NHL Eastern Conference

The Eastern Conference is one of two conferences in the National Hockey League. It has been in existence since 1974, when the NHL re-aligned it's teams into two conferences, with 2 divisions in each. From 1974-1993, it was known as the Wales Conference. When the league again re-aligned the divisions in 1993, the Conferences name changed to the Eastern Conference, as it is known today. The conference consists of three divisions, each with five teams.

Atlantic

• New Jersey Devils

• New York Islanders

• New York Rangers

• Philadelphia Flyers

• Pittsburgh Penguins

Northeast

• Boston Bruins

• Buffalo Sabres

• Montreal Canadiens

• Ottawa Senators

• Toronto Maple Leafs

Southeast

• Atlanta Thrashers

• Carolina Hurricanes

• Florida Panthers

• Tampa Bay Lightning

• Washington Capitals

The winner of the Eastern Conference is awarded the Prince of Wales Trophy, and a chance to play for the Stanley Cup in the Stanley Cup Finals.

Eastern Conference Champions

2005-06 - Carolina Hurricanes

2004-05 - Did not play (Lockout)

2003-04 - Tampa Bay Lightning

2002-03 - New Jersey Devils

2001-02 - Carolina Hurricanes

2000-01 - New Jersey Devils

1999-00 - New Jersey Devils

1998-99 - Buffalo Sabres

1997-98 - Washington Capitals

1996-97 - Philadelphia Flyers

1995-96 - Florida Panthers

1994-95 - New Jersey Devils

1993-94 - New York Rangers