The team that had more in the early 'success was the team of the Montreal Canadiens. They were able to win seven Stanley Cup in nine years. The Stanley Cup is nothing but the cup final for those who are capable of winning the "scudetto".

Years went by and more and more 'team made their entrance into the NHL.

-1920 Hamilton Tigers 21
-1924 Boston Bruins
-1924 - 25 New York Americans
-1925 - 26 Pittsburgh Pirate
-1925 - 26 New York Rangers
-1926 - 27 Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Cougars.

In 1930, the participating teams to contend for the Stanley Cup was already 10. Following the Second World War the team were less dramatically, reaching the number 6 team also called The Original Six

-Montreal Canadiens
-Toronto Maple Leafs
-Detroit Red Wings
-Chicago Blackhawks
-Boston Bruins
-New York Rangers

Then, the NHL had more 'success on average, in 1967 entered the league:

-Philadelphia Flyers
-St. Louis Blues
-Minnesota North Stars
-Los Angeles Kings
Oakland-Seasl
Pittsbrugh-Penguins
-Vancouver Canucks
-Buffalo Sabres

In 1972 was founded the WHA (Wordl Hockey Association). It lasted only seven years this small league that included teams such as

-New Yordk Islanders
Atlanta Flames
-Kansas City Scouts
-Washington Capitals

After the dissolution of the WHA, the remaining teams chose to go to the NHL. In 90 years many new teams were added again.

-San Jose Sharks
-Ottawa Senators
-Tampa Bay Lighting
-Mighty Ducks of Anaheim (the team most 'famous thanks to the Mighty Ducks cartoon where a sign had Anaheim)
-Florida Panthers
-Nashville Predators
-Atlanta Thrashers
-Minnesota Wild
-Columbus Blue Jackets