Top 10 Most Popular NHL Teams

The Top Ten
1 Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins compete in the National Hockey League as a member club of the league's Eastern Conference Atlantic Division.

The Bruins traded skinny for muscles, high tops for skates, parties for games, and their social life for hockey. They will never ever trade hockey for anything. It's as simple as this: hockey and the Boston Bruins are their lives.

We are just getting started if you look at the core players, so we will be fighting for the top prize for years to come. Hopefully, we can be as successful as it appears. Great loyalty, great team prestige, and great history. What more could you ask for?

Whenever I hear a Bruins chant in another team's building, that's all I need to know. Most recently in Washington! Montreal, really! They have the best diving team in the NHL!

2 Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs, officially the Toronto Maple Leaf Hockey Club and often simply referred to as the Leafs, are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

Despite the fact the Leafs haven't had a great team in a very long time, their fan base is probably the largest and most loyal in the NHL. With the Air Canada Centre sold out every night, and the fact that you basically have to inherit season tickets, there is no doubt the Leafs have one of the largest, if not the largest fan base in the entire NHL. The revenue from Leafs merchandise is also a serious indicator of the number of fans. If you know the NHL, then you know the Leafs are one of, if not the biggest teams in terms of fan base.

I think they are a very popular team and have a great fan base. The fact that the fans cheer them on so well gives them an advantage when they're at home. I'm not saying they're the Blue Jays because fans travel everywhere with them, but the point is that in the future, the fans and the team will go a long way.

Original 6 team. Hockey Hall of Fame is in Toronto. Love for the game can only be compared to a few others. Ticket prices are so high because of the demand to see them live. The day the Leafs break the curse and win the Stanley Cup, you'll never see a party like it again in your life.

3 Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens (French: Les Canadiens de Montréal) are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

All this is just about opinions, but for me, there are no other teams than the Montreal Canadiens. When I see at some games that the Canadiens are visitors, the crowd makes more noise when the Canadiens score than when the home team scores. I'm thinking that I'm not the only one loving it.

The Montreal Canadiens have always been my favourite team. I have been a follower since forever and am proud to say I saw them when they were only one of 6, and the thrill of watching them play in the Montreal Forum was something I shall never forget. They will always be number 1 with me.

They have always been my favourite team. They have had many classic players over the years: Rocket Richard, Roy, Lafleur, etc. They have won the most cups, 24 to be exact, and I am really hoping they win one this year too. So GO HABS GO!

4 New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in New York City. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. The team plays its home games at Madison Square Garden in the borough of Manhattan, an arena they share with the New York Knicks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). They are one of three NHL teams... read more

I am 66 years old and have been a fan for 60 years. Seeing them play at MSG for the Cup is at the top of my bucket list. It probably won't happen due to some health complications, but a girl can wish. There are good teams and players all over the continent. The NHL is the best!

Everywhere I go in the US, I always see Rangers fans wearing their colors. I can't say that for any other team in any sport, except the Yankees. I used to see the "B" hats (Red Sox) everywhere in the Northeast, but as soon as I left the area, their fandom died with it. Today, two kids at a trampoline place in NC approached me (I was wearing my Rangers T-shirt) to tell me how the Rangers rule. That is one of the many reasons Rangers fans are the best.

A team whose fans hold them accountable for their performance, yet always have their support. New York is a city of hardworking people who expect results. Results don't always come in the form of a win, but when a team plays their heart out. This is what the fans love and why they rely on the Rangers to be their passion and obsession!

5 Quebec Nordiques The Quebec Nordiques were a professional ice hockey team based in Quebec City, Quebec. The Nordiques played in the World Hockey Association and the National Hockey League. The franchise was relocated to Denver, Colorado in May 1995 and renamed the Colorado Avalanche.

Still one of the best-selling teams in the entire NHL, 21 years later. With a rich history and still beloved by fans all over, the Nordiques will come back, and you know it!

When a team gone for 21 years is more popular than some existing franchises, it certainly means something.

Bring back the old Montreal-Quebec confrontations. These games were among the best rivalries in sports.

6 Pittsburgh Penguins The Pittsburgh Penguins (colloquially known as the Pens) are a professional ice hockey team based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. The Penguins are one of two NHL franchises in Pennsylvania, the other being the Philadelphia Flyers. The cities' proximity has led to a rivalry known as the... read more

They are the face of the NHL. When you think of a hockey star, you think of Sidney Crosby. The average Joe who does not watch hockey does know who Sidney Crosby is. With the 2016 championship, it's great for the game and league because they are so popular, and they look like they could be the next Chicago Blackhawks. A modern-day dynasty is the way for the Pens.

