NHL Update: Good, Perhaps Great Year, For The Original Six

With less than a week left in the shortened NHL regular season, there are still some playoff spots and divisional titles up for grabs.

Until 1967-1968, the NHL had only six teams and those teams are known as the “original six.” Recalling the old NHL fondly, the playoffs excitement is heightened when those teams are in playoff contention.

This is already a good year for those memories and teams and may be the “jackpot” year in which all six original teams qualify for the playoffs.

There will be at least four “original six” teams in the playoffs. Those are the overall top seed, Chicago Blackhawks, the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs. Additionally, the New York Rangers are likely playoff participants while the Detroit Red Wings have a chance to make it: all six in the playoffs for the first time since the 1995-1996 season!