Ranking 5 most winningest NHL teams in salary cap era feat. Boston Bruins 

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified Jul 13, 2024 02:43 GMT

Since its introduction in the 2005-06 season, the NHL salary cap has been a determining factor in the decisions teams make in building their rosters. In fact, most commentators and analysts refer to it as the “salary cap era” ever since.

Given the salary cap’s massive influence on NHL teams, it’s worth taking a look at which teams have been the most successful during this era. The numbers are interesting because the teams with the most wins in the same period are not necessarily the ones with the most championships.

5 most winningest NHL teams in the salary cap era

#5. Nashville Predators

The Nashville Predators have racked up 803 wins during the salary cap era. It’s perhaps surprising to find Nashville ranked this high, considering the team has had little playoff success during the cap era.

In fact, the only season in which the Preds made it past the second round was 2016-17, when the club made it all the way to the Stanley Cup Final. However, Nashville lost in six games against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Preds look to be on the rise after missing the playoffs in 2022-23. With the upgrades the team made this offseason, the Preds will be one of the teams to watch this upcoming season.

#4. New York Rangers

The New York Rangers rank fourth in wins during the cap era with 806. While it’s not surprising to see the Rangers be so successful, it’s hard to imagine that the club hasn’t hoisted a Cup since 1994.

The Rangers had three consecutive seasons in which they reached the Conference finals, making it to the Cup Final in 2014, where they lost to the Los Angeles Kings.

Following a brief retooling, the Rangers won the Presidents’ Trophy last season, making it to the Conference finals yet again, where they lost to the Florida Panthers in six.

#3. Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals just edged out the Rangers with 808 wins. The Capitals have been consistently in the NHL playoffs. After several seasons of failing in the first or second rounds, the Caps finally broke through in 2018, winning the club’s first championship.

Since then, they have been unable to make significant progress in the postseason. The club squeaked into the playoffs last season, however, several key offseason additions should help Washington get back atop the Eastern Conference standings.

#2. Pittsburgh Penguins

The Pittsburgh Penguins have the second-most wins in the NHL salary cap era with 828. They also have the Cups to back up their success. Led by Sidney Crosby, the Pens have won three Stanley Cups in the cap era, including back-to-back championships in 2016 and 2017.

While the Penguins are currently going through a transition period, they remain contenders as long as Crosby continues to play at a high level.

#1. Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have the most wins during the salary cap era, with 840. The wins are a testament to the team’s consistent success. However, the B’s only have one Cup to show for their success, winning it in 2011.

The Bruins made it to the Cup Final in 2013, losing to Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks. The Bruins also reached the Cup Final in 2019, falling to the St. Louis Blues in a thrilling seven-game series.

This upcoming season, Boston will hope to continue their success in the Eastern Conference after losing to the Florida Panthers in last year’s NHL playoffs.