Success in the salary-cap era is all about the most effective management of cap space. According to our new Accolade Index, the Pittsburgh Penguins have enjoyed the most success since 2005-06 -- in all its various forms.
The Accolade Index assigns a single point for each individual award won by a member of its team, with a half-point for making the first-team All-Star team, and a quarter point for making the second-team All-Star team.
At the team level, points are awarded for making the playoffs, winning the division, winning the Presidents' Trophy, and each playoff series win, with bonus points for making the Stanley Cup Final and winning the Stanley Cup.