonton Oilers<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 50-24-6 (106 points), Finished 1st in NHL<\/a> Smythe Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Glen Sather<\/a> (50-24-6)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nWayne Gretzky<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Northlands Coliseum<\/a><\/p>\n

1986-87 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 372 (1st of 21), Goals Against:<\/strong> 284 (10th of 21)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 1.06 (1st of 21), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.04 (15th of 21)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-3)<\/a> over Philadelphia Flyers<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-1)<\/a> over Detroit Red Wings<\/a>\n
Won Division Finals (4-0)<\/a> over Winnipeg Jets<\/a>\n
Won Division Semi-Finals (4-1)<\/a> over Los Angeles Kings<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +150<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Again, this core of players was a dominating force with the likes of Messier, Kurri, and Gretzky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n
\n\t\n\t
\n\t\n\n\n\n\t
\n\t\t\"1994\n\t\t\n\t\t\t

via Sports Logos.net<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t\t

About logos<\/a><\/p>\n\t\t \n\t<\/div>\n\n\n\n

\n

\n \n 1993-94<\/a><\/span>\n New York Rangers<\/span>\n \n Roster and Statistics<\/span>\n <\/h2>\n
\n \n Previous Season<\/a>\n \n \n Next Season<\/a>\n \n<\/div>\n\n\n

\n\tRecord:<\/strong> 52-24-8 (112 points), Finished 1st in NHL<\/a> Atlantic Division\t (Schedule and Results<\/a>)\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n

Coach:<\/strong> Mike Keenan<\/a> (52-24-8)<\/p>\n\n\n

Captain:<\/strong>\n\nMark Messier<\/a>\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n

Primary Arena:<\/strong> Madison Square Garden (IV)<\/a><\/p>\n

1993-94 Stanley Cup Champions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n

\n\tGoals For:<\/strong> 299 (4th of 26), Goals Against:<\/strong> 231 (3rd of 26)\n\t
SRS<\/strong><\/a>: 0.81 (3rd of 26), \n\tSOS<\/strong><\/a>: -0.00 (12th of 26)\n<\/p>\n\n

Playoffs:<\/strong>
Won Stanley Cup Final (4-3)<\/a> over Vancouver Canucks<\/a>\n
Won Conference Finals (4-3)<\/a> over New Jersey Devils<\/a>\n
Won Conference Semi-Finals (4-1)<\/a> over Washington Capitals<\/a>\n
Won Conference Quarter-Finals (4-0)<\/a> over New York Islanders<\/a>\n<\/p>\n

Preseason Odds<\/strong>: Stanley Cup +1500<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

They finished the season with a remarkable record of 52-24-8. The group deposited 299 goals, showcasing their offensive firepower. They boasted a balanced scoring attack featuring Sergei Zubov<\/a> (89 points), Mark Messier<\/a> (84 points), Brian Leetch<\/a> (79 points), and Adam Graves<\/a> (79 points). Mike Richter<\/a> provided stellar goaltending, posting a 42-12-6 record with a 2.57 GAA. The Rangers used their talent and resilience throughout the playoffs to bring home the Stanley Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What was the greatest NHL team ever?<\/strong>

There are some strong arguments for the Edmonton Oilers of 1987-88 as the best team in NHL history. Some great Montreal and Pittsburgh teams that repeated as champions could also be in that conversation.<\/p> <\/div> <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

(last updated on November 3, 2025) Introduction It is a big question when someone asks who is the greatest hockey team of all time. So many worthy choices have multiple factors and stats to consider … and the legendary players that made these teams the best NHL team ever. In this post, we will take […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[12,5,13],"class_list":["post-40","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-top-nhl-lists","tag-best-nhl-teams","tag-nhl-history","tag-nhl-teams"],"yoast_head":"\nTop 12 NHL Teams of All Time - Hockey Reference<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to know who is considered as the best hockey team? 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