The 50 Worst Teams in NHL History
Springtime. It's usually time for hockey fans to watch the best hockey teams of the year play each other in the playoffs. That's not what I'm here for.
When you have the best teams, you also have the worst. Over the years, there have been some pretty weak performances.
To compose this slideshow, I took every NHL team that has ever existed since the leagues' start in 1917 and went through each team's points percentage for every season that they played.
For the uninitiated, points percentage is calculated by taking the total points earned by a team in the regular season, and dividing it by the maximum number of points they could have got. For example, this year's Vancouver Canucks had a total of 117 points. If you divide that by 164, the maximum number of points in today's NHL, you get .713. Therefore, the Canucks' points percentage for this year was .713.
Now that the lesson's over, let's get to some facts. There have been roughly 39 teams that have played in at least one NHL season. I included teams that moved to another city as one, so the Quebec Nordiques and Colorado Avalanche are considered the same team. Only 11 of the 39 teams do not appear on this list, and most of them are the newer expansion era teams. Does that mean they were good? No. It means that the NHL's worst is getting better.
These 50 teams are the benchmark in the NHL for poor performances that no one wants to match.
50. 1982-83 New Jersey Devils: .300
1 of 51
Record: 17-49-14
Goals For: 230
Goals Against: 338
Leading Scorer: Aaron Broten - 16 goals, 39 assists, 55 points
Starting Goaltender: Chico Resch - 15-35-12, 3.98 GAA
49. 1977-78 Washington Capitals: .300
2 of 51
Record: 17-49-14
Goals For: 195
Goals Against: 321
Leading Scorer: Guy Charron - 38 goals, 35 assists, 73 points
Starting Goaltender: Jim Bedard - 11-23-7, 3.66 GAA
48. 1942-43 New York Rangers: .300
3 of 51
Record: 11-31-8
Goals For: 161
Goals Against: 253
Leading Scorer: Lynn Patrick - 22 goals, 39 assists, 61 points
Starting Goaltender: Jimmy Franks - 5-14-4, 4.48 GAA
.png?w=256 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=256 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=256)
47. 1928-29 Pittsburgh Pirates: .295
4 of 51
Record: 9-27-8
Goals For: 46
Goals Against: 80
Leading Scorer: Harrold Darragh - 9 goals, 3 assists, 12 points
Starting Goaltender: Joe Miller - 9-27-8, 1.73 GAA
46. 1975-76 Minnesota North Stars: .294
5 of 51
Record: 20-53-7
Goals For: 195
Goals Against: 303
Leading Scorer: Tim Young - 18 goals, 33 assists, 51 points
Starting Goaltender: 13-27-5, 3.35 GAA
45. 1934-35 St. Louis Eagles: .292
6 of 51
Record: 11-31-6
Goals For: 86
Goals Against: 144
Leading Scorer: Carl Voss - 13 goals, 18 assists, 31 points
Starting Goaltender: Bill Beveridge - 11-31-6, 2.89 GAA
44. 1921-22 Hamilton Tigers: .292
7 of 51
Record: 7-17-0
Goals For: 88
Goals Against: 105
Leading Scorer: Joe Malone - 24 goals, 7 assists, 31 points
Starting Goaltender: Howard Lockhart - 6-17-0, 4.39 GAA
43. 1970-71 California Golden Seals: .288
8 of 51
Record: 20-53-5
Goals For: 199
Goals Against: 320
Leading Scorer: Dennis Hextall - 21 goals, 31 assists, 52 points
Starting Goaltender: Gary Smith - 19-48-4, 3.86 GAA
42. 1990-91 Quebec Nordiques: .288
