1960–61 Chicago Black Hawks season
Encyclopedia
The 1960–61 Chicago Black Hawks
season was the Hawks' thirty-fifth
season
in the National Hockey League
(NHL), ending with the Hawks winning their third Stanley Cup
. Chicago faced the Montreal Canadiens
in the NHL semi-finals, and defeated the Canadiens in six games. They subsequently faced the Detroit Red Wings
in the Stanley Cup Finals, winning 4 games to 2.
and New York Rangers
for a playoff spot. Chicago would snap out of their slump, and go on a seven-game winning streak to sit with an 18-14-8 record, 40 games into the season. The Hawks continued to play good hockey for the remainder of the season, going 11-10-9 in their last 30 games to finish the season with a club-record 29 victories and 75 points. The Hawks finished in third place for the third consecutive season, and for the first time since 1945-46 the club finished the season with a record over .500.
Offensively, Chicago was led by Bill Hay
, who led the team with 48 assists and 59 points, while Bobby Hull
scored a team-high 31 goals. Stan Mikita
had a break out season, scoring 19 goals and 53 points, as did Murray Balfour
, who had 21 goals and 48 points. On defense, Pierre Pilote
led the way, scoring 6 goals and 35 points while posting a team-high 165 penalty minutes.
In goal, Glenn Hall
played in all 70 games, winning a team-record 29 games, while posting a 2.51 GAA and 6 shutouts.
in the best-of-seven NHL semi-final for the third consecutive season. The Canadiens once again finished on top of the NHL, earning 92 points, and had won five straight Stanley Cup
championships. The heavily favored Canadiens took the series opener at the Montreal Forum
, easily defeating Chicago 6-2; however, the Black Hawks fought back in the second game, evening the series out with a 4-3 win. The series moved to Chicago Stadium
for the next two games, and the Black Hawks used their home ice advantage to take a 2-1 series lead with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory in the third game; however, the powerful Canadiens stormed back in the fourth game, defeating Chicago 5-2 to even the series up once again. The Black Hawks stunned the Montreal fans in the fifth game, shutting out the Canadiens 3-0 on the road to return back to Chicago for the sixth game up 3-2 in the series. Chicago completed the upset, once again shutting out the Canadiens 3-0 in the sixth game to win the series 4-2, and earned a trip to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1944.
The Black Hawks faced the Detroit Red Wings
in the 1961 Stanley Cup Finals
. The Red Wings finished the season behind Chicago in the regular season, earning 66 points; however, they upset the heavily favored Toronto Maple Leafs
to earn a spot in the finals. The Hawks took the series opener on home ice, as Bobby Hull
scored two goals in Chicago's 3-2 win. The series moved to the Detroit Olympia
for the second game, and the Red Wings responded with a 3-1 win to even the series up. The third game was back in Chicago, and it was the Hawks who took a 2-1 series lead by defeating the Red Wings 3-1; however, in the fourth game back in Detroit, the Red Wings evened the series up again, defeating the Hawks 2-1. Chicago easily won the fifth game in Chicago, winning 6-3 to take the series lead once again. In the sixth game in Detroit, the Black Hawks won the series as they handily defeated the Wings 5-1 to win their third Stanley Cup in team history, and the first since 1938. Pierre Pilote
led all players in playoff scoring, earning 15 points, while Bobby Hull
was just behind him with 14 points.
As of 2010, the 2009-10 season is the most recent season in which the Black Hawks have won the Stanley Cup. At 49 seasons, this was the longest active Stanley Cup drought
in the NHL.
Goaltending
Goaltending
Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks are a professional ice hockey team based in Chicago, Illinois. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League . They have won four Stanley Cup championships since their founding in 1926, most recently coming in 2009-10...
season was the Hawks' thirty-fifth
Chicago Blackhawks seasons
This is a list of seasons completed by the Chicago Blackhawks professional ice hockey club of the National Hockey League. This list documents the records and playoff results for all seasons the Blackhawks have completed in the NHL since their inception in 1926....
season
Season (sports)
In an organized sports league, a season is the portion of one year in which regulated games of the sport are in session. For example, in Major League Baseball, one season lasts approximately from April 1 through October 1; in Association football, it is generally from August until May In an...
in the National Hockey League
National Hockey League
The National Hockey League is an unincorporated not-for-profit association which operates a major professional ice hockey league of 30 franchised member clubs, of which 7 are currently located in Canada and 23 in the United States...
(NHL), ending with the Hawks winning their third Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
. Chicago faced the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
in the NHL semi-finals, and defeated the Canadiens in six games. They subsequently faced the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
in the Stanley Cup Finals, winning 4 games to 2.
Regular season
The Black Hawks started the year off very strong, earning a 6-1-2 record in their first nine games; however, the club went into a slump in which their record was 5-13-6 in their next 24 games, causing them to fall under the .500 mark and into a battle with the Detroit Red WingsDetroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
and New York Rangers
New York Rangers
The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the...
for a playoff spot. Chicago would snap out of their slump, and go on a seven-game winning streak to sit with an 18-14-8 record, 40 games into the season. The Hawks continued to play good hockey for the remainder of the season, going 11-10-9 in their last 30 games to finish the season with a club-record 29 victories and 75 points. The Hawks finished in third place for the third consecutive season, and for the first time since 1945-46 the club finished the season with a record over .500.
Offensively, Chicago was led by Bill Hay
Bill Hay
William Charles "Red" Hay is a retired Canadian ice hockey centre who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Black Hawks. He is the son of Hockey Hall of Fame member Charles Hay.-Playing career:Hay started his junior career with the Regina Pats in the Western Canadian...
, who led the team with 48 assists and 59 points, while Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull
Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull, OC is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the hardest shot, earning...
scored a team-high 31 goals. Stan Mikita
Stan Mikita
Stanislav "Stan" Mikita , is a Slovak-born Canadian retired professional ice hockey player, generally regarded as the best centre of the 1960s. In 1961, he won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he played his entire career.-Early life:Mikita was born in Sokolče, Slovak Republic...
had a break out season, scoring 19 goals and 53 points, as did Murray Balfour
Murray Balfour
Murray Lewis Balfour was a National Hockey League right winger in the late 1950s and early 1960s.-Career:Balfour was a member of the renowned "Million Dollar Line" alongside Bobby Hull and Bill Hay of the Chicago Black Hawks. In game three of the first round of the 1960–61 playoffs he scored the...
, who had 21 goals and 48 points. On defense, Pierre Pilote
Pierre Pilote
Joseph Albert Pierre Paul Pilote is a former professional ice hockey defenceman. After playing junior hockey for the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Association, Pilote played minor professional hockey for the Buffalo Bisons in the American Hockey League. Pilote played 890 games in...
led the way, scoring 6 goals and 35 points while posting a team-high 165 penalty minutes.
In goal, Glenn Hall
Glenn Hall
Glenn Henry "Mr. Goalie" Hall is a former professional ice hockey goaltender. During his National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and St. Louis Blues, Hall seldom missed a game and was a consistent performer, winning the Vezina Trophy three times, and the...
played in all 70 games, winning a team-record 29 games, while posting a 2.51 GAA and 6 shutouts.
Game log
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record | Pts |
| 1 | October 5 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1–1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 0–0–1 | 1 |
| 2 | October 6 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1–0–1 | 3 |
| 3 | October 9 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
2–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–0-1 | 5 |
| 4 | October 12 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
0–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–0–1 | 7 |
| 5 | October 16 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
2–5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–0–1 | 9 |
| 6 | October 19 | Chicago Black Hawks | 0–2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
4–1–1 | 9 |
| 7 | October 22 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–2 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
5–1–1 | 11 |
| 8 | October 23 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
5–1–2 | 12 |
| 9 | October 25 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
4–8 | Chicago Black Hawks | 6–1–2 | 14 |
| 10 | October 29 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–8 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
6–2–2 | 14 |
| 11 | October 30 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
6–3–2 | 14 |
| 12 | November 2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
4–4 | Chicago Black Hawks | 6–3–3 | 15 |
| 13 | November 5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
6–3–4 | 16 |
| 14 | November 6 | Chicago Black Hawks | 0–4 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
6–4–4 | 16 |
| 15 | November 9 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
0–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 7–4–4 | 18 |
| 16 | November 12 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–7 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
7–5–4 | 18 |
| 17 | November 13 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1–7 | Chicago Black Hawks | 8–5–4 | 20 |
| 18 | November 15 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–3 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
8–6–4 | 20 |
| 19 | November 17 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
2–4 | Chicago Black Hawks | 9–6–4 | 22 |
| 20 | November 20 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
1–1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 9–6–5 | 23 |
| 21 | November 24 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
1–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 10–6–5 | 25 |
| 22 | November 26 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
10–7–5 | 25 |
| 23 | November 27 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–3 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
10–7–6 | 26 |
| 24 | November 30 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
2–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 10–7–7 | 27 |
| 25 | December 4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
7–5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 10–8–7 | 27 |
| 26 | December 8 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–5 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
10–9–7 | 27 |
| 27 | December 10 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–5 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
10–10–7 | 27 |
| 28 | December 11 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
6–1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 10–11–7 | 27 |
| 29 | December 14 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
0–4 | Chicago Black Hawks | 11–11–7 | 29 |
| 30 | December 18 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
