The NHL (National Hockey League) is a professional ice hockey league based in North America. It is composed of 32 teams, 24 of which are located in the United States and 7 in Canada. The league was founded in 1917 and is currently the premier professional ice hockey league in the world.

The NHL season typically runs from October to June, with each team playing 82 regular season games. The top 16 teams then qualify for the playoffs, which are a best-of-seven series in each round until the Stanley Cup Final, which is also a best-of-seven series.

The NHL is known for its physical play, fast-paced action, and skilled players. Some of the most famous teams in the league include the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks, and Boston Bruins. Some of the most famous players in NHL history include Wayne Gretzky, Mario Lemieux, Bobby Orr, and Gordie Howe.