The Original Six teams based in the United States have a rich history, combining to hoist the Stanley Cup 27 times.
And now, they share an unwanted distinction.
Detroit, Boston, Chicago and the New York Rangers will all miss the playoffs in the same year for the first time in NHL history.
The Red Wings have won 11 league championships to trail Montreal's 23 and Toronto's 13 and the Canada-based franchises have earned spots in the playoffs that start Saturday.
Detroit was slowly improving under general manager Steve Yzerman until this year.