Stanley Cup (1950)

Lore & Background

This was a rematch of the 1937 Stanley Cup Finals, which the Red Wings won in five games. It was the Rangers' first appearance in the Finals since their Stanley Cup victory in 1940. Two games were played in Toronto as the circus had taken over Madison Square Garden in New York. New York's Don Raleigh scored two overtime winners and Pete Babando scored the Cup-winning goal in double overtime of Game 7, the first time ever in which the Stanley Cup was won in extra frames in Game 7. Detroit won the Cup without Gordie Howe, injured in the first game of the playoffs.

Reader's Guide

The 1950 Stanley Cup was presented to Red Wings captain Sid Abel by NHL President Clarence Campbell following the Red Wings 4–3 double overtime win over the Rangers in game seven. As Stanley Cup runner-up, the Rangers were awarded the O'Brien Cup, and they became the last team to win this trophy, which was retired after the season.

Did You Know?

• New York defeated the Montreal Canadiens 4–1 to reach the Finals.
• Detroit defeated the three-time defending champion Toronto Maple Leafs 4–3 to reach the Finals.