Here's my methodology: Figure out the geographical order of the teams from west to east. Split the continent into 3 sections representing west, central, east--each with 10 teams. Split each of those 3 sections into 2 subsections representing north and south--each with 5 teams.
This is what I'm left with:
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NORTHERN CONFERENCE
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WESTERN DIVISION
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Calgary Flames
Colorado Avalanche
Edmonton Oilers
Minnesota Wild
Vancouver Canucks
CENTRAL DIVISION
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Buffalo Sabres
Detroit Red Wings
Montreal Canadiens
Pittsburgh Penguins
Toronto Maple Leafs
EASTERN DIVISION
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Boston Bruins
New Jersey Devils
New York Islanders
New York Rangers
Ottawa Senators
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SOUTHERN CONFERENCE
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WESTERN DIVISION
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Anaheim Ducks
Dallas Stars
Los Angeles Kings
Phoenix Coyotes
San Jose Sharks
CENTRAL DIVISION
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Atlanta Thrashers
Chicago Blackhawks
Columbus Blue Jackets
Nashville Predators
St. Louis Blues
EASTERN DIVISION
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Carolina Hurricanes
Florida Panthers
Philadelphia Flyers
Tampa Bay Lightning
Washington Capitals
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