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National Hockey League (U.S. and Canada)

After the National Hockey Association decided to disband in 1917, the result was the creation of the National Hockey League. After the formation of this new league, the Boston Bruins became the first United States team to join the NHL in 1924, followed by The New York Americans and Pittsburgh Pirates in 1925. Following these teams were the New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Detroit Cougars (who later became the Red Wings). The Pittsburgh Pirates and the New York Americans eventually dropped out of the league, leaving the NHL composed of the famous Original Six teams, the New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Toronto Maple Leafs, and the Montreal Canadiens.

In 1967, the National Hockey League doubled in size to 12 teams, undertaking one of the greatest expansions in professional sports history. A few years later, in 1972, a new 12 team league, the World Hockey Association (WHA) was formed and due to its ensuing rivalry with the NHL, it caused an escalation in players salaries. As of 1979, the NHL had grown to 17 teams and merged with the WHA. This created a 21 team league. By 1999, the NHL had expanded to 30 teams, and after a realignment in 2013, these teams were divided into two conferences and four divisions.

Eastern Conference

• Atlantic Division: Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Detroit Red Wings, Florida Panthers, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, Tampa Bay Lightning, Toronto Maple Leafs
• Metropolitan Division: Carolina Hurricanes, Columbus Blue Jackets, New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington Capitals

Western Conference

• Central Division: Chicago Blackhawks, Colorado Avalanche, Dallas Stars, Minnesota Wild, Nashville Predators, St. Louis Blues, Winnipeg Jets
• Pacific Division: Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, San Jose Sharks, Vancouver Canucks

NHL Lockouts Further on down the line in 2004, there was turmoil in the NHL between the owners and the players over the rapidly rising payroll costs. The owners insisted on the players accepting a salary cap that would slow the rising payroll. The players did not accept the owners offer, causing the 2004-2005 NHL season to be cancelled or "Locked Out." After this lockout, the owners ultimately won the battle for a salary cap, and the league resumed play in the 2005-2006 season. The same thing happened again during the 2012-2013 regular season, the NHL was locked out for half of the season due to the owners and the NHL Players' Association could not reach a new agreement before the end of the collective bargaining agreement on September 16, 2012.