Eastern Conference
The renamed Wales Conference beginning with the 1993-94 season which contains the Atlantic, Northeast and Southeast Divisions.
Elbowing
A minor penalty which occurs when a player strikes his opponent with an elbow to impede his progress.
Empty-net goal
A goal scored against a team that has pulled the goalie.
Endboards
The boards at each end of the rink.
Enforcer
Also called the policeman; is usually the most penalized player on a team; he has the job of protecting his teammates from harm; generally a larger player who is not afraid of any fight.
Exhibition game
A game not included in the regular-season schedule and which does not count in the standings; the All-Star Game or other games generally played before the season begins.
Expansion
The addition of teams to the NHL.
Expansion draft
A special arrangement to assist new franchises in obtaining players, where expansion teams choose players from other teams’ rosters.
Expansion team
A team that has been recently added to the NHL.
