The 2014-15 NHL season is the 98th season of operation (97th season of play) of the National Hockey League (NHL).

The league draws many highly skilled players from all over the world and currently has players from approximately 20 different countries, playing in 30 teams - 23 from the United States and 7 from Canada.

The regular season began on October 8, 2014 and will end on April 11, 2015. The Stanley Cup Playoffs will be held from mid-April to mid-June.

Last season, the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers in the Stanley Cup Finals series by 4 games to 1.

RECENT STANLEY CUP WINNERS
SEASON	CHAMPIONS	GAMES	RUNNERS UP
2013/14	Los Angeles Kings	4-1	New York Rangers
2012/13	Chicago Blackhawk	4-2	Boston Bruins
2011/12	Los Angeles Kings	4-2	New Jersey Devils
2010/11	Boston Bruins	4-3	Vancouver Canucks
2009/10	Chicago Blackhawks	4-2	Philadelphia Flyers
2008/09	Pittsburgh Penguins	4-3	Detroit Red Wings
2007/08	Detroit Red Wings	4-2	Pittsburgh Penguins
2006/07	Anaheim Ducks	4-1	Ottawa Senators
2005/06	Carolina Hurricanes	4-3	Edmonton Oilers