The National Hockey League (NHL) is a professional sports organization composed of ice hockey teams in North America. Its French name is Ligue Nationale de Hockey (LNH). It is the premier professional ice hockey league in the world, and one of the North American major professional sports leagues. The league's teams are divided into two conferences, each comprising three divisions.

The league was founded in 1917 in Montreal, Quebec with five teams, and through a series of expansions, reductions and relocations is now composed of 30 teams, 24 of which are based in the United States and six in Canada. After a labour dispute that led to the cancellation of the complete 2004–05 season, the league has staged a successful 2005–06 regular season and 2006 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Historically, due to its origin in Canada, a large majority of players in the National Hockey League were Canadians. Over the past 25 years, due to the NHL's expansion into the United States, its high standard of play compared to other leagues, and the availability of highly skilled European players from Eastern Europe after the fall of communism, there has been an increasing presence of American and European players. Nevertheless, more than half of the league's players on the 2005–06 roster were born in Canada.

More on [ National Hockey League ]

SI.com - NHL

Red Wings hit 32-year low with home shutout loss
Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:17:19 -0500
DETROIT(AP) Even when the puck does go into the net for the Detroit Red Wings these days, it doesn't count.
Teemu nets 2 PP goals; Ducks halt Hawks' streak
Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:17:19 -0500
ANAHEIM, Calif.(AP) Good teams have been bringing out the best in the Anaheim Ducks . The Chicago Blackhawks certainly did Friday.
Stamkos collects team-high 16th goal; Bolts roll
Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:17:19 -0500
TAMPA, Fla.(AP) John Tortorella tried to put his first game against his former team behind him in a hurry Friday night.
Tavares scores winner as Islanders tip Pens, 3-2
Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:17:19 -0500
UNIONDALE, N.Y.(AP) Sidney Crosby spoiled rookie John Tavares ' NHL debut with the deciding shootout goal for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the New York Islanders ' season-opening loss last month.
Marleau checks hat in Sharks' win
Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:17:19 -0500
EDMONTON, Alberta(AP) Patrick Marleau and the San Jose Sharks put an embarrassing home loss behind them in a hurry.
Kobesaw gets hat trick in Wild win
Sat, 28 Nov 2009 02:17:19 -0500
ST. PAUL, Minn.(AP) Minnesota is happy to have Chuck Kobasew back.

Subscribe to National_Hockey_League RSS feed