Editorial guide · Rules Explained
Understanding NHL Conference and Division Structure
How the NHL's 32 teams are organized into conferences and divisions, and how that structure shapes the regular-season schedule and playoff bracket.
The NHL is organized into two conferences of 16 teams each, with each conference split into two divisions of eight. This structure directly determines how many times teams play each other and how the Stanley Cup Playoffs bracket is built.
Eastern Conference
- Atlantic Division: Boston, Buffalo, Detroit, Florida, Montreal, Ottawa, Tampa Bay, Toronto.
- Metropolitan Division: Carolina, Columbus, New Jersey, NY Islanders, NY Rangers, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Washington.
Western Conference
- Central Division: Arizona, Chicago, Colorado, Dallas, Minnesota, Nashville, St. Louis, Winnipeg.
- Pacific Division: Anaheim, Calgary, Edmonton, Los Angeles, San Jose, Seattle, Vancouver, Vegas.
Schedule implications
Teams play division opponents more frequently than teams in the other conference. An 82-game schedule means roughly four games against each division rival, three against non-division conference opponents, and two against most teams from the other conference. This weighted schedule is why division standings are tightly contested.
Playoff format
The top three teams in each division qualify automatically, and two wild-card spots per conference go to the next-best records regardless of division. The first round pairs division leaders against wild cards and the second and third seeds against each other, keeping the bracket within conferences until the Stanley Cup Final.