1961 Stanley Cup Final
Chicago won its first Stanley Cup in 23 years.
The 1961 Stanley Cup Final was the championship series of the National Hockey League's 1960–61 season, contested between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Black Hawks. Chicago won the best-of-seven series four games to two, capturing its third Stanley Cup and first since 1938, ending a 23-year drought. This was the only title won by a U.S. team between 1955 and 1970.
- Series winner
- Chicago Black Hawks
- Series loser
- Detroit Red Wings
- Games played
- 6
- Chicago's previous cup
- 1938
- Detroit's previous finals appearance
- 1956
- Chicago's previous finals appearance
- 1944
- First all-american-team final since
- 1950
Lore & Background
The 1961 Stanley Cup Final marked the first Finals appearance for Chicago since 1944 and for Detroit since 1956; both had lost to the Montreal Canadiens in those previous appearances. Detroit reached the Final by defeating Toronto in five games, while Chicago upset the record five-time defending champion Montreal in six games. This set up the first all-American-team Final since 1950, when Detroit beat the New York Rangers.
Game one saw Bobby Hull score two goals for a 3–2 Chicago victory. After Detroit pulled goaltender Terry Sawchuk in the first period of game one, Hank Bassen started game two and made 26 saves, while Alex Delvecchio recorded two goals and an assist to tie the series. Glenn Hall made 35 saves in game three for a 3–1 Chicago win. Terry Sawchuk started game four for Detroit, making 26 saves, and Bruce MacGregor scored the game-winning goal in the third period to tie the series again. In game five, Murray Balfour and Stan Mikita each scored twice for a 6–3 Chicago win. Chicago closed out the series with a 5–1 victory in game six.
Reader's Guide
The 1961 Stanley Cup Final is historically significant as the only championship of the 1960s not won by either the Toronto Maple Leafs or the Montreal Canadiens, and the only title won by a U.S. team between 1955 and 1970. It ended a 23-year Cup drought for Chicago, which would not win again until 2010—a 49-year gap. The series featured notable performances: Bobby Hull's two goals in game one, Alex Delvecchio's two goals and an assist in game two, Glenn Hall's 35-save effort in game three, and Murray Balfour and Stan Mikita each scoring twice in game five. The Final also saw goaltending changes for Detroit, with Hank Bassen replacing Terry Sawchuk after game one. The series was the first all-American-team Final since 1950, underscoring the dominance of Canadian teams during the Original Six era. The Stanley Cup was presented to Black Hawks captain Ed Litzenberger by NHL President Clarence Campbell after game six.
Did You Know?
- Chicago's 1961 win was its first Stanley Cup since 1938 and its last until 2010, a 49-year drought.
- The series was the first all-American-team Final since 1950, when the Red Wings beat the New York Rangers.
- Chico Maki's name was engraved on the Stanley Cup for dressing for one game in the Finals, even though he did not get any ice time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the 1961 Stanley Cup Final?
The Chicago Black Hawks defeated the Detroit Red Wings four games to two in the best-of-seven series to claim the 1961 Stanley Cup.
How many games were played in the 1961 Stanley Cup Final?
The series wrapped up after six games, with Chicago closing it out at four wins to Detroit's two.
Why is the 1961 Stanley Cup Final notable?
Chicago ended a 23-year championship drought with this victory, their first Cup since 1938. The win also made them the only U.S.-based team to capture the Stanley Cup between 1955 and 1970.
When did Detroit last appear in the Stanley Cup Final before 1961?
The Red Wings had last made the Finals in 1956, so the 1961 series represented their second Cup Final appearance in a five-year span.
What was Chicago's previous Stanley Cup before 1961?
The Black Hawks' prior championship came in 1938, meaning the 1961 title ended a 23-year wait for the franchise.
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