In the annals of hockey history, the era of the "Original Six" stands as a testament to the sport's enduring appeal and the foundation upon which the modern NHL was built. For a quarter of a century, from 1942 to 1967, the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and New York Rangers represented the entirety of the league, fostering fierce rivalries and establishing a rich tradition. However, as the 1960s dawned, the winds of change began to blow, signaling a need for expansion and a new chapter in the NHL's story.
Driven by factors such as the desire to tap into new markets, the threat of competition from other leagues, and the potential for increased revenue, the NHL embarked on a groundbreaking expansion in 1967. This momentous decision doubled the size of the league, adding six new teams and forever altering the landscape of professional hockey. These teams, collectively known as the "Second Six," were the Los Angeles Kings, Minnesota North Stars, Oakland Seals, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and St. Louis Blues.
The addition of these franchises marked a pivotal moment, extending the NHL's reach into new territories across the United States. For the first time, hockey gained a significant foothold on the West Coast with the Kings and Seals, while the North Stars brought the sport to the Midwest. The Flyers and Penguins introduced NHL hockey to Pennsylvania, and the Blues established a presence in the heart of the country.
The "Second Six" faced numerous challenges as they entered a league dominated by established powerhouses. They had to build their teams from scratch, often relying on castoffs and unproven talent from the "Original Six" clubs. The expansion draft allowed them to select players from the existing teams, but it was a difficult task to assemble competitive rosters.
Despite the initial struggles, the "Second Six" gradually found their footing and began to make their mark on the NHL. The Philadelphia Flyers were the first of the expansion teams to capture the Stanley Cup, winning back-to-back championships in 1974 and 1975 and ushering in the "Broad Street Bullies" era. These victories not only brought glory to Philadelphia but also demonstrated that the expansion teams could compete with and defeat the established powers. The Pittsburgh Penguins, led by superstars like Mario Lemieux and Sidney Crosby, have since become one of the most successful franchises in the NHL, capturing five Stanley Cups. The Los Angeles Kings have also tasted Stanley Cup success, winning two championships in 2012 and 2014. While the Oakland Seals ultimately folded and the Minnesota North Stars relocated to Dallas, becoming the Dallas Stars, their contributions to the growth of hockey in their respective regions should not be forgotten. The St. Louis Blues, after a long wait, finally captured their first Stanley Cup in 2019, completing the journey for the "Second Six."
The legacy of the "Second Six" extends far beyond their on-ice achievements. Their arrival broadened the NHL's fan base, increased its media exposure, and paved the way for further expansion in the years to come. They proved that hockey could thrive in non-traditional markets and inspired generations of players and fans. Today, the NHL is a 32-team league with a global reach, a testament to the vision and courage of those who dared to challenge the "Original Six" and usher in a new era of hockey history.
