Best Winning Streaks to Start the NHL Season: How'd They End Up?

Tonight, the Boston Bruins go for their seventh straight win to open the season vs. the Anaheim Ducks at 7:00pm. Let’s look back at the NHL teams that opened their seasons with seven or more wins, and how they fared.

10 wins to start the season:

• 1993-94 Toronto Maple Leafs: 2nd in Central Division. Lost in Western Conference Finals to the Vancouver Canucks (4 games to 1).
• 2006-07 Buffalo Sabres: Won the Presidents’ Trophy. Lost in Eastern Conference Finals to the Ottawa Senators (4 games to 1).

9 wins to start the season:

• 2015-16 Montreal Canadiens: Missed playoffs
• 2021-22 Carolina Hurricanes: 1st in Metropolitan Division. Lost in Eastern Conference Second Round to the New York Rangers (4 games to 3).

8 wins to start the season:

• 1934-35 Toronto Maple Leafs: 1st in Canadian Division. Lost in Stanley Cup Finals to the Montreal Maroons (3 games to 1).
• 1975-76 Buffalo Sabres: 2nd in Adams Division. Lost in quarterfinals to the New York Islanders (4 games to 2).
• 2005-06 Nashville Predators: 2nd in Central Division. Lost in Western Conference Quarterfinals to the San Jose Sharks (4 games to 1).
• 2021-22 Florida Panthers: Won the Presidents’ Trophy. Lost in Eastern Conference Second Round to the Tampa Bay Lightning (4 games to none).

7 wins to start the season:

• 1983-84 Edmonton Oilers: 1st in Smythe Division. Stanley Cup Champions (4 games to 1 over the New York Islanders).
• 1985-86 Quebec Nordiques: 1st in Adams Division. Lost in Adams Division Semifinals to the Hartford Whalers (3 games to none).
• 1986-87 Pittsburgh Penguins: Missed playoffs
• 1993-94 New Jersey Devils: 2nd in Atlantic Division. Lost in Eastern Conference Finals to the New York Rangers (4 games to 3).
• 1994-95 Pittsburgh Penguins: 2nd in Northeast Division. Lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals to the New Jersey Devils (4 games to 1).
• 2011-12 Washington Capitals: 2nd in Southeast Division. Lost in Eastern Conference Semifinals to the New York Rangers (4 games to 3).
• 2012-13 San Jose Sharks: 3rd in Pacific Division. Lost in Western Conference Semifinals to the Los Angeles Kings (4 games to 3).
• 2023-24 Vegas Golden Knights: Active Streak