The rivalries that decided the NHL belt
The five pairs of franchises that have met most often with the belt on the line.
No two franchises have fought over the NHL belt more often than these.
1. Boston Bruins vs. Montréal Canadiens
283 belt meetings between 1924 and 2024, 96 title changes. Belt series: Bruins 94, Canadiens 151, 38 ties. Every meeting →
2. Montréal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
260 belt meetings between 1917 and 2015, 119 title changes. Belt series: Canadiens 123, Maple Leafs 109, 28 ties. Every meeting →
3. Detroit Red Wings vs. Montréal Canadiens
220 belt meetings between 1926 and 2016, 83 title changes. Belt series: Red Wings 77, Canadiens 112, 31 ties. Every meeting →
4. Detroit Red Wings vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
212 belt meetings between 1927 and 2025, 76 title changes. Belt series: Red Wings 88, Maple Leafs 102, 22 ties. Every meeting →
5. Chicago Blackhawks vs. Montréal Canadiens
211 belt meetings between 1930 and 2016, 73 title changes. Belt series: Blackhawks 66, Canadiens 109, 36 ties. Every meeting →