The NHL has existed for 100 years, and here’s a rundown of its history and defining moments.
It’s been exactly 100 years since the first-ever NHL games were played. On December 19, 1917, the Montreal Canadiens and Ottawa Senators faced off in Canada’s capital. Shortly afterward, the second NHL game began in Montreal, with the Toronto Arenas playing against the hometown Wanderers.
The Canadiens downed Ottawa 7-4 thanks to five goals from Joe Malone, though Cy Denneny scored three of his own. In Montreal, Harry Hyland scored five goals for the Wanderers, and Reg Noble had four for the Arenas, though the former won 10-9 in what would wind up being their only NHL victory.