The term "Big Six" in the NHL refers to the six historic franchises that formed the bedrock of the league during the Original Six era, spanning from 1942 until the league's expansion in 1967. These foundational teams are the Boston Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, and Toronto Maple Leafs. For a quarter of a century, these six organizations competed exclusively against one another for the Stanley Cup, creating intense, generational rivalries that laid the commercial and cultural groundwork for modern professional hockey. Their fanbases span across North America, and their historical footprints heavily influence the traditions, media coverage, and financial landscape of the contemporary NHL. Each of these franchises boasts a legendary history filled with Hall of Fame players, iconic moments, and deeply ingrained community traditions.