The 1990s were a great time for hockey…
A friend and I were arguing (well, he was angry and I was trying to prove him wrong [and possibly failed] but I guess that could be considered a type of ‘arguing’) about the Nashville Predators and whether or not they’d be considered failures. The original context for this involves the fact that the Nashville Predators have had only one GM in their history, David Poile, who is also the GM of the United States Men’s Hockey for the Olympics. You may have heard that there is currently a controversy brewing over some of the players being left off the roster (or really, the controversy over WHY some of the players are being left off the roster).
So, because I am a huge supporter of expansion, specifically non-traditional markets (even if some of those places have made me angry as a life-long Devils fan as I will never truly be fine with the Cam Ward, the Carolina Hurricanes and the Ray Whitney because 2007 was a awful year), I decided to look at the hockey teams that were created in the 1990s.
As a general reminder, this would not include my beloved New Jersey Devils (1982), the Philadelphia Flyers, LA Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins and St. Louis Blues (did you know that they were created in 1967 during the first expansion??), the “Original Six” (Boston, Montreal, Toronto, New York Rangers, Detroit and Chicago), Edmonton Oilers (1979), New York (Islanders) (1972), Buffalo Sabres & the Vancouver Canucks (1970), the Calgary Flames (1980) and the Washington Capitals (1974).
Also, this does not include teams like the Winnipeg Jets of the 1980s as they would become the Coyotes in 1996 or the Minnesota North Stars or the Hartford Whalers, etc, etc. This is also why I claim that the Edmonton Oilers were created in 1979, as the NHL is the only thing that counts in this sample size example — even though they were technically, for a season, the Alberta Oilers from 1972 – 1973 in the World Hockey Association (WHA) and then the Edmonton Oilers, still in the WHA, from 1973 – 1979.
And as the final “don’t judge me for spending so much time on this if some of it doesn’t look right!” some teams have Conference or Division championships under their name. I only did that for some of them because these things were called different things at different times and after awhile I was going cross-eyed trying to figure which was a Division, which was something else, etc.
Now that everyone can tell that my brain is that of a history major’s — I think these are pretty interesting to see written out next to each other.
For some of us, in what we consider “recent” sports history — some fans still talk about Gretzky to the Kings as if it happened yesterday, and not 26 years ago in August. For some of us, we still remember being excited that Atlanta would have a hockey team that we hoped would be even better than their baseball team. For some of us, we are taught that when we hear the “Potvin Sucks” whistle — to chant back “Rangers Suck” even if we aren’t Islanders fans and even if Denis Potvin has been retired for 26 years. And some of us are still waiting for the Nordiques or the Whalers to rise again from the ashes of places like Kansas City, Seattle or whatever empty space there is in Canada that could sustain a 6th Canadian NHL team.
But, guys. I hate to tell you all this — but it’s now 2014. 1990 happened 24 years ago. That’s why BuzzFeed has all those “YOU KNOW YOU WERE A KID IN THE 90s POSTS” because, holy crap, you know you were a kid from the 90s when… you really wished your favorite hockey team growing up was the Mighty Ducks so that Goldberg and the Bash Brothers could win a Stanley Cup. (ok, so this also might explain why it’s 2014 and I still have a very hard time separating reality from TV/movie facts)
That’s kind of a long time for anything — let alone a sport where a million different special moments happen during the season. It’s always okay to brush up on your history. And it’s also okay not to be a dick to people who might not be as Hockey Smart as you are. I’m lookin’ at you, people who made the girl who thought Crosby should’ve been on Team USA quit twitter. We all make mistakes — and I bet most of you don’t even know half of these stats (I’m “man” enough to admit I sure didn’t).
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Sharks (established: 1991):
Division championships 6 (2001–02, 2003–04, 2007–08, 2008–09, 2009–10, 2010–11)
1993 – 1994
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Red Wings) –– [This was their third season of existing as a team and they pulled off the biggest turnaround in NHL history, making the playoffs with 82 points — which was a NHL record of 58-points jump from their previous season, 1992 – 1993. Also, of course, the Red Wings were heavily favored to win this series and in what is still known as one of the biggest upsets in Stanley Cup playoff history, the Sharks won Game 7 in Joe Louis Arena, after Jamie Baker scored the game-winning goal in the 3rd period after Chris Osgood was out of position for Detroit and the Sharks won 3-2.]
