- The Montreal Canadiens stand alone as the most successful NHL team.
- The Canadiens have also won the most NHL games.
- The Toronto Maple Leafs have lost the most games in league history.
In a league rich with history and filled with legendary teams, one question arises: Which NHL team stands as the most successful of all time?
Dive into the records that crown the champions of the ice below.
(Records and stats are accurate as of December 15, 2023.)
Who Is the Most Successful NHL Team Ever?
As the winners of a record 24 Stanley Cups, the Montreal Canadiens reign supreme as the most successful NHL team ever. Their unparalleled championship record (the Toronto Maple Leafs sit second with 13 Stanley Cups) cements the Habs’ status as the most triumphant team in hockey history.
The Montreal Canadiens have won the most Stanley Cups in league history, with 24. pic.twitter.com/5WzMlfBkI1
— FANBOYZ (@FANBOYZ___) October 6, 2016
Also the record holders for the most Stanley Cup victories in a row at five, the Canadiens have dominated the league since their inception in 1909. The Canadiens quickly evolved into the league’s powerhouse, shaping the sports’ competitive landscape and the cultural fabric of hockey itself. Montreal’s legacy is built on the foundation of legendary players like Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Guy Lafleur, who transcended the sport.
Who Has Won the Most NHL Games?
Predictably, the Montreal Canadiens also take home the prize for most wins in NHL history. Les Habitants have won an astounding 3,985 games in the regular season and playoffs all time, making them NHL betting lines favourites even today.
Beyond their multiple runs to the Stanley Cup, the Canadiens have been a beacon of success in the NHL for years. Amassing six Stanley Cups in the 1950s, four Cups in the 1960s, and adding another six in the 1970s will translate to an enormous amount of victories. The Canadiens’ relentless pursuit of greatness leaves the team alone at the top as the winningest franchise in hockey history.
Who Has Lost the Most NHL Games?
The Toronto Maple Leafs have the most losses, regular season and playoffs, of all time at 3,179. Despite also being one of the most successful teams of all time, Toronto has yet to win a Stanley Cup since 1967 (and their last playoff series victory came in 2003).
Having been a part of the NHL since 1917, these losses reflect not just the challenges the Leafs have faced but also their longevity and resilience in the highly competitive world of professional hockey. Despite the setbacks, the Maple Leafs have maintained their status as one of hockey’s most iconic franchises, with a rabid fan base as loyal as any in the sport.