9 of 51
Record: 16-50-14
Goals For: 236
Goals Against: 354
Leading Scorer: Joe Sakic - 48 goals, 61 assists, 109 points
Starting Goaltender: Ron Tugnutt - 12-29-10, 4.05 GAA
41. 1998-99 Tampa Bay Lightning: .287
10 of 51
Record: 19-54-9
Goals For: 179
Goals Against: 292
Leading Scorer: Darcy Tucker - 21 goals, 22 assists, 43 points
Starting Goaltender: Corey Schwab - 8-25-3, 3.52 GAA
40. 1982-83 Hartford Whalers: .281
11 of 51
Record: 19-54-7
Goals For: 261
Goals Against: 403
Leading Scorer: Ron Francis - 31 goals, 59 assists, 90 points
Starting Goaltender: Greg Millen - 14-38-6, 4.81 GAA
39. 1982-83 Pittsburgh Penguins: .281
12 of 51
Record: 18-53-9
Goals For: 250
Goals Against: 394
Leading Scorer: Doug Shedden - 24 goals, 43 assists, 67 points
Starting Goaltender: Michel Dion - 12-30-4, 4.26 GAA
38. 1977-78 Minnesota North Stars: .281
13 of 51
Record: 18-53-9
Goals For: 218
Goals Against: 325
Leading Scorer: Roland Eriksson - 21 goals, 39 assists, 60 points
Starting Goaltender: Pete LoPresti - 12-35-6, 4.23 GAA
37. 1940-41 New York Americans: .281
14 of 51
Record: 8-29-7
Goals For: 99
Goals Against: 186
Leading Scorer: Lorne Carr - 13 goals, 19 points assists, 32 points
Starting Goaltender: Earl Robertson - 6-22-8, 3.77 GAA
36. 1918-19 Toronto Arenas: .277
15 of 51
Record: 5-13-0
Goals For: 65
Goals Against: 92
Leading Scorer: Alf Skinner - 12 goals, 3 assists, 15 points
Starting Goaltender: Bert Lindsay - 5-11-0, 4.99 GAA
35. 1930-31 Ottawa Senators: .273
16 of 51
Record: 10-30-4
Goals For: 91
Goals Against: 142
Leading Scorer: Art Gagne - 19 goals, 11 assists, 30 points
Starting Goaltender: Alec Connell - 10-22-4, 3.01 GAA
34. 1961-62 Boston Bruins: .271
17 of 51
Record: 15-47-8
Goals For: 177
Goals Against: 306
Leading Scorer: John Bucyk - 20 goals, 40 assists, 60 points
Starting Goaltender: Don Head - 9-26-3, 4.16 GAA
33. 1997-98 Tampa Bay Lightning: .267
18 of 51
Record: 17-55-10
Goals For: 151
Goals Against: 269
Leading Scorer: Paul Ysebaert - 13 goals, 27 assists, 40 points
Starting Goaltender: Mark Fitzpatrick - 7-24-1, 3.16 GAA
32. 1939-40 Montreal Canadiens: .260
19 of 51
Record: 10-33-5
Goals For: 90
Goals Against: 167
Leading Scorer: Toe Blake - 17 goals, 19 assists, 36 points
Starting Goaltender: Claude Bourque - 9-24-3, 3.29 GAA
31. 1950-51 Chicago Blackhawks: .257
20 of 51
Record: 13-47-10
Goals For: 171
Goals Against: 280
Leading Scorer: Roy Conacher - 26 goals, 24 assists, 50 points
Starting Goaltender: Harry Lumley - 12-41-10, 3.90 GAA
30. 1983-84 New Jersey Devils: .256
21 of 51
Record: 17-56-7
Goals For: 231
Goals Against: 350
Leading Scorer: Mel Bridgman - 23 goals, 38 assists, 61 points
Starting Goaltender: Glenn Resch - 9-31-3, 4.18 GAA
29. 1976-77 Detroit Red Wings: .256
22 of 51
Record: 16-55-9
Goals For: 183
Goals Against: 309
Leading Scorer: Walt McKechnie - 25 goals, 34 assists, 59 points
Starting Goaltender: Jim Rutherford - 7-34-6, 3.94 GAA
28. 1974-75 Kansas City Scouts: .256
23 of 51
Record: 15-54-11
Goals For: 184
Goals Against: 328
Leading Scorer: Simon Nolet - 26 goals, 32 assists, 58 points
Starting Goaltender: Peter McDuffe - 7-25-4, 4.23 GAA
27. 1995-96 Ottawa Senators: .250
24 of 51
Record: 18-59-5
Goals For: 191
Goals Against: 291
Leading Scorer: Daniel Alfredsson - 26 goals, 35 assists, 61 points
Starting Goaltender: Damian Rhodes - 10-22-4, 2.77 GAA
26. 1985-86 Detroit Red Wings: .250
25 of 51
Record: 17-57-6
Goals For: 266
Goals Against: 415
Leading Scorer: John Ogrodnick: 38 goals, 32 assists, 70 points
Starting Goaltender: Greg Stefan: 10-20-5, 4.50 GAA
25. 1969-70 Los Angeles Kings: .250
26 of 51
Record: 14-52-10
Goals For: 168
Goals Against: 290
Leading Scorer: Ross Lonsberry - 20 goals, 22 assists, 42 points
Starting Goaltender: Gerry Desjardins - 7-29-5, 3.89 GAA
24. 1928-29 Chicago Blackhawks: .250
27 of 51
Record: 7-29-8
Goals For: 33
Goals Against: 85
Leading Scorer: Vic Ripley - 11 goals, 2 assists, 13 points
Starting Goaltender: Chuck Gardiner - 7-29-8, 1.85 GAA
23. 1920-21 Hamilton Tigers: .250
28 of 51
Record: 6-18-0
Goals For: 92
Goals Against: 132
Leading Scorer: Joe Malone - 28 goals, 9 assists, 37 points
Starting Goaltender: Howard Lockhart - 6-18-0, 5.45 GAA
22. 1922-23 Hamilton Tigers: .250
29 of 51
Record: 6-18-0
Goals For: 81
Goals Against: 100
Leading Scorer: Mickey Roach - 17 goals, 10 points, 27 points
Starting Goaltender: Jake Forbes - 6-18-0, 4.49 GAA
21. 1991-92 San Jose Sharks: .244
30 of 51
Record: 17-58-5
Goals For: 219
Goals Against: 359
Leading Scorer: Pat Falloon - 25 goals, 34 assists, 59 points
Starting Goaltender: Jeff Hackett - 11-27-1, 3.84 GAA
20. 1994-95 Ottawa Senators: .240
31 of 51
Record: 9-34-5
Goals For: 117
Goals Against: 174
Leading Scorer: Alexei Yashin - 21 goals, 23 assists, 44 points
Starting Goaltender: Don Beaupre - 8-25-3, 3.36 GAA
19. 1983-84 Pittsburgh Penguins: .238
32 of 51
Record: 16-58-6
Goals For: 254
Goals Against: 390
Leading Scorer: Mike Bullard - 51 goals, 41 assists, 92 points
Starting Goaltender: Denis Herron - 8-24-2, 4.08 GAA
18. 1999-00 Atlanta Thrashers: .238
33 of 51
Record: 14-61-7
Goals For: 170
Goals Against: 313
Leading Scorer: Andrew Brunette - 23 goals, 27 assists, 50 points
Starting Goaltender: Norm Maracle - 4-19-2, 3.49 GAA
17. 1973-74 California Golden Seals: .231
34 of 51
Record: 13-55-10
Goals For: 195
Goals Against: 342
Leading Scorer: Joey Johnston - 27 goals, 40 assists, 67 assists
Starting Goaltender: Gilles Maloche - 9-33-5, 4.24 GAA
16. 1975-76 Kansas City Scouts: .225
35 of 51
Record: 12-56-12
Goals For: 190
Goals Against: 351
Leading Scorer: Guy Charron - 27 goals, 44 assists, 71 points
Starting Goaltender: Denis Herron - 11-39-11, 4.03 GAA
15. 1953-54 Chicago Blackhawks: .221
36 of 51
Record: 12-51-7
Goals For: 133
Goals Against: 242
Leading Scorer: Larry Wilson - 9 goals, 33 assists, 42 points
Starting Goaltender: Al Rollins - 12-47-7, 3.23 GAA
14. 1993-94 Ottawa Senators: .220
37 of 51
Record: 14-61-9
Goals For: 201
Goals Against: 397
Leading Scorer: Alexei Yashin - 30 goals, 49 assists, 79 points
Starting Goaltender: Craig Billington - 11-41-4, 4.59 GAA
13. 1980-81 Winnipeg Jets: .200
38 of 51
Record: 9-57-4
Goals For: 246
Goals Against: 400
Leading Scorer: Dave Christian - 28 goals, 43 assists, 71 points
Starting Goaltender: Markus Mattsson - 3-21-4, 4.50 GAA
12. 1975-76 Washington Capitals: .200
39 of 51
Record: 11-59-10
Goals For: 224
Goals Against: 394
Leading Scorer: Nelson Pyatt - 26 goals, 23 assists, 49 points