3–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 11–12–7 | 29 |
| 31 | December 21 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
11–12–8 | 30 |
| 32 | December 22 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–4 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
11–13–8 | 30 |
| 33 | December 24 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–3 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
11–14–8 | 30 |
| 34 | December 25 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–0 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
12–14–8 | 32 |
| 35 | December 28 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
3–4 | Chicago Black Hawks | 13–14–8 | 34 |
| 36 | December 31 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–0 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
14–14–8 | 36 |
| 37 | January 1 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
0–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 15–14–8 | 38 |
| 38 | January 4 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
16–14–8 | 40 |
| 39 | January 5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–3 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
17–14–8 | 42 |
| 40 | January 8 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
1–5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 18–14–8 | 44 |
| 41 | January 11 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
2–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 18–14–9 | 45 |
| 42 | January 14 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–4 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
18-15–9 | 45 |
| 43 | January 15 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
3–1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 18–16–9 | 45 |
| 44 | January 18 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
4–0 | Chicago Black Hawks | 18–17–9 | 45 |
| 45 | January 21 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
3–5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 19–17–9 | 47 |
| 46 | January 22 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
3–8 | Chicago Black Hawks | 20–17–9 | 49 |
| 47 | January 26 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
20–17–10 | 50 |
| 48 | January 28 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
20–18–10 | 50 |
| 49 | January 29 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
1–1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 20–18–11 | 51 |
| 50 | February 1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–3 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
20–19–11 | 51 |
| 51 | February 2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
20–19–12 | 52 |
| 52 | February 4 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–1 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
21–19–12 | 54 |
| 53 | February 5 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
1–1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 21–19–13 | 55 |
| 54 | February 8 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
2–5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 22–19–13 | 57 |
| 55 | February 12 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
1–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 23–19–13 | 59 |
| 56 | February 15 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
2–5 | Chicago Black Hawks | 24–19–13 | 61 |
| 57 | February 18 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–5 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
24–20–13 | 61 |
| 58 | February 19 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–2 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
24–20–14 | 62 |
| 59 | February 22 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–4 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
24–21–14 | 62 |
| 60 | February 25 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–1 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
24–21–15 | 63 |
| 61 | February 26 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
2–7 | Chicago Black Hawks | 25–21–15 | 65 |
| 62 | February 28 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–3 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
25–22–15 | 65 |
| 63 | March 2 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
1–7 | Chicago Black Hawks | 26–22–15 | 67 |
| 64 | March 5 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
1–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 27–22–15 | 69 |
| 65 | March 8 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–3 | New York Rangers New York Rangers The New York Rangers are a professional ice hockey team based in the borough of Manhattan in New York, New York, USA. They are members of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . Playing their home games at Madison Square Garden, the Rangers are one of the... |
28–22–15 | 71 |
| 66 | March 11 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–2 | Toronto Maple Leafs Toronto Maple Leafs The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League... |
28–22–16 | 72 |
| 67 | March 12 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
6–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 28–23–16 | 72 |
| 68 | March 15 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
2–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 28–23–17 | 73 |
| 69 | March 18 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–1 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
29–23–17 | 75 |
| 70 | March 19 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–4 | Boston Bruins Boston Bruins The Boston Bruins are a professional ice hockey team based in Boston, Massachusetts, USA. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The team has been in existence since 1924, and is the league's third-oldest team and its oldest in the... |
29–24–17 | 75 |
Playoffs
Chicago faced the Montreal CanadiensMontreal Canadiens
The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ...
in the best-of-seven NHL semi-final for the third consecutive season. The Canadiens once again finished on top of the NHL, earning 92 points, and had won five straight Stanley Cup
Stanley Cup
The Stanley Cup is an ice hockey club trophy, awarded annually to the National Hockey League playoffs champion after the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Finals. It has been referred to as The Cup, Lord Stanley's Cup, The Holy Grail, or facetiously as Lord Stanley's Mug...
championships. The heavily favored Canadiens took the series opener at the Montreal Forum
Montreal Forum
The Montreal Forum was an indoor arena located in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Called "the most storied building in hockey history" by Sporting News, it was home of the National Hockey League's Montreal Maroons from 1924 to 1938 and the Montreal Canadiens from 1926 to 1996...
