06 most regular season wins
Montreal: 855
Detroit.: 784
Toronto.: 725
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Chicago.: 594
Boston..: 578
New York: 529
Playoff:
Montreal: 130
Detroit.: 97
Toronto.: 92
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Chicago.: 39
Boston..: 39
New York: 15
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Cups:
Montreal: 10
Detroit.: 5
Toronto.: 9
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Chicago.: 1
Boston..: 0
New York: 0
That league was 3+3 with a clear cut best 3 and the other 3.... is a weird post to you ? That the better question would be more how they achieved to win 1 instead of just 1 ?
You can disagree, but it is not weird and a quite common thought that talent in the 06 was quite concentrated in the MTL-TOR-DET franchises
Do the 60s only, which is what this thread is about. Pointless post.
It's not a "weird" post Gorksy, it's a historical observation. Anyone can look through seasons on an aggregated basis and come to that conclusion, what can be debated is the reasons why that was the case.
The 1950s were a bleak period for the Chicago Blackhawks. The team consistently languished at the bottom of the NHL standings, struggling to find their footing amidst strong competition from the other Original Six teams. Between the 1949-50 and 1958-59 seasons, the Blackhawks finished last in the league six times. A combination of poor management, lack of star power, and inconsistent play contributed to their woes. The Blackhawks' home games at the Chicago Stadium were sparsely attended, reflecting the disillusionment of a dwindling fan base.
The 1960s marked a period of significant change for the Blackhawks. The turnaround began with the astute management of Tommy Ivan, who became the general manager in 1954. Ivan's strategic vision and keen eye for talent were instrumental in revitalizing the team. One of his most significant moves was the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Glenn Hall in 1957. Hall, known as "Mr. Goalie," provided the Blackhawks with the stability and reliability they desperately needed in the net. His consistency and skill earned him numerous accolades and solidified the team’s defense.
Another pivotal figure was Bobby Hull, who debuted with the Blackhawks in 1957. Hull's explosive speed, powerful shot, and scoring prowess quickly made him one of the league's most electrifying players. He won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer multiple times during the 1960s, becoming the face of the franchise and a fan favorite. Hull's partnership with Stan Mikita, another emerging star, created one of the most dynamic duos in NHL history. Mikita's playmaking abilities complemented Hull's goal-scoring talent, and together, they transformed the Blackhawks' offensive capabilities.
The culmination of the Blackhawks' resurgence came in the 1960-61 season when they won the Stanley Cup, their first championship since 1938. This victory was a testament to the team's improved performance and the effective strategies implemented by the management. The Blackhawks defeated the Detroit Red Wings in the finals, showcasing a blend of solid defense, stellar goaltending, and high-powered offense.
Throughout the 1960s, the Blackhawks remained a competitive force in the NHL, consistently finishing near the top of the standings and making several deep playoff runs. The decade also saw the development of other key players like Pierre Pilote, a defenseman who won the Norris Trophy as the league's best defenseman three times, and Phil Esposito, who later became a star in his own right.
The transformation of the Chicago Blackhawks in the 1960s from a struggling franchise to a championship team is a remarkable story of strategic rebuilding, effective management, and the emergence of key talent. The foundations laid during this decade not only brought immediate success but also established a winning culture that would benefit the organization for years to come. The contrast between the dismal performance of the 1950s and the triumphs of the 1960s underscores the impact of visionary leadership and the importance of building a cohesive and talented team.
