Since its inception, the NHL has witnessed significant changes in its season structure and team count. Teams initially played between 18 and 36 games per season, which increased to 70 or more games by 1949. Various factors, including lockouts and the COVID-19 pandemic, have led to seasons with fewer games played. Over the years, the league has undergone realignments, expansions, and relocations, shaping its current landscape with 32 active teams.
In 2023, Forbes reported the top five most valuable NHL teams, which included four of the "Original Six" franchises and the Los Angeles Kings. The Toronto Maple Leafs led the pack with a valuation of US$2.8 billion, followed closely by the New York Rangers at US$2.65 billion and the Montreal Canadiens at US$2.3 billion. The Los Angeles Kings secured the fourth spot with a valuation of US$2 billion, while the Boston Bruins rounded out the top five with US$1.9 billion.
Most wins in an NHL season
The Boston Bruins hold the record for the most wins in an NHL season, achieving an impressive 65-12-5 record in the year 2023. Despite their remarkable regular-season performance, the Bruins were unable to translate their success into playoff victories, ultimately losing in the first round. The Boston Bruins' historic achievement of 65 wins in the 2023 NHL season solidified their place among the league's most formidable teams.
Several other NHL teams have etched their names into the league's record books with impressive regular-season performances. The Detroit Red Wings, with their 62 wins in the 1995-1996 season, established themselves as a dominant force in the league, led by a roster featuring legends such as Steve Yzerman and Sergei Fedorov. Similarly, Tampa Bay Lightning's remarkable season in 2018-2019 saw them tally 62 wins, led by stars like Nikita Kucherov and Steven Stamkos.
Other notable performances include the Montreal Canadiens’ championship-winning seasons in 1977 and in 1978, where they notched 60 and 59 wins, respectively, the Detroit Red Wings, the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers among others.
The following table showcases teams with most wins in an NHL Season:
| Team | Year | Record | Result | |
| 1 | Boston Bruins | 2023 | 65-12-5 | Lost First Round |
| 2 | Detroit Red Wings | 1996 | 62-13-7 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 3 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 2019 | 62-16-4 | Lost First Round |
| 4 | Montreal Canadiens | 1977 | 60-8-12 | Won Final |
| 5 | Montreal Canadiens | 1978 | 59-10-11 | Won Final |
| 6 | Montreal Canadiens | 1976 | 58-11-11 | Won Final |
| 7 | Detroit Red Wings | 2006 | 58-16-8 | Lost First Round |
| 8 | Florida Panthers | 2022 | 58-18-6 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 9 | Boston Bruins | 1971 | 57-14-7 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 10 | Edmonton Oilers | 1984 | 57-18-5 | Won Final |
| 11 | Edmonton Oilers | 1986 | 56-17-7 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 12 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 1993 | 56-21-7 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 13 | Colorado Avalanche | 2022 | 56-19-7 | Won Final |
| 12 | Washington Capitals | 2016 | 56-18-8 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 15 | New York Rangers | 2024 | 55-23-4 | In Progress – Playoffs |
| 14 | Washington Capitals | 2017 | 55-19-8 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 17 | Boston Bruins | 1972 | 54-13-11 | Won Final |
| 18 | New York Islanders | 1982 | 54-16-10 | Won Final |
| 19 | Calgary Flames | 1989 | 54-17-9 | Won Final |
| 20 | Anaheim Ducks | 2014 | 54-20-8 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 21 | Boston Bruins | 2014 | 54-19-9 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 22 | Carolina Hurricanes | 2022 | 54-20-8 | Lost Conference Semifinals |
| 23 | Detroit Red Wings | 2008 | 54-21-7 | Won Final |
| 24 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 2018 | 54-23-5 | Lost Conference Finals |
| 25 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 2022 | 54-21-7 | Lost First Round |
Most NHL Wins Since 2000
Since 2000, the NHL has seen several teams rise to dominance based on their regular-season performance. The Boston Bruins lead the pack with 1020 wins, boasting a win percentage of 55.4%. Moreover, they have made the playoffs 18 times, clinching 17 playoff series wins and securing one Stanley Cup title.
