Atlantic Division (NHL) facts for kids

The Atlantic Division is a group of teams in the National Hockey League (NHL). The NHL is a professional ice hockey league in North America. This division has had two different versions over time.

The first Atlantic Division was created in 1993. It was part of the Eastern Conference. This happened when the NHL changed how its teams were organized.

In 2013, the NHL changed its divisions again. The first Atlantic Division teams moved into a new group called the Metropolitan Division. The name "Atlantic Division" was then given to a new set of teams. This new group included all the teams from the old Northeast Division. It also added the Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning from the Southeast Division, which was closed. The Detroit Red Wings also joined, moving from the Central Division in the Western Conference.

Teams in the Atlantic Division

The Atlantic Division has changed its teams a few times. Here's a look at which teams were part of it during different periods.

Teams from 1993 to 1998

When the Atlantic Division first started, these teams were part of it:

• Florida Panthers
• New Jersey Devils
• New York Islanders
• New York Rangers
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Washington Capitals

How the Teams Changed in 1993

The Atlantic Division was formed in 1993. This was part of a big change in the NHL.

• The New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals moved from the Patrick Division.
• The Tampa Bay Lightning joined from the Norris Division.
• The Florida Panthers were a brand new team that joined the league.

Teams from 1998 to 2013

In 1998, the division changed again. These teams were part of the Atlantic Division:

• New Jersey Devils
• New York Islanders
• New York Rangers
• Philadelphia Flyers
• Pittsburgh Penguins

How the Teams Changed in 1998

Some teams moved to new divisions in 1998:

• The Florida Panthers, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Washington Capitals moved to the new Southeast Division.
• The Pittsburgh Penguins joined the Atlantic Division from the Northeast Division.

Teams from 2013 to Today

The Atlantic Division got a new set of teams in 2013. These are the teams that are in the division now:

• Boston Bruins
• Buffalo Sabres
• Detroit Red Wings
• Florida Panthers
• Montreal Canadiens
• Ottawa Senators
• Tampa Bay Lightning
• Toronto Maple Leafs

How the Teams Changed in 2013

The NHL made big changes in 2013. This led to the current Atlantic Division:

• The old Northeast and Southeast Divisions were closed.
• The New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders, New York Rangers, Philadelphia Flyers, and Pittsburgh Penguins moved to the Metropolitan Division.
• The Boston Bruins, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, Ottawa Senators, and Toronto Maple Leafs came from the Northeast Division.
• The Florida Panthers and Tampa Bay Lightning came from the Southeast Division.
• The Detroit Red Wings moved from the Central Division.

Division Champions

A division champion is the team that finishes with the most points in their division at the end of the regular season.

Atlantic Division Champions (1993–2013)

Here are the teams that won the Atlantic Division title in its first version:

• 1994 – New York Rangers
• 1995 – Philadelphia Flyers
• 1996 – Philadelphia Flyers
• 1997 – New Jersey Devils
• 1998 – New Jersey Devils
• 1999 – New Jersey Devils
• 2000 – Philadelphia Flyers
• 2001 – New Jersey Devils
• 2002 – Philadelphia Flyers
• 2003 – New Jersey Devils
• 2004 – Philadelphia Flyers
• 2005 – No season due to a player lockout.
• 2006 – New Jersey Devils
• 2007 – New Jersey Devils
• 2008 – Pittsburgh Penguins
• 2009 – New Jersey Devils
• 2010 – New Jersey Devils
• 2011 – Philadelphia Flyers
• 2012 – New York Rangers
• 2013 – Pittsburgh Penguins

Atlantic Division Champions (2013–present)

Here are the teams that have won the Atlantic Division title in its current version:

• 2014 – Boston Bruins
• 2015 – Montreal Canadiens
• 2016 – Florida Panthers
• 2017 – Montreal Canadiens
• 2018 – Tampa Bay Lightning
• 2019 – Tampa Bay Lightning
• 2020 – Boston Bruins

Stanley Cup Winners from the Atlantic Division

The Stanley Cup is the championship trophy of the NHL. These teams from the Atlantic Division have won it:

• 1994 – New York Rangers
• 1995 – New Jersey Devils
• 2000 – New Jersey Devils
• 2003 – New Jersey Devils
• 2009 – Pittsburgh Penguins

Presidents' Trophy Winners from the Atlantic Division

The Presidents' Trophy is given to the NHL team with the best regular season record. These teams from the Atlantic Division have won it:

• 1994 – New York Rangers
• 2014 – Boston Bruins
• 2019 – Tampa Bay Lightning
• 2020 – Boston Bruins

Atlantic Division Titles Won by Team

This table shows how many times each team has won the Atlantic Division title. Teams in bold are currently in the division.

See also

In Spanish: División Atlántico de la NHL para niños