Starting Goaltender: Ron Low - 6-31-2, 5.45 GAA
11. 1924-25 Boston Bruins: .200
40 of 51
Record: 6-24-0
Goals For: 49
Goals Against: 119
Leading Scorer: Jimmy Heberts - 17 goals, 5 assists, 22 points
Starting Goaltender: Doc Stewart - 5-16-0, 3.08 GAA
10. 1989-90 Quebec Nordiques: .194
41 of 51
Record: 12-61-7
Goals For: 240
Goals Against: 407
Leading Scorer: Joe Sakic- 39 goals, 63 assists, 102 points
Starting Goaltender: Ron Tugnutt- 5-24-3, 4.61 GAA
9. 1927-28 Chicago Blackhawks: .193
42 of 51
Record: 7-34-3
Goals For: 68
Goals Against: 134
Leading Scorer: Duke Keats- 14 goals, 8 assists, 22 points
Starting Goaltender: Chuck Gardiner- 6-32-2, 2.83 GAA
8. 1972-73 New York Islanders: .192
43 of 51
Record: 12-60-2
Goals For: 170
Goals Against: 347
Leading Scorer: Billy Harris - 28 goals, 22 assists, 50 points
Starting Goaltender: Gerry Desjardins - 5-35-3, 4.68 GAA
7. 1943-44 New York Rangers: .170
44 of 51
Record: 6-39-5
Goals For: 162
Goals Against: 310
Leading Scorer: Bryan Hextall - 21 goals, 33 assists, 54 points
Starting Goaltender: Ken McAuley - 6-39-5, 6.24 GAA
6. 1919-20 Quebec Bulldogs: .167
45 of 51
Record: 4-20-0
Goals For: 91
Goals Against: 177
Leading Scorer: Joe Malone - 39 goals, 6 assists, 45 points
Starting Goaltender: Frank Brophy - 3-18-0, 7.11 GAA
5. 1929-30 Pittsburgh Pirates: .147
46 of 51
Record: 5-36-3
Goals For: 102
Goals Against: 185
Leading Scorer: Harold Darragh - 15 goals, 17 assists, 32 points
Starting Goaltender: Joe Miller - 5-35-3, 4.08 GAA
4. 1992-93 San Jose Sharks: .143
47 of 51
Record: 11-71-2
Goals For: 218
Goals Against: 414
Leading Scorer: Kelly Kisio - 26 goals, 52 assists, 78 points
Starting Goaltender: (split) Arturs Irbe - 7-26-0, 4.11 GAA; Jeff Hackett- 2-30-1, 5.28 GAA
3. 1992-93 Ottawa Senators: .143
48 of 51
Record: 10-70-4
Goals For: 202
Goals Against: 395
Leading Scorer: Norm Maciver - 17 goals, 46 assists, 63 points
Starting Goaltender: Peter Sidorkiewicz - 8-46-3, 4.43 GAA
2. 1930-31 Philadelphia Quakers: .136
49 of 51
Record: 4-36-4
Goals For: 76
Goals Against: 184
Leading Scorer: Gerry Lowrey - 13 goals, 14 points, 27 points
Starting Goaltender: Wilf Cude - 2-25-3, 4.22 GAA
1. 1974-75 Washington Capitals: .131
50 of 51
Record: 8-67-5
Goals For: 181
Goals Against: 446
Leading Scorer: Tommy Williams - 22 goals, 36 assists, 58 points
Starting Goaltender: Ron Low - 8-36-2, 5.45 GAA
Interesting Facts
51 of 51
Teams That Don't Appear On This List
Anaheim Ducks
Buffalo Sabres
Atlanta/Calgary Flames
Columbus Blue Jackets
Edmonton Oilers
Florida Panthers
Minnesota Wild
Montreal Maroons
Nashville Predators
Philadelphia Flyers
St. Louis Blues
Vancouver Canucks
Most Appearances
Kansas City Scouts/Colorado Rockies/New Jersey Devils/Ottawa Senators - 4
Washington Capitals, Hamilton Tigers - 3
New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota North Stars, Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche, Tampa Bay Lightning, Boston Bruins, Detroit Red Wings, Oakland Seals/California Golden Seals, San Jose Sharks - 2
Teams That Just Missed
1978-79 St. Louis Blues- .300
1984-85 Toronto Maple Leafs- .300
1971-72 Vancouver Canucks- .308
.png?w=480 "NHL Mock Draft")
.jpg?w=480 "Kucherov Landing Spots")
.png?w=480)
.png?w=600 "B/R NHL Staff Second-Round Predictions 🏒")