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 3–4 (Maple Leafs)
1994 – 1995
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Flames)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 0–4 (Red Wings)
1997 – 1998
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Stars)
1998 – 1999
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Avalanche)
1999 – 2000
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Blues)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 1–4 (Stars)
2000 – 2001
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Blues) * This is the year that they had some goalie from Kazakhstan be the league’s best rookie who won the Calder Memorial Trophy, named Evgeni Nabokov
2001 – 2002
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Coyotes)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 3–4 (Avalanche)
2003– 2004
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Blues)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Avalanche)
Lost in Conference Finals, 2–4 (Flames)
2005 – 2006
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Predators)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 2–4 (Oilers)
2006 – 2007
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Predators)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 2–4 (Red Wings)
2007 – 2008
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Flames)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 2–4 (Stars)
2008 – 2009
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Ducks)
2009 – 2010
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Avalanche)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (Red Wings)
Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Blackhawks)
2010 – 2011
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Kings)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–3 (Red Wings)
Lost in Conference Finals, 1–4 (Canucks)
2011 – 2012
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Blues)
2013
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–0 (Canucks)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 3-4 (Kings)
All time series record: 14-16
Ottawa Senators (established: 1992)
Conference championships 1 (2006–07)
Division championships 4 (1998–99, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2005–06)
1996 – 1997
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 3–4 (Sabres)
1997 – 198
Won Conference Quarterfinal, 4–2 (Devils)
Lost Conference Semifinal, 1–4 (Capitals)
1998 – 199
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 0–4 (Sabres)
1999 – 2000
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 2–4 (Maple Leafs)
2000 – 2001
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 0–4 (Maple Leafs)
2001 – 2002
Won Conference Quarterfinal, 4–1 (Flyers)
Lost Conference Semifinal, 3–4 (Maple Leafs)
2002 – 2003
Won Conference Quarterfinal, 4–1 (Islanders)
Won Conference Semifinal, 4–2 (Flyers)
Lost Conference Final, 3–4 (Devils)
2003 – 2004
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 3–4 (Maple Leafs)
2005 – 2006
Won Conference Quarterfinal, 4–1 (Lightning)
Lost Conference Semifinal, 1–4 (Sabres)
2006 – 2007
Won Conference Quarterfinal, 4–1 (Penguins)
Won Conference Semifinal, 4–1 (Devils)
Won Conference Final, 4–1 (Sabres)
Lost Stanley Cup Final, 1–4 (Ducks)
2007 – 2008
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 0–4 (Penguins)
2009 – 2010
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 2–4 (Penguins)
2011 – 2012
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 3–4 (Rangers)
2013
Won Conference Quarterfinal, 4–1 (Canadiens)
Lost Conference Semifinal, 1–4 (Penguins)
All-time series record 9–14
Tampa Bay Lightning (established: 1992)
Stanley Cups 1 (2003-04)
Conference championships 1 (2003-04)
Division championships 2 (2002-03, 2003-04)
1995 – 1996
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 2–4
2002 – 2003
Won in Conference Quarterfinals vs. Washington Capitals, 4–2
Lost in Conference Semifinals vs. New Jersey Devils, 1–4
2003 – 2004
Won in Conference Quarterfinals vs. New York Islanders, 4–1
Won in Conference Semifinals vs. Montreal Canadiens, 4–0
Won in Conference Finals vs. Philadelphia Flyers, 4–3
Won in Stanley Cup Finals vs. Calgary Flames, 4–3
2005 – 2006
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals vs. Ottawa Senators, 1–4
2006 – 2007
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals vs. New Jersey Devils, 2–4
2010 – 2011
Won in Conference Quarterfinals vs. Pittsburgh Penguins, 4–3
Won in Conference Semifinals vs. Washington Capitals, 4–0
Lost in Conference Finals vs. Boston Bruins, 3–4
All-time series record 7-5 (includes a Stanley Cup win, which should count double but doesn’t)
Ducks (established: 1993)
Stanley Cups 1 (2006-07)
1996 – 1997
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Coyotes)
Lost Conference Semifinals, 0–4 (Red Wings)
1998 – 1999
Lost Conference Quarterfinal, 0–4 (Red Wings)
2002 – 2003
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–0 (Red Wings)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Stars)
Won Conference Finals, 4–0 (Wild)
Lost Finals, 3–4 (Devils) * (Sorry Petr Sykora)
2005 – 2006
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Flames)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–0 (Avalanche)
Lost Conference Finals, 1–4 (Oilers)
2006 – 2007
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Wild)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (Canucks)
Won Conference Finals, 4–2 (Red Wings)
Stanley Cup Champions, 4–1 (Senators)
2007 – 2008
Lost Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Stars)
2008 – 2009
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Sharks)
Lost Conference Semifinals, 3–4 (Red Wings)
2010 – 2011
Lost Conference Quarterfinals, 2-4 (Predators)
2012 – 2013
Lost Conference Quarterfinals, 3-4 (Red Wings)
All-time series record: 11–8 (includes a Stanley Cup win, which should count double but doesn’t)
Florida Panthers (established to confuse my recently deceased uncle who refused to believe there was hockey happening in his backyard since: 1993)
1995 – 1996
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Bruins)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Flyers)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–3 (Penguins)
Lost in Finals, 0–4 (Avalanche) — This is their only trip to the Stanley Cup Finals (so far).
1996 – 1997
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Rangers)
1999 – 2000
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 0–4 (Devils)
2011 – 2012
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals 3-4 (Devils) — The team advanced to the Stanley Cup playoffs for the first time in 12 years but were eliminated in a hard fought 7 games by the eventual Eastern Conference Champions, the New Jersey Devils.
All time series record: 3–4
Dallas Stars (established: 1993)
Stanley Cups 1 (1998-1999)
Conference championships 2 (1998–99, 1999–00)
Division championships 7 (1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2002–03, 2005–06)
1993 – 1994
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–0 (Blues)
Lost in Conference Semifinals, 1–4 (Canucks)
1994 – 1995
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Red Wings)
1996 – 1997
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Oilers)
1997 – 1998
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Sharks)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (Oilers)
Lost in Conference Finals, 2–4 (Red Wings)
1998 – 1999
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–0 (Oilers)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Blues)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–3 (Avalanche)
Stanley Cup Champions, 4–2 (Sabres) — This series made Jamie Langenbrunner a household name! ….. Oh, wait. I guess I mean Mike Modano.
1999 – 2000
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Oilers)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (Sharks)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–3 (Avalanche)
Lost in Finals, 2–4 (Devils) * this is the series where Jason Arnott scored in Double OT and Petr Sykora got to watch the game & have the Stanley Cup visit him in a hospital.
All time series record: 14–11 (includes a Stanley Cup win, which should count double but doesn’t)
Colorado Avalanche (established: 1995)
Stanley Cups 2 (1995–96, 2000–01)
Conference championships 2 (1995–96, 2000–01)
Division championships 8 (1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99, 1999–00, 2000–01, 2001–02, 2002–03)
1995 – 1996
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Canucks)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Blackhawks)
Won Conference Finals, 4–2 (Red Wings)
Stanley Cup Champions, 4–0 (Panthers)
1996 – 1997
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Blackhawks)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (Oilers)
Lost Conference Finals, 2–4 (Red Wings)
1997 – 1998
Lost Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Oilers)
1998 – 1999
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Sharks)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Red Wings)
Lost Conference Finals, 3–4 (Stars)
1999 – 2000
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Coyotes)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (Red Wings)
Lost Conference Finals, 3–4 (Stars)
2000 – 2001
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–0 (Canucks)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–3 (Kings)
Won Conference Finals, 4–1 (Blues)
Stanley Cup Champions, 4–3 (Devils) (This series never happened for a young Devils fan)
2001 – 2002
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Kings)
Won Conference Semifinals, 4–3 (Sharks)
Lost Conference Finals, 3–4 (Red Wings)
2002 – 2003
Lost Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Wild)
2003 – 2004
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Stars)
Lost Conference Semifinals, 2–4 (Sharks)
2005 – 2006
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4–1 (Stars)
Lost Conference Semifinals, 0–4 (Mighty Ducks)
2007 – 2008
Won Conference Quarterfinals, 4-2 (Wild)
Lost Conference Semifinals, 0-4 (Red Wings)
2009 – 2010
Lost Conference Quarterfinals, 2-4 (Sharks)
All time series record: 19–10 (not including counting their 2 Stanley Cup wins as double)
Coyotes (established: 1996)
2011 – 2012 – Won in Conference Semifinals
1996 – 1997
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Mighty Ducks)
1997 – 1998
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Red Wings)
1998 – 1999
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3–4 (Blues) — After building a 3–1 series lead, The Coyotes would fall in OT of game 7.
1999 – 2000
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Avalanche)
2001 – 2002
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Sharks) — In 2002, the Coyotes posted 95 points, one point behind their best total as an NHL team while in Winnipeg, but lost to the San Jose Sharks in five games.
2009 – 2010
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 3-4 (Red Wings)
2010 – 2011
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 0-4 (Red Wings)
2011 – 2012
— On April 7, 2012, the Coyotes defeated the Minnesota Wild with a score of 4–1 to win the Pacific Division title—their first division title as an NHL team (in Winnipeg or Phoenix).
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4-2 (Blackhawks)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4-1 (Predators)
Lost in Conference finals, 1-4 (Kings)
All time series record: 2–8 (2011-2012 was magic for them. And/or Shane Doan finally cashed in his magic beans)
Hurricanes (established: 1997)
Stanley Cups 1 (2005–06)
Division championships 3 (1998–99, 2001–02, 2005–06)
1998 – 1999
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Bruins)
2000 – 2001
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Devils)
2001 – 2002
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Devils)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–2 (Canadiens)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–2 (Maple Leafs)
Lost in Stanley Cup Finals, 1–4 (Red Wings)
2005 – 2006
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–2 (Canadiens)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–1 (Devils)
Won in Conference Finals, 4–3 (Sabres)
Won in Stanley Cup Finals, 4–3 (Oilers)
2008 – 2009
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Devils)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–3 (Bruins)
Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Penguins)
All time series record: 9-4
Nashville Predators (established: 1998)
Won Conference Quarterfinals (2010-2011, 2011-12)
2003 – 2004
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 vs. Detroit Red Wings
2005 – 2006
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 vs. San Jose Sharks
2006 – 2007
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 vs. San Jose Sharks
2007 – 2008
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 vs. Detroit Red Wings
2009 – 2010
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 vs. Chicago Blackhawks
2010 – 2011
Won in Conference Quarterfinals vs. Anaheim Ducks, 4–2
Lost in Conference Semifinals vs. Vancouver Canucks, 2–4
2011 – 2012
Won in Conference Quarterfinals vs. Detroit Red Wings, 4–1
Lost in Conference Semifinals vs. Phoenix Coyotes, 1–4
All time series record: 2-7
Thrashers/Jets (established: 1999 / established: 2011)
Atlanta Thrashers:
2006 – 2007
Lost Conference Quarterfinals vs. New York Rangers, 0–4 — The Thrashers clinched their first playoff spot by winning the Southeast Division title with 43 wins and home-ice advantage in the first round of the playoffs.
Winnipeg Jets (since 2011):
All time series record: C’mon, son. I can’t say it in memory of my love for the Thrashers.
Minnesota Wild (established: 2000)
2002 -2003
Won in Conference Quarterfinals, 4–3 (Avalanche)
Won in Conference Semifinals, 4–3 (Canucks)
Lost in Conference Finals, 0–4 (Mighty Ducks)
2006 -2007
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Ducks)
2007 -2008
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 2–4 (Avalanche)
2013
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 1–4 (Blackhawks)
All time series record: 2-4
Columbus Blue Jackets (established: 2000)
2008 – 2009
Lost in Conference Quarterfinals, 0–4 (Red Wings)
2013
The Blue Jackets just missed the playoffs via a tiebreaker against the Minnesota Wild, who had more non-shootout wins.
All time series record: 0-0 (get healthy soon, Bob & Gaborik)