, easily defeating Chicago 6-2; however, the Black Hawks fought back in the second game, evening the series out with a 4-3 win. The series moved to Chicago Stadium
Chicago Stadium
The Chicago Stadium was an indoor sports arena and theater in Chicago. It opened in 1929, and closed in 1994.-History:The Stadium hosted the Chicago Blackhawks of the NHL from 1929–1994 and the Chicago Bulls of the NBA from 1967–1994....
for the next two games, and the Black Hawks used their home ice advantage to take a 2-1 series lead with a thrilling 2-1 overtime victory in the third game; however, the powerful Canadiens stormed back in the fourth game, defeating Chicago 5-2 to even the series up once again. The Black Hawks stunned the Montreal fans in the fifth game, shutting out the Canadiens 3-0 on the road to return back to Chicago for the sixth game up 3-2 in the series. Chicago completed the upset, once again shutting out the Canadiens 3-0 in the sixth game to win the series 4-2, and earned a trip to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1944.
The Black Hawks faced the Detroit Red Wings
Detroit Red Wings
The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York...
in the 1961 Stanley Cup Finals
1961 Stanley Cup Finals
The 1961 Stanley Cup Final was contested by the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks. Chicago was making its first appearance since in the Final, and Detroit, their first appearance since . The Blackhawks would win the best-of-seven series four games to two to win their third Stanley Cup,...
. The Red Wings finished the season behind Chicago in the regular season, earning 66 points; however, they upset the heavily favored Toronto Maple Leafs
Toronto Maple Leafs
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a professional ice hockey team based in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League...
to earn a spot in the finals. The Hawks took the series opener on home ice, as Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull
Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull, OC is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the hardest shot, earning...
scored two goals in Chicago's 3-2 win. The series moved to the Detroit Olympia
Detroit Olympia
Olympia Stadium, better known as the Detroit Olympia and nicknamed The Old Red Barn, stood at 5920 Grand River Avenue in Detroit, Michigan from 1927 until 1987. It was best known as the home of the Detroit Red Wings hockey team of the National Hockey League from its opening until...
for the second game, and the Red Wings responded with a 3-1 win to even the series up. The third game was back in Chicago, and it was the Hawks who took a 2-1 series lead by defeating the Red Wings 3-1; however, in the fourth game back in Detroit, the Red Wings evened the series up again, defeating the Hawks 2-1. Chicago easily won the fifth game in Chicago, winning 6-3 to take the series lead once again. In the sixth game in Detroit, the Black Hawks won the series as they handily defeated the Wings 5-1 to win their third Stanley Cup in team history, and the first since 1938. Pierre Pilote
Pierre Pilote
Joseph Albert Pierre Paul Pilote is a former professional ice hockey defenceman. After playing junior hockey for the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Association, Pilote played minor professional hockey for the Buffalo Bisons in the American Hockey League. Pilote played 890 games in...
led all players in playoff scoring, earning 15 points, while Bobby Hull
Bobby Hull
Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull, OC is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the hardest shot, earning...
was just behind him with 14 points.
As of 2010, the 2009-10 season is the most recent season in which the Black Hawks have won the Stanley Cup. At 49 seasons, this was the longest active Stanley Cup drought
Drought (sport)
In sports, a drought refers to instances in which a team has gone a lengthy period of time without accomplishing some goal . Droughts occur for a variety of reasons, from chronic mismanagement to bad luck. Some fans believe that their team's drought is the result of a curse...
in the NHL.
