Clarence S. Campbell Bowl (2013)
The Clarence S. Campbell Bowl is the trophy awarded to the Western Conference playoff champion in the NHL.
The Clarence S. Campbell Bowl, or simply the Campbell Bowl, is a team award presented by the National Hockey League (NHL). Named after Clarence Campbell, who served as president of the NHL from 1946–47 to 1976–77, it has been awarded for different accomplishments throughout its history.
- Season
- 2012–2013
- Opponent
- Chicago Blackhawks
- Series Result
- 4–1
- Head Coach
- Joel Quenneville
- Clinch Date
- June 2, 2013
- Venue
- United Center
- Conference
- Western
Lore & Background
The trophy has served as a counterpart to the Prince of Wales Trophy since the 1967 NHL expansion by using the same criteria in the opposite competitive grouping. The Campbell Bowl has been awarded to the West Division regular season champions (1967–1974), the Campbell Conference regular season champions (1974–1981), the Campbell Conference playoff champions (1981–1993), and the Western Conference playoff champions (1993–2020, 2022–present). Due to a modified playoff format held in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Campbell Bowl was awarded to the Montreal Canadiens, normally an Eastern Conference team, after they defeated the Vegas Golden Knights in the Stanley Cup semifinals.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Staples Center hummed with electric tension during Game Six. Every face-off felt heavier than usual, the weight of history pressing down on the players in black and gold jerseys. When the final buzzer sounded, confirming the series victory, the roar was deafening. Players gathered around the bench, not just for a win, but to claim their place as the undisputed kings of the West.
Reader's Guide
The trophy is awarded to the Western Conference playoff champions, except during the 2021 season when it was awarded to the winner of the Stanley Cup semifinals between the North and West divisions.
Did You Know?
- A traditional superstition among many NHL players is that no player should touch or hoist the Campbell Bowl after winning the conference playoffs, as they feel the Stanley Cup is the only true championship trophy.
- The Campbell Bowl was not awarded to the Los Angeles Kings in 2013; the 2013 Western Conference champion was the Chicago Blackhawks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does winning the 2013 Clarence S. Campbell Bowl signify?
It represents the Los Angeles Kings as the National Hockey League's Western Conference playoff champions for that year. Winning this trophy was a necessary milestone before they claimed their first Stanley Cup in decades during June.
Who did the Kings defeat to earn this honor?
The team defeated the San Jose Sharks to claim the title, winning the series four games to two. They secured the final victory at home inside the Staples Center to advance.
When was the 2013 Western Conference championship clinched?
Los Angeles officially clinched the award on May 30, 2013. This specific date concluded their Western Conference Final matchup against San Jose.
Why is this specific trophy considered a peak moment for the franchise?
It marked the culmination of an exceptional playoff campaign under head coach Darryl Sutter. This achievement signaled the height of the franchise's modern resurgence and paved the way for consecutive championships.
Which head coach led the team during this playoff run?
Darryl Sutter was the leader guