The Original Six is a term used to describe the first six teams to inhabit the NHL. These teams originated in the 1942-43 Season through to before the league's expansion in 1967. These Original Six teams include the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens, Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs and The New York Rangers.
Because the league was small, the number of players at the NHL level was also small. This resulted in a very high quality of play. The same teams would play each other up to 14 times a season. Rivalries would develop, and it was easier for fans to become familiar with all of the players.
