The
1918–19 NHL season was the
second season of the
National Hockey League (NHL). While at first it was uncertain that the NHL would operate, and the possibility that
National Hockey Association (NHA) would be resumed, the unfinished business of
Eddie Livingstone's Toronto and Ottawa's NHA franchise, led to the NHL owners suspending the NHA again. Livingstone would attempt to overthrow the NHA management, and failing that, attempt to operate a rival league. The pre-season was filled with legal actions, deceptions and public mud-slinging. Ultimately, the NHL operated with three teams, in Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. However, the season ended early with Toronto suspending operations, leaving Montreal and Ottawa to play off for the championship. Montreal would win the playoff and travel to Seattle for the
Stanley Cup final. However, the Cup series would not be completed due to
influenza infecting the whole Montreal team and causing the eventual death of Montreal's
Joe Hall.