The National Hockey League has been around since 1917, and since its inception, teams have strived to be the best. Year after year, the search for success in the NHL has taken on a variety of forms, but one thing remains consistent: the teams with the most points are usually in prime position to win the Stanley Cup.
Over the years, several teams have managed to achieve terrific records and collect the most points in a single season. From the regular domination seen in the 1980s by the Edmonton Oilers to the more recent triumphs of the Washington Capitals, these teams all have valuable insights to offer about what it takes to succeed in the NHL.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most successful teams in the NHL’s history, examine the strategies they employed to achieve their success and draw valuable lessons that can help you on your path to victory.
The 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are one of the NHL’s most prestigious teams, and the 1976-77 campaign saw them at peak dominance. That season, the Canadiens collected a massive 132 points, which would remain the NHL record until 1995-96 when the Detroit Red Wings surpassed it.
The Canadiens’ victory had much to do with their elite roster. However, they were also employing a strategy that proved instrumental to their success: a robust emphasis on defensive play. The Canadiens held teams to two goals or fewer in 38 of their 80 games played that season, which includes recording 10 shutouts.
The Canadiens had an incredibly talented offense, but their willingness to commit to the defensive side of the game proved key. Defense wins championships, and it is a lesson that teams, coaches, and players should take to heart.
The 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers
While the Canadiens won the Cup the year prior to this, the Edmonton Oilers were in the midst of creating one of the strongest dynasties in NHL history, fuelled entirely by their league-best offense. The Oilers scored a massive 446 goals during the season, an average of 5.5 goals per game. That feat was only surpassed by the 1995-96 Pittsburgh Penguins, who scored 362 times in a shortened season.
The Oilers were led by the formidable duo of Wayne Gretzky and Mark Messier, who combined for 405 points during the year. The Oilers never lost a game all year long after scoring five or more goals, showing the importance of striking when the opportunity presents itself.
The success of the Oilers provides invaluable insight into the importance of building a powerful offense. The ability to score goals is vital in the NHL, but the Oilers also demonstrated the importance of having talented players who can produce consistently.
The 1995-96 Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings’ 1995-96 campaign was a record-breaking season. The team surpassed the Montreal Canadiens’ 1976-77 mark for the most regular-season points in NHL history, finishing with an incredible total of 131.
While Detroit had a strong offense, their defensive game was just as impressive. They allowed only 181 goals in 82 games, and 12 shutouts, a crucial feat in a game where every goal can make the difference between winning and losing.
The Red Wings’ success came in part through their expansive, relentless offense. The team had a deep roster of talented players, including Steve Yzerman, Nicklas Lidstrom, and Sergei Fedorov. Their success also came through their methodical and calculated approach to the game, which emphasized sound defense and opportunistic offense.
The lesson that can be taken from the Red Wings’ success is the importance of depth, both on offense and defense. Their sizeable lead in the standings, and the fact that they finished 14 or more points ahead of the second-best team in the league, highlighted the strength of their entire team.
The 2005-06 Detroit Red Wings
The 2005-06 season was another banner year for the Red Wings, and their Stanley Cup victory demonstrated why they were one of the NHL’s best teams. Detroit finished with 183 goals against, the second-best record in the league, and added a whopping 124 points in the standings.
Detroit’s strategy for success would probably be described as a balanced approach, taking advantage of the right opportunities, while defending with aplomb. Detroit had an excellent offensive unit, but their ability to shut down their opponents was arguably their most potent weapon.
Detroit players focussed on defending aggressively to mitigate their chances of conceding. The Red Wings didn’t mind going on the defensive and waiting for their opponent to make a mistake. By taking that approach, Detroit made it very difficult for other teams to score against them.
The lesson here is a simple one: Defense is the foundation upon which success is built. The Red Wings demonstrated that a team can have a potent attack, but it is their defensive play that makes the difference.
The 2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks
The 2012-13 Stanley Cup winning team is another example of a team that combined an excellent offense with strong defense, and a fierce will to win. Led by the forward starriness of Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, the Blackhawks finished their incredible run with a record of 36-7-5, earning 77 points in the process.
The Blackhawks’ success came through a seamless tactical approach, a commitment to excellence, and determination to win. They were particularly adept at getting off to a fast start, outscoring their opponents 46-23 in the first period of games.
Chicago wasn’t afraid to go on the offensive when necessary, to dominate lesser opposition, but they were also capable of defending well against better opposition too. The entire team bought into their game plan, and as a result, they succeeded.
The Blackhawks showed that by having an elite offense and strong defense, any team can build a solid foundation for success. They also highlighted the importance of a tightly knit team, one that can rally around each other and develop a winning mentality.
In Conclusion
Over the years, several NHL teams have left their mark on the sport. Some have achieved unique success through a staunch defensive strategy, while others have thrived through an elite offense. The lessons provided by these teams are still relevant today and offer a path to success that any team can follow.
In summary, a robust emphasis on defensive play, the importance of building a powerful offense, the value of depth on offense and defense, defense as a foundation for success, determination to win, and a tightly knit team all represent core principles of the most successful NHL teams in history. By embracing these principles and putting them into action, yours could be the next team to write NHL history.