Legendary owner willing to spend money, legendary captain willing to take less money, good overall talent, solid fan base support, creative GM, players still listening to coach (as of now). But the clock is ticking on the team's top talent on the wrong side of 30. The window is closing in 3 years as younger teams continue to improve.

Look at them now, Sid, Geno, with the most reliable defense in the entire NHL. Can't wait for the playoffs. Oh, I forgot to mention Fleury on his outstanding performance this season.

7 Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League and are one of the Original Six teams of the league.

One of the greatest NHL teams of all time is the Detroit Red Wings. Gordie Howe, Ted Lindsay, Sergei Fedorov, Henrik Zetterberg, Chris Osgood, and Alex Delvecchio all have something in common: they were not just great players, but they were all at one point in their career Red Wings that brought multiple Stanley Cups to Detroit. They aren't doing very well right now, but, as I have shown with the players listed above, they have had a history of creating good rosters that mesh well together and produce results.

Original 6. The most successful US-based franchise with 11 cups and over 20 finals appearances. They revolutionized the pro game in the 90s with the Russian Five lineups. They've slightly fallen off in the last few years but still boast 22 consecutive playoff berths and counting.

In my opinion, the Red Wings have the best history. They also have the most Stanley Cups in America. 11 Stanley Cups! They will get better someday.

8 Chicago Blackhawks The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League. They have won six Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926.

The Chicago Blackhawks are a team with a rich history. I grew up with this team from the '90s until 2011, when I stopped growing up and became an adult. This team, with its six cups, is not the only thing that makes them well-known. They are actually a very symbolic team. Seriously, go to OKC and ask people about hockey teams. Of the teams mentioned, the Blackhawks will be said the most.

A symbolic team with a great fan base - in 99-00, we were still selling out games, even though the numbers were declining. We had the incredible White Sox and the Bulls, while laughing at the Cubs. (I like both the Sox and Cubs). We have also made many historical achievements on and off the ice. This original six club was held back by an owner who used Chicago as a bad player stock for the also-owned Red Wings.

Also, the rivalries. We are the Blackhawks. This team will forever hold a place in my heart and in the hearts of every hockey fan. Haters are just confused admirers.

9 Washington Capitals The Washington Capitals (colloquially known as the Caps) are a professional ice hockey team based in Washington, D.C. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. The Capitals are owned by Monumental Sports & Entertainment, headed by Ted Leonsis. From 1974 to 1997 the Capitals played their home games at the Capital Centre, in... read more

Caps fans are completely underrated. They pack the Verizon Center every game and show up to plenty of road games. Washington is one of the best hockey towns in this country, and I don't care what anyone says. LET'S GO CAPS!

The Capitals are my life. My bedroom won the Capitals decorating contest (3rd place, I believe), and the Verizon Center had over 117 consecutive sellouts, which is an NHL record! And by the way, Crosby sucks.

I live in Virginia, and the ONLY (repeat: ONLY) NHL teams that people like here are the Penguins and the Caps. And there are 10 or 20 Caps fans for every Penguins fan. GO CAPS!

10 Winnipeg Jets The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

Wow. They should be in the top ten, no doubt. Jets fans are some of the best I'm aware of. From a die-hard New York Rangers fan.

It seems only the Winnipeggers really like this climate, but all the players seem to buy into the team effort.

This should be WAY higher than 25th. Winnipeg has got to be in the top ten.

The Contenders
11 San Jose Sharks The San Jose Sharks are a professional ice hockey team based in San Jose, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

You might wonder how Northern California got an NHL team. They had one back in the 70s with the California Seals, but that went about as well as hockey in Atlanta. Fast forward to the early 90s, and Gordon Gund, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, decides to put a team in the southern Bay Area. The next thing you know, the San Jose Sharks are filling the Shark Tank night after night.

Sure, the first few years weren't that great, but that's what you get with an expansion team. Next thing you know, they made the playoffs for 10 straight years, a feat that only rivals the Detroit Red Wings. Sure, they have a reputation as a playoff choke, but there's no denying the fan base is rabid for a Stanley Cup. Add to the fact that they have a pretty good three-way rivalry with the Los Angeles Kings and the Anaheim Ducks, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a team as great as the San Jose Sharks.

