The initial organizational structure of the National Hockey League after its first expansion in 1967 involved four groups of teams. These groups facilitated scheduling and determined initial playoff matchups. Each group contained teams geographically clustered to reduce travel costs and foster regional rivalries, a critical component of the league’s early success and growth.
This arrangement was instrumental in solidifying the NHL’s presence across North America, allowing for a more manageable competitive landscape as the league doubled in size. It provided a framework for balanced competition and allowed new franchises to establish themselves within a specific geographic sphere, contributing to the league’s expanding fanbase and overall popularity. This system also helped the NHL to avoid the pitfalls of rapid expansion, by providing stability and a clear pathway to the Stanley Cup playoffs for each team.
