The NHL Eastern Conference was originally the Wales Conference. Prior to the NHL realignment in 1993, the Wales Conference consisted of the Patrick Division and the Adams Division. The league changed names after the realignment, and currently contains fifteen teams in three divisions. The Atlantic Division features the Flyers, Penguins, Rangers, Islanders, and Devils. The Northeast has the Bruins, Sabres, Canadiens, Senators, and Maple Leafs. The Southeast has the Capitals, Lightning, Panthers, Hurricanes, and Thrashers. Outside of the Capitals, all of the Southeast teams are either recent expansion teams or relocated teams.

The Eastern Conference teams vie for the Prince of Wales Trophy. This trophy dates back to 1924 and was named for Prince Edward, who became King Edward VIII in Great Britain. Since the Eastern Conference started, the New Jersey Devils have won the trophy the most, winning it four times. The Philadelphia Flyers won the trophy in 2009. The trophy is presented to the team who wins the Eastern Conference Finals after the deciding game. The team captain has the option to skate with the trophy, but many choose not to pick it up believe it could curse their chances of winning the Stanley Cup. The winning team's name is engraved on the trophy, preserving its tradition as time goes on.

Eastern Conference teams play their division opponents six times each during the regular season, and teams for the other two divisions four times each. They also play eighteen games against the Western Conference teams. The three division winners earn the top three seeds in the playoffs, with the next five best teams also qualifying. The playoffs are all best-of-seven series, and the highest seed plays the lowest seed in each round.

2010/2011 NHL Eastern Conference Champion odds at Allpro. Place a bet today our NHL odds and lines update daily including hundreds of props and the grand salami each day.