Following closely behind are the Dallas Stars, with 996 wins and a win percentage of 54.1%. Despite their 14 playoff appearances, they are yet to claim a Stanley Cup. The Washington Capitals rank third in wins since 2000, tallying 991 victories and maintaining a win percentage of 53.6%. They have made the playoffs 18 times, securing 10 playoff series wins, and clinching one Stanley Cup title.
Other notable teams include the St. Louis Blues, the Colorado Avalanche, and the Pittsburgh Penguins, each with impressive win records and multiple Stanley Cup victories during this period.
The below table showcases NHL Teams with most wins since 2000:
| Rank | Team | Record | Win Percentage | Made Playoffs | Playoff Series Wins | Titles |
| 1 | Boston Bruins | 1020-817-59 | 55.4% | 18 | 17 | 1 |
| 2 | Dallas Stars | 996-840-59 | 54.1% | 14 | 15 | - |
| 3 | Washington Capitals | 991-853-51 | 53.6% | 18 | 10 | 1 |
| 4 | St. Louis Blues | 987-857-53 | 53.4% | 16 | 12 | 1 |
| 5 | Colorado Avalanche | 985-856-55 | 53.4% | 16 | 19 | 2 |
| 6 | Pittsburgh Penguins | 985-871-39 | 53.0% | 18 | 23 | 3 |
| 7 | Detroit Red Wings | 982-865-50 | 53.1% | 16 | 18 | 2 |
| 8 | New York Rangers | 963-895-38 | 51.8% | 15 | 14 | - |
| 9 | Nashville Predators | 958-884-53 | 52.0% | 16 | 7 | - |
| 10 | San Jose Sharks | 951-894-51 | 51.5% | 17 | 18 | - |
| 11 | Tampa Bay Lightning | 951-895-50 | 51.5% | 15 | 25 | 3 |
| 12 | Vancouver Canucks | 949-890-56 | 51.6% | 13 | 10 | - |
| 13 | Toronto Maple Leafs | 946-905-45 | 51.1% | 14 | 6 | - |
| 14 | New Jersey Devils | 940-904-51 | 50.9% | 13 | 17 | 2 |
| 15 | Philadelphia Flyers | 920-914-61 | 50.2% | 15 | 13 | - |
| 16 | Ottawa Senators | 920-930-47 | 49.7% | 13 | 10 | - |
| 17 | Carolina Hurricanes | 918-916-60 | 50.1% | 10 | 17 | 1 |
| 18 | Calgary Flames | 910-929-57 | 49.5% | 10 | 6 | - |
| 19 | Los Angeles Kings | 906-932-58 | 49.3% | 13 | 11 | 2 |
| 20 | Minnesota Wild | 897-861-55 | 51.0% | 13 | 4 | - |
| 21 | Anaheim Ducks | 890-957-50 | 48.2% | 12 | 15 | 1 |
| 22 | Montreal Canadiens | 877-976-44 | 47.4% | 13 | 12 | - |
| 23 | Chicago Blackhawks | 866-975-55 | 47.1% | 11 | 17 | 3 |
| 24 | Winnipeg Jets | 861-991-45 | 46.6% | 8 | 3 | - |
| 25 | Edmonton Oilers | 858-976-63 | 46.9% | 10 | 8 | - |
FAQ's On Most wins in an NHL Season
A. The Boston Bruins hold the record for the most wins in an NHL season, achieving an impressive 65-12-5 record in 2023.
A. The Boston Bruins have maintained an impressive win percentage of 55.4% since 2000, making them one of the most successful NHL teams in terms of regular-season performance.
A. The Dallas Stars rank second in the NHL for most wins since 2000, boasting 996 victories and a win percentage of 54.1%.
A. The Pittsburgh Penguins have clinched an impressive 23 playoff series wins since 2000, demonstrating their consistency and success in the postseason.
A. The Pittsburgh Penguins lead the pack with three Stanley Cup titles since 2000, solidifying their status as one of the most dominant teams in the league during this period.
