Which franchise has defeated the most teams in a playoff series?

[66871]

Just curious about something

Over the past 43 years, the NHL has gone through a number of expansions and realignments -- so which team/franchise has defeated the most teams in a playoff series at least once. It seems clear that it would be one of the original six since there were a few other teams in the league in the 30s. And if I had to guess I would think either Detroit, Chicago or Toronto would have the most since they seem to have been jostled around the most with realignments.

Does anyone know the answer to this?

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[Blades of Glory]

When in doubt about anything having to do with winning in the playoffs, the safe pick is Montreal.

Detroit has beaten 22 different franchises in a playoff series since 1932, when the Red Wings were established. Some of those franchises are no longer in the NHL.

Toronto, since the beginning of the Maple Leafs in 1928, has beaten 17 different teams in a playoff series.

Montreal, since 1917, has also won 22 different series.

I would go with Montreal or Detroit. Now keep in mind, I'm doing this by skimming their season by season records, so I could be a little off, but it's probably either Montreal or Detroit.

 

[JaysCyYoung]

Since the 1967-68 season the Leafs have beaten the following ten teams:

Los Angeles (1974-75, 1977-78), Pittsburgh (1975-76, 1976-77, 1998-99), the Islanders (1977-78, 2001-02), Atlanta (1978-79), Chicago (1985-86, 1993-94), St. Louis (1986-87, 1992-93), Detroit (1992-93), San Jose (1993-94), Philadelphia (1998-99), and Ottawa (1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2003-04).

Detroit has beaten the following twenty different teams:

Atlanta (1977-78), Chicago (1986-87, 1994-95, 2008-09), Toronto (1986-87, 1987-88), St. Louis (1987-88, 1995-96, 1996-97, 1997-98, 2001-02), Minnesota (1991-92), Dallas (1994-95, 1997-98, 2007-08), San Jose (1994-95, 2006-07), Winnipeg (1995-96), Anaheim (1996-97, 1998-99, 2008-09), Colorado (1996-97, 2001-02, 2007-08), Philadelphia (1996-97), Phoenix (1997-98, 2009-10), Washington (1997-98), Los Angeles (1999-00), Vancouver (2001-02), Carolina (2001-02), Nashville (2003-04, 2007-08), Calgary (2006-07), Pittsburgh (2007-08), and Columbus (2008-09).

Chicago has beaten the following thirteen different teams:

New York Rangers (1967-68, 1970-71, 1972-73), Detroit (1969-70, 1984-85, 1988-89, 1991-92), Philadelphia (1970-71), Pittsburgh (1971-72), St. Louis (1972-73, 1979-80, 1981-82, 1982-83, 1988-89, 1989-90, 1991-92), Los Angeles (1973-74), Boston (1974-75), Minnesota (1981-82, 1982-83, 1984-85, 1989-90), Edmonton (1991-92), Toronto (1994-95), Vancouver (1994-95, 2008-09), Calgary (1995-96, 2008-09), and Nashville (2009-10).

I'm guessing that the team you're looking for is Detroit. Twenty different teams, or a full two-thirds of the league, is just ridiculous. Montreal beat a lot of the same teams over the years when they were in their heyday but if you can wait a moment I will go check.

Edit: Montreal has beaten the following seventeen different teams since the 1967-68 season:

Boston (1967-68, 1968-69, 1970-71, 1976-77, 1977-78, 1978-79, 1983-84, 1984-85, 1985-86, 1986-87, 1988-89, 2001-02, 2003-04, 2007-08), Chicago (1967-68, 1970-71, 1972-73, 1975-76), St. Louis (1967-68, 1968-69, 1976-77), New York Rangers (1968-69, 1978-79, 1985-86), Minnesota (1970-71), Buffalo (1972-73, 1989-90, 1990-91, 1992-93), Philadelphia (1972-73, 1975-76, 1988-89), Vancouver (1974-75), New York Islanders (1975-76, 1976-77, 1992-93), Detroit (1977-78), Toronto (1977-78, 1978-79), Hartford (1979-80, 1985-86, 1987-88, 1991-92), Quebec (1983-84, 1986-87, 1988-89, 1992-93), Calgary (1985-86), Los Angeles (1992-93), Pittsburgh (1997-98), Washington (2009-10).

 

[66871]

^^^^

Thanks and yes that is insane that they've taken twenty teams out. And thank you for doing it by teams. Funny that they've beaten both Atlanta/Calgary and Winnipeg/Phoenix before and after relocation.

 

[JaysCyYoung]

You're welcome! Hockey-Reference.com is a fantastic tool for this sort of research.

 

[SealsFan]

Great question, great research, thanks fellas!!

 

[lextune]

Bruins have beaten 16 different franchises in their history.

Maple Leafs
Red Wings
Maroons
Canadiens
Rangers
Blues
Blackhawks
Kings
Flyers
Penguins
Sabres
Nordiques
Devils
Capitals
Whalers
Hurricanes

 

[John Flyers Fan]

I would think the Flyers would lead of the non-original 6 teams

Minnesota - 2
Atlanta
NY Rangers - 6
Boston - 2
Toronto - 5
NY Isles - 3
Buffalo - 5
Colorado
Vancouver
Edmonton
Quebec - 2
Montreal - 2
Washington - 2
Pittsburgh - 3
Tampa
New Jersey - 2

16 post expansion.

 

[Fish on The Sand]

shouldn't Atlanta/Calgary and Win/Pho count as the same franchise?

 

[jkrx]

shouldn't Atlanta/Calgary and Win/Pho count as the same franchise?

Only when it favours their teams.