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Best & worst NHL team statistics of the salary cap era

NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins-Championship Parade
Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

It is almost hard to believe the NHL lockout of 2004-05 occurred nearly twenty years ago. When hockey returned to North American rinks, fans witnessed a new era led by Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Connor McDavid. At the same time, some franchises like the Boston Bruins, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Tampa Bay Lightning have all found success, both in the regular season and Stanley Cup playoffs.

How good have these teams been over 19 years? Let’s examine some of the best and worst team statistics of the salary cap era, which began on Oct. 5, 2005.

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Shootout Wins – New York Rangers (91)

NHL: Colorado Avalanche at New York Rangers
Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Regular Season Power Play – Washington Capitals (20.7%)

NHL: Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning
Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Regular Season Losses – Arizona Coyotes (680)

NHL: Edmonton Oilers at Arizona Coyotes
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Playoff Losses – New York Rangers (91)

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-New York Rangers at Florida Panthers
Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Playoff Games – Boston Bruins & Pittsburgh Penguins (190)

NHL: Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins
Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Regular Season Goals Against – Toronto Maple Leafs (4,527)

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins
Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Regular Season Goals Scored – Pittsburgh Penguins (4,636)

NHL: Pittsburgh Penguins at New York Islanders
Credit: Dennis Schneidler-USA TODAY Sports

Regular Season Wins – Boston Bruins (840)

NHL: Stanley Cup Playoffs-Toronto Maple Leafs at Boston Bruins
Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Playoff Victories – Pittsburgh Penguins (104)

NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Pittsburgh Penguins at Nashville Predators
Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Stanley Cup Final Appearances – Tampa Bay Lightning & Pittsburgh Penguins (4)

NHL: Stanley Cup Final-Montreal Canadiens at Tampa Bay Lightning
Credit: Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
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