What are the two conferences in the NHL called?

The two conferences in the NHL are known as the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. The Eastern Conference serves as one of the main divisions in the league, encompassing teams primarily from the Eastern time zone, while the Western Conference includes teams from the Western time zones.

The classification into these two major conferences is significant because it structures the playoffs and regular-season matchups, contributing to the overall competition within the league. Each conference is further divided into divisions, which further organizes the teams and creates rivalries.

The choices relating to Central and Atlantic Conference do refer to divisions within the Eastern and Western Conferences, respectively, but they are not the overarching conference structures themselves. Thus, the correct answer identifies the primary divisions that govern how the NHL is organized.