Presidents' Trophy (2013)
The Chicago Blackhawks won the Presidents' Trophy in 2012–13, the most recent team to also win the Stanley Cup that season.
The Presidents' Trophy is awarded by the NHL to the team that finishes with the best regular-season record. The Chicago Blackhawks won the trophy in the 2012–13 season, becoming the most recent team to win both the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same season.
- Season
- 2012–13
- Coach
- Joel Quenneville
- Captain
- Jonathan Toews
- League
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Status
- Achieved
- Location
- Chicago, Illinois
Lore & Background
The trophy was introduced in the 1985–86 season. The Blackhawks' previous Presidents' Trophy win was in the 1990–91 season, not 1985–86. The Detroit Red Wings have won the trophy six times, the most of any team.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the United Center felt heavy with anticipation as the final buzzer approached on a late February night. The scoreboard flickered, confirming the math: enough points had been tallied to secure the Presidents' Trophy. Jonathan Toews skated slowly toward center ice, the weight of the season's grind visible in his posture. The roar of the crowd was not just for a win, but for validation of their entire year of labor.
Reader's Guide
The Presidents' Trophy winner is the top seed in the playoffs and has home-ice advantage in all rounds. Only eight winners have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. The 2012–13 Blackhawks are the most recent team to achieve both.
Did You Know?
- The Detroit Red Wings have won the Presidents' Trophy six times, the most of any team.
- Only eight Presidents' Trophy winners have also won the Stanley Cup.
- The 2012–13 Chicago Blackhawks are the most recent team to win both the Presidents' Trophy and the Stanley Cup in the same season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Presidents' Trophy represent?
It is awarded to the NHL team with the most points after the regular season. The Blackhawks earned this in 2013 by outperforming all other franchises during the lockout-shortened campaign.
Who led the Chicago Blackhawks when they won it?
Captain Jonathan Toews and head coach Joel Quenneville guided the team to this achievement. Their leadership was crucial in maintaining consistency throughout a condensed 48-game schedule.
Why is the 2013 Presidents' Trophy significant for the franchise?
This award highlighted the peak of their regular season dominance during the modern dynasty era. It proved they were the best team over a full grind before their subsequent Stanley Cup victory that same year.
How many games did the Blackhawks play to secure this honor?
The 2012–13 season was shortened by a labor lockout, reducing the schedule to just 48 contests. Chicago managed to accumulate enough points in these limited games to top the entire league standings.
Did winning the Presidents' Trophy guarantee a championship?
While it recognized them as the best regular-season team, it did not automatically ensure a Stanley Cup win. However, the Blackhawks successfully converted this momentum into another title later that spring.
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