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100 Years, 100 Moments: A Centennial Celebration of NHL Hockey

Cason Cox

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On November 26, 1917, the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators faced off in the inaugural game of the National Hockey League (NHL). One hundred years later, the NHL is the world's premier professional hockey league, with 31 teams competing for the Stanley Cup. To celebrate the NHL's centennial, we're counting down the 100 most iconic moments in league history.

1. The Founding of the NHL (1917)

The NHL was founded in Montreal, Quebec, on November 26, 1917, by a group of businessmen led by Frank Calder. The league initially consisted of four teams: the Canadiens, Senators, Toronto Arenas, and Quebec Bulldogs. The NHL has since expanded to 31 teams, with franchises in the United States, Canada, and Europe.

100 Years, 100 Moments: A Centennial of NHL Hockey

by Marie Cirano

4.9 out of 5

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2. The Original Six Era (1942-1967)

The Original Six era was a period of stability and growth for the NHL. The league consisted of six teams: the Canadiens, Senators, Arenas, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. During this era, the Canadiens won a record 10 Stanley Cups.

3. The Expansion Era (1967-1992)

The NHL began to expand in the late 1960s, adding six new teams in 1967 and another six in 1974. The expansion era saw the rise of new stars, such as Bobby Orr and Wayne Gretzky. The Oilers won their first Stanley Cup in 1984, and the Flames won their first Stanley Cup in 1989.

4. The Modern Era (1993-Present)

The NHL entered a new era in 1993 with the addition of the Florida Panthers and Mighty Ducks of Anaheim. The modern era has been marked by increased scoring and a more wide-open style of play. The Avalanche have won the Stanley Cup three times since 1993, and the Blackhawks have won three Stanley Cups since 2010.

5. The 100 Greatest NHL Players (2017)

In 2017, the NHL released a list of the 100 Greatest NHL Players of All Time. The list was compiled by a panel of experts, including former players, coaches, and general managers. The top five players on the list were Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Gordie Howe, Bobby Orr, and Maurice Richard.

6. The NHL Centennial Classic (2017)

The NHL celebrated its centennial season with a series of outdoor games, including the NHL Centennial Classic at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa. The game featured the Senators and Canadiens, the two teams that played in the inaugural NHL game. The Canadiens won the game 4-3.

7. The NHL Winter Classic (2018)

The NHL Winter Classic is an annual outdoor game that is played on New Year's Day. The 2018 Winter Classic was held at Citi Field in New York City and featured the Rangers and Bruins. The Bruins won the game 5-2.

8. The NHL All-Star Game (2019)

The NHL All-Star Game is an annual exhibition game that features the best players from the Eastern and Western Conferences. The 2019 All-Star Game was held at SAP Center in San Jose, California. The Eastern Conference defeated the Western Conference 4-3.

9. The Stanley Cup Playoffs (2019)

The Stanley Cup Playoffs are the NHL's postseason tournament. The 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs began on April 10, 2019, and concluded with the Blues defeating the Bruins in seven games. The Blues won their first Stanley Cup in franchise history.

10. The Future of the NHL

The NHL is entering a new era of growth and innovation. The league is expanding to Seattle in 2021 and will be adding a new team in Las Vegas in 2020. The NHL is also exploring new ways to engage with fans, such as virtual reality and augmented reality.

The NHL's Impact on Canadian Culture

The NHL has had a profound impact on Canadian culture. Hockey is Canada's national winter sport, and the NHL is the most popular professional sports league in the country. The NHL has helped to create a sense of national identity for Canadians, and it has been a source of pride and inspiration for generations of Canadians.

The NHL's Legacy

The NHL is one of the most successful professional sports leagues in the world. The league has a rich history and tradition, and it has produced some of the greatest athletes in history. The NHL has also had a major impact on Canadian culture, and it is an important part of the Canadian identity.

The NHL is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2017. The league has come a long way since its humble beginnings, and it is now the world's premier professional hockey league. The NHL has had a profound impact on Canadian culture, and it is an important part of the Canadian identity. We can expect the NHL to continue to grow and innovate in the years to come.

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* A photograph of Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators players facing off in the inaugural NHL game on November 26, 1917. * A photograph of the Original Six NHL teams: Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Toronto Arenas, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, and New York Rangers. * A photograph of Bobby Orr, one of the greatest NHL players of all time. * A photograph of Wayne Gretzky, the NHL's all-time leading scorer. * A photograph of the Stanley Cup, the NHL's championship trophy. * A photograph of the NHL Centennial Classic at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa in 2017. * A photograph of the NHL Winter Classic at Citi Field in New York City in 2018. * A photograph of the NHL All-Star Game at SAP Center in San Jose, California in 2019. * A photograph of the Blues celebrating their Stanley Cup victory in 2019. * A photograph of the Seattle Kraken, the NHL's newest team.

100 Years, 100 Moments: A Centennial of NHL Hockey

by Marie Cirano

4.9 out of 5