The National Hockey League (NHL) has evolved tremendously since its inception in 1917. The 1xBet Canada platform is a website where you can wager on all matches from this extraordinary competition as well.
Originally founded with four teams in Canada, the NHL replaced the National Hockey Association (NHA) due to disputes with the owner of the Toronto Blueshirts. The league’s early years were marked by 3 aspects:
- expansion;
- team relocations;
- and financial struggles.
If you live in Canada, you can also now use the 1xBet website to wager on the NHL and other major sports competitions too. By the 1920s, the NHL expanded into the U.S., with teams like the Boston Bruins (1924) and the New York Rangers (1926) joining.
The Original Six Era (1942–1967) solidified the league’s foundation. It had teams like the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, and New York Rangers. This period saw legendary players like Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Gordie Howe, and the Stanley Cup became a coveted prize in professional sports.
A Big Turning Point
The 1967 expansion was a turning point, doubling the league to 12 teams with the addition of franchises such as the St. Louis Blues and Philadelphia Flyers. The 1970s and 1980s saw further growth, including the merger with the rival World Hockey Association (WHA) in 1979. It brought in teams like the Edmonton Oilers and superstar Wayne Gretzky. You can set up the 1xBet apk into your Android device right now, and use it to wager on the go on your favorite NHL squads too.
During the 1990s and 2000s, the NHL aggressively expanded to non-traditional hockey markets, adding teams in cities like San Jose, Nashville, and Phoenix. The game also underwent major rule changes, including the introduction of the salary cap (2005) after a season-long lockout.
The modern NHL continues to innovate, embracing advanced analytics, outdoor games, and global events. Recent expansions include the Vegas Golden Knights (2017) and Seattle Kraken (2021), demonstrating the league’s ongoing growth. Those teams are also available for wagering from your Android tablet or smartphone if you grab the apk from the 1xBet platform.
Today, the NHL is a fast-paced, skill-driven league with a diverse talent pool from around the world. With increasing fan engagement through digital media and efforts to grow the game globally, the NHL continues to evolve while honoring its rich history.
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