The San Jose Sharks have the most electrifying fan base! It gets incredibly loud at the Shark Tank, and they're all rooting for a team that went to the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons. One of the best hockey teams of all time with great rivalries. Go Sharks!

12 Los Angeles Kings The Los Angeles Kings are a professional ice hockey team based in Los Angeles, California. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

A blue-collar team that actually draws hardcore blue-collar fans, yes, they do exist in Southern California, and this is the team that they support. The only team that never wants, especially the fans, any support from Hollywood. It's the same 18,000 plus night after night, dressed in black, and they show up whether the visiting team is Ottawa, Florida, or Carolina. It does not matter if the Kings have lost 10 in a row. They still pack them in.

The reason is that this is the hardest working team in the NHL, the team that never quits playing, and hits like the old Bruins of 40 years ago. They're the only Northeast team that plays in the west. They've captured fans around the country who appreciate old-school hockey. If you like defense and hard work, this is your team.

The Kings, as the lone western team, should be higher up. Not only have they sold out every game since 2012, but this team is also responsible for every Sun Belt city in the NHL even having a team, and they have fans around the country, unlike any other Sun Belt team. Pittsburgh was ready to move until they got good again, but once they start losing, they'll start hearing rumors of moving again. Why not send Florida to Quebec, and you solve two problems at once: A) you get Quebec a team again, and B) you get rid of a market that could care less about hockey...

13 Calgary Flames The Calgary Flames are a professional ice hockey team based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. The Flames are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

Even though they aren't doing great this season, Calgary is arguably one of the most fan-supported teams in the NHL. The hockey world is huge in Calgary, and the Flames definitely should be in the top 3 on this list. Go Flames go!

They're doing well, not as great as last season, but it's just the start. Calgary is only a city with just over a million people, less than many others, even though it has a lot more than Vancouver. Most other hockey fans don't see them as relevant, but #nevergiveup.

My childhood team. Grew up in L.A., but hated the Kings, and Calgary was a rival in the early '80s. Loved Calgary ever since. Got one Stanley Cup, need another. Go Flames!

14 Columbus Blue Jackets The Columbus Blue Jackets are a professional ice hockey team based in Columbus, Ohio. They are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League. The Blue Jackets were founded as an expansion team in 2000.

Most don't know them since they're new and in the building stage, but with that recent 15-game win streak, they're getting more popular.

15 Ottawa Senators The Ottawa Senators (French: Sénateurs d'Ottawa) are a professional ice hockey team based in Ottawa, Ontario. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference. The Senators play their home games at the 18,652-seat Canadian Tire Centre, which opened in 1996 as the Palladium.

Go Sens Go! Love the Senators so much! I am the biggest Senators fan there is!

The Ottawa Senators is the best team in the NHL.

They try hard despite the drama.

16 Tampa Bay Lightning The Tampa Bay Lightning are a professional ice hockey team based in Tampa, Florida. It is a member of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League. The Lightning have three Stanley Cup championships in their history, in 2003-04, 2019-20, and 2020-21.

Everyone crying about this team being 'on here' because they're a Southern United States team. Most of the players are Russian or Canadian themselves. They DESERVE to be listed here. The Lightning are a very fine and well-coached hockey team. Crybabies beware. We are back-to-back Stanley Cup winners, we're in the playoffs AGAIN, and we're coming for you and your team. Go Bolts!

Sure, they may be underdogs, a young team, and not "The Best," but the fans believe in them, and that's what counts.

Four straight sell-out seasons and a record for most consecutive sellouts for a Tampa team.

17 Vancouver Canucks The Vancouver Canucks are an ice hockey team based in Vancouver, British Columbia. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

Haven't won a Stanley Cup, but have had some amazing players wear their logo. Pavel Bure, Trevor Linden, Henrik and Daniel Sedin, Roberto Luongo. They have a solid roster full of great young talent, such as Elias Pettersson, Bo Horvat, Quinn Hughes, Thatcher Demko, and Brock Boeser. They came close in 1994 and 2011 to winning a Stanley Cup, as well as in 1982. But with this young team, there is a chance to produce a cup-winning team that will finally bring Lord Stanley to Vancouver.

They boast the support of an immensely passionate fanbase, as evidenced by the numerous Canucks jerseys visible during their road games. They have also consistently been in the standings' upper tier for the last several reasons. All that remains is for them to finally claim the Stanley Cup.

The level to which these guys participate in and give back to their community is unparalleled. Few, if any, teams in any sport place the community demands on their players that the Canucks do. It's a classy organization.

18 Buffalo Sabres The Buffalo Sabres are a professional ice hockey team based in Buffalo, New York. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Typical Boston fan can't spell, haha, but you see lots of fans at road games. Right now, I'm watching them at Nashville, and there are mostly Sabres fans. If you watch them at the Panthers, you see more Sabres fans.

In Sweden, we mostly like the Buffalo Sabres. They have a certain style that other teams struggle to copy. Don't know how 98% of the voters failed to notice that...

I'm shocked they are so low on this list! I live in South Carolina and have met Buffalo fans here (not many, but you can find them). I get NHL Center Ice every year, so I won't miss a game. Can't wait to make the trip for a home game soon!

19 St. Louis Blues The St. Louis Blues are a professional ice hockey team in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

I've traveled extensively, and I find that what hockey means to St. Louis is something most markets cannot understand. Not just their beloved Blues, but the ever-growing youth programs there. Save for maybe Detroit and parts of the Northeast, you really see nothing else like it south of the border.

For a city that has never seen the Cup, the fans in the region could not be more enthusiastic for their team. Some places, such as Winnipeg, Portland (WHL), and St. Louis, just don't get the respect they've earned as great hockey markets.

P.S. Nashville is still new to the sport but is well on the way to becoming a solid market.

I am a Blues fan, and I believe that the fans will always be there, clapping, screaming, and yelling, LET'S GO BLUES. And how much they changed, even if we lost that game, we will be proud of the players. If I were an NHL team, I would choose to be the Blues because our light will never die. I believe that the Blues fans are the best.

20 Dallas Stars The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey team based in Dallas, Texas. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

Hockey in Dallas is great! Awesome fans!

My second favorite team! Go Stars!

21 Edmonton Oilers The Edmonton Oilers are a professional ice hockey team based in Edmonton, Alberta. They are members of the Pacific Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

Happy this is above the stupid Kings. I will always love this team, no matter how bad or good they are. I don't care if they are the worst or second worst. I will always have faith in this team.

A new and fresh vision from non-alumni should be able to put the on-ice talent to good use. Acquiring a strong defensive guard could see the Oilers return to the glory days of the '80s.

This team is my local team. They have had Wayne Gretzky in the past, and with their several prospects, they are almost guaranteed to begin their glory days once again, especially after the addition of Connor McDavid. They have a great team.

22 New Jersey Devils The New Jersey Devils are a professional ice hockey team based in Newark, New Jersey. They compete in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. The club was founded as the Kansas City Scouts in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1974. The Scouts moved to Denver, Colorado in 1976 and became the Colorado Rockies. In 1982, they moved to East Rutherford,... read more

Everybody loves the New Jersey Devils in New Jersey. There's a big rivalry with the New York Islanders and Rangers.

Best logo in the NHL and easily the most underrated franchise.

By far one of the most underrated teams in the NHL.

23 Philadelphia Flyers The Philadelphia Flyers are a professional ice hockey team based in Philadelphia. They are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League.

Go Flyers! We actually like our team, unlike some people. I'm talking to you, Arizona and Florida. Anyone who likes the Penguins or the Rangers, no. Your teams are bad to us. You may be good at hockey, but we still don't like you. Flyers bleed orange and black, and as long as you're a fan, you're part of the family.

When I go to Flyers games, people are always nice to me. And one thing's for sure: most of us are NOT nuts. Also, we should be #1. Put on any game where the Flyers are playing in a different city (not Philly, because they're everywhere!) and you will see orange and black jerseys sporting our logo. Bye, fellow Flyers fans, and bye, other guys!

This list is a joke. Every time the Flyers play on the road, the opposing arena has a lot of people in orange rooting for the Flyers. So, the Flyers being number 23 is just ridiculous.

Even though I'm a New Jersey fan, I still think that the Flyers being 23rd is horrible. I mean, Philadelphia has won 2 Stanley Cups, yet I still see a team or two above them that only won one.

24 Nashville Predators The Nashville Predators are a professional ice hockey team based in Nashville, Tennessee. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League.

Young but expanding market, great job from the front office, some of the best players on the ice, and a lot of noise in the arena during the playoffs: Let's go PREDATORS!

25 Carolina Hurricanes The Carolina Hurricanes are a professional ice hockey team based in Raleigh, North Carolina. They are members of the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League.

Should be much higher, just watch their playoff games or even just regular season games on TV. It's an electric atmosphere. They're definitely Carolina's most popular team right now.

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