The top ten biggest single-game margins in NHL history

There's no denying it, hockey is an absolutely brutal game.

While the task of staying upright can prove tough enough for amateurs, throw in the pace of the puck flying around the ice, as well as 200-pound opponents bearing down to bump you down, and it becomes a rough and tough road to travel

And, if you manage to stay upright and intact, there is still the scoreboard to navigate as well.

Since the National Hockey League's inaugural season in 1917-18, teams across Canada and the United States have battled it out for Stanley Cup honours, with the best teams in the league doing battle in the postseason.

However, for the also-rans, staying competitive remains the task at hand, especially with some of these blowout losses in mind.

From a New York nightmare to a Philly Flyers flameout, here are the top ten biggest single-game margins in NHL history.

1. Detroit Red Wings vs New York Rangers – 15 goals (15-0) – 23/1/1944

2. Edmonton Oilers vs Vancouver Canucks – 13 goals (13-0) – 8/11/1985

Minnesota North Stars vs Winnipeg Jets – 13 goals (15-2) – 11/11/1981

Toronto Maple Leafs vs Detroit Red Wings – 13 goals (13-0) – 2/1/1971

Toronto Maple Leafs vs New York Rangers – 13 goals (14-1) – 16/3/1957

Montreal Canadiens vs Quebec Bulldogs – 13 goals (16-3) – 3/3/1920

7. Calgary Flames vs San Jose Sharks – 12 goals (13-1) – 10/2/1993

Detroit Red Wings vs Chicago Black Hawks – 12 goals (12-0) – 4/12/1987

Montreal Canadiens vs Pittsburgh Penguins – 12 goals (12-0) – 22/2/1979

Buffalo Sabres vs Washington Senators – 12 goals (14-2) – 21/12/1975

Chicago Black Hawks vs Philadelphia Flyers – 12 goals (12-0) – 30/1/1969