Chicago Black Hawks 4, Montreal Canadiens 2
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record |
| 1 | March 21 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–6 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
0–1 |
| 2 | March 23 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4–3 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
1-1 |
| 3 | March 26 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
1–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2-1 |
| 4 | March 28 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
5–2 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2–2 |
| 5 | April 1 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3–0 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
3-2 |
| 6 | April 4 | Montreal Canadiens Montreal Canadiens The Montreal Canadiens are a professional ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. They are members of the Northeast Division of the Eastern Conference of the National Hockey League . The club is officially known as ... |
0–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 4-2 |
Chicago Black Hawks 4, Detroit Red Wings 2
| # | Date | Visitor | Score | Home | Record |
| 1 | April 6 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
2–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1-0 |
| 2 | April 8 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–3 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1-1 |
| 3 | April 10 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
1–3 | Chicago Black Hawks | 2-1 |
| 4 | April 12 | Chicago Black Hawks | 1–2 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
2–2 |
| 5 | April 14 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
3–6 | Chicago Black Hawks | 3-2 |
| 6 | April 16 | Chicago Black Hawks | 5–1 | Detroit Red Wings Detroit Red Wings The Detroit Red Wings are a professional ice hockey team based in Detroit, Michigan. They are members of the Central Division of the Western Conference of the National Hockey League , and are one of the Original Six teams of the NHL, along with the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York... |
4-2 |
Regular season
Scoring leaders| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Hay Bill Hay William Charles "Red" Hay is a retired Canadian ice hockey centre who played eight seasons in the National Hockey League for the Chicago Black Hawks. He is the son of Hockey Hall of Fame member Charles Hay.-Playing career:Hay started his junior career with the Regina Pats in the Western Canadian... |
69 | 11 | 48 | 59 | 45 |
| Bobby Hull Bobby Hull Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull, OC is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the hardest shot, earning... |
67 | 31 | 25 | 56 | 43 |
| Stan Mikita Stan Mikita Stanislav "Stan" Mikita , is a Slovak-born Canadian retired professional ice hockey player, generally regarded as the best centre of the 1960s. In 1961, he won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he played his entire career.-Early life:Mikita was born in Sokolče, Slovak Republic... |
66 | 19 | 34 | 53 | 100 |
| Murray Balfour Murray Balfour Murray Lewis Balfour was a National Hockey League right winger in the late 1950s and early 1960s.-Career:Balfour was a member of the renowned "Million Dollar Line" alongside Bobby Hull and Bill Hay of the Chicago Black Hawks. In game three of the first round of the 1960–61 playoffs he scored the... |
70 | 21 | 27 | 48 | 123 |
| Kenny Wharram Kenny Wharram Kenneth Malcolm Wharram is a retired professional ice hockey right winger who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League, all with the Chicago Black Hawks... |
64 | 16 | 29 | 45 | 12 |
Goaltending
| Player | GP | TOI | W | L | T | GA | SO | GAA |
| Glenn Hall Glenn Hall Glenn Henry "Mr. Goalie" Hall is a former professional ice hockey goaltender. During his National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and St. Louis Blues, Hall seldom missed a game and was a consistent performer, winning the Vezina Trophy three times, and the... |
70 | 4200 | 29 | 24 | 17 | 176 | 6 | 2.51 |
Playoffs
Scoring leaders| Player | GP | G | A | Pts | PIM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pierre Pilote Pierre Pilote Joseph Albert Pierre Paul Pilote is a former professional ice hockey defenceman. After playing junior hockey for the St. Catharines Teepees in the Ontario Hockey Association, Pilote played minor professional hockey for the Buffalo Bisons in the American Hockey League. Pilote played 890 games in... |
12 | 3 | 12 | 15 | 8 |
| Bobby Hull Bobby Hull Robert Marvin "Bobby" Hull, OC is a former Canadian ice hockey player. He is regarded as one of the greatest ice hockey players of all time and perhaps the greatest left winger to ever play the game. Hull was famous for his blonde hair, blinding skating speed, and having the hardest shot, earning... |
12 | 4 | 10 | 14 | 4 |
| Stan Mikita Stan Mikita Stanislav "Stan" Mikita , is a Slovak-born Canadian retired professional ice hockey player, generally regarded as the best centre of the 1960s. In 1961, he won the Stanley Cup with the Chicago Blackhawks, with whom he played his entire career.-Early life:Mikita was born in Sokolče, Slovak Republic... |
12 | 6 | 5 | 11 | 21 |
| Murray Balfour Murray Balfour Murray Lewis Balfour was a National Hockey League right winger in the late 1950s and early 1960s.-Career:Balfour was a member of the renowned "Million Dollar Line" alongside Bobby Hull and Bill Hay of the Chicago Black Hawks. In game three of the first round of the 1960–61 playoffs he scored the... |
11 | 5 | 5 | 10 | 14 |
| Kenny Wharram Kenny Wharram Kenneth Malcolm Wharram is a retired professional ice hockey right winger who played 14 seasons in the National Hockey League, all with the Chicago Black Hawks... |
12 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 12 |
Goaltending
| Player | GP | TOI | W | L | GA | SO | GAA |
| Glenn Hall Glenn Hall Glenn Henry "Mr. Goalie" Hall is a former professional ice hockey goaltender. During his National Hockey League career with the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks, and St. Louis Blues, Hall seldom missed a game and was a consistent performer, winning the Vezina Trophy three times, and the... |
12 | 772 | 8 | 4 | 26 | 2 | 2.02 |
Chicago Blackhawks 1961 Stanley Cup Champions
Sources
- Hockey-Reference
- Rauzulu's Street
- Goalies Archive
- National Hockey League Guide & Record Book 2007