The National Hockey League (NHL) is arguably one of the most exciting and competitive sports leagues in the world. Every season, 31 teams battle it out for the Stanley Cup, which is the ultimate prize in ice hockey. Over the years, we have seen some incredible teams dominate the league, earning the most points in the NHL season. In this article, we will take a look at some of those teams and the factors that made them successful.
But first, let’s take a quick look at the NHL points system. In the NHL, teams earn points based on their performance in a game. A win results in two points, an overtime or shootout loss earns one point, and a regulation loss earns zero points. At the end of the regular season, the teams with the most points in each conference qualify for the playoffs.
Now, let’s dive into the top teams of the NHL season and what made them so successful.
1. Tampa Bay Lightning (2018-2019)
The Tampa Bay Lightning had a historic season in 2018-2019, earning 128 points in just 82 games. This was the highest point total in the NHL since the 1995-1996 season when the Detroit Red Wings had 131 points. The Lightning dominated the regular season, finishing 21 points ahead of the second-best team.
So, what made the Tampa Bay Lightning so successful? The answer lies in their balanced and talented roster. The Lightning boasted one of the best offenses in the league, led by Nikita Kucherov, who won the Art Ross Trophy for most points in the NHL. Their defense was also impressive, anchored by Victor Hedman, who won the Norris Trophy for the league’s best defenseman. And of course, their goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy, was a force to be reckoned with, posting a .925 save percentage and earning the Vezina Trophy for best goaltender.
2. Washington Capitals (2017-2018)
The Washington Capitals had a strong 2017-2018 season, earning 105 points in 82 games. They finished atop the Metropolitan Division and went on to win their first Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. This was an impressive feat considering that the Capitals had never made it past the second round of the playoffs in the Alex Ovechkin era.
The Capitals’ success in 2017-2018 can be attributed to their star-studded lineup. Ovechkin, who won the Rocket Richard Trophy for most goals in the NHL, was a force to be reckoned with on offense. Evgeny Kuznetsov and Nicklas Backstrom were also key contributors, combining for 161 points. And in net, Braden Holtby was solid, posting a .907 save percentage and leading the league in wins with 34.
3. Chicago Blackhawks (2012-2013)
The Chicago Blackhawks had a shortened but impressive 2012-2013 season, earning 77 points in just 48 games. They won the Presidents’ Trophy for finishing with the most points in the league but were ultimately eliminated in the Western Conference Finals by the Los Angeles Kings.
The Blackhawks’ success in 2012-2013 can be attributed to their depth and experience. The team boasted a talented core of players that included Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Marian Hossa, and Duncan Keith. And in net, Corey Crawford was solid, posting a .926 save percentage and helping the Blackhawks win their second Stanley Cup championship in four years.
4. Detroit Red Wings (2005-2006)
The Detroit Red Wings had an impressive 2005-2006 season, earning 124 points in 82 games. They finished atop the Central Division and went on to win the Presidents’ Trophy for finishing with the most points in the league. Despite their regular-season success, the Red Wings were ultimately eliminated in the first round of the playoffs by the Edmonton Oilers.
The Red Wings’ success in 2005-2006 can be attributed to their balanced roster and veteran leadership. The team had a talented core of players that included Pavel Datsyuk, Henrik Zetterberg, and Nicklas Lidstrom. They also had solid goaltending from Manny Legace, who posted a .915 save percentage.
5. Colorado Avalanche (2000-2001)
The Colorado Avalanche had a dominant 2000-2001 season, earning 118 points in just 82 games. They finished atop the Western Conference and went on to win their second Stanley Cup championship in franchise history. The Avalanche boasted a talented roster that included Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, and Rob Blake.
The Avalanche’s success in 2000-2001 can be attributed to their potent offense and solid goaltending. The team had the second-highest scoring offense in the league, led by Sakic and Forsberg. And in net, Patrick Roy was a force to be reckoned with, posting a .918 save percentage and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.
Conclusion
These are just a few of the top teams in NHL history that have earned the most points in a season. Each team had its own unique strengths and weaknesses, but what they all had in common was a combination of talent, depth, and coaching. As we look ahead to future NHL seasons, we can only wonder which teams will emerge as the next dominant force in the league.
