The Stanley Cup is possibly the most prestigious championship trophy awarded to an American professional sports team. It's also among the most cherished decorations in sport, with a particular meaning for each of those teams that have won it. When you've not seen a Stanley Cup game or remember watching it as a child, then here are a few things you should know before going out to root for your favorite team.

To start with, there are two conferences for this year's Stanley Cup. The top three teams in each conference earn the Stanley Cup title. The Stanley Cup Finals will be held in Boston, so if you're attending one of those games, be certain you head to this town for at least some of it.

Another thing you need to know about this year's playoffs is who's coming to play for the trophy. The top four teams in the Western Conference will be the Sharks, Flames, Wild, and Predators. In the Eastern Conference, the top four teams would be the Lightning, Flyers, Jackets, and Rangers. The other four teams which form the convention are the Hurricanes, Predators, and Islanders.

As far as the Cups go, there are numerous types which have been around for several years. The first came about in hockey during the Stanley Cup age, which was won by the Montreal Canadiens. The first Cups were awarded prior to the NHL switched into the Eastern Conference, when the Eastern Conference was the Premier League in North America. The Cup has since moved back into the Western Conference, but it's still regarded as one of the most prestigious in North American sport.

If you love trivia, you may wish to spend loads of time studying each of the teams that are going to be playing in the Stanley Cup playoffs. Some of the most famous teams to have played in the Stanley Cup comprise the Detroit Red Wings and the Montreal Canadiens, who have won the Cup twice. The Dallas Stars is the latest team to be added to the record, having reached the playoffs after missing the past three seasons.

One of the teams which has a great deal of intrigue is that of the Philadelphia Flyers, that has been a significant player in the NHL since their first season in NHL history. They've a very passionate fan base, in addition to a surprisingly competitive team. Other popular teams comprise the Ottawa Senators, which have played in the Cup four times, and the New York Rangers, who have just reached the finals once. There are loads of great teams to pick from, which makes this an exceptional occasion to root for, whichever season it is. Whether you're young or old, there's a Stanley Cup party celebration style you will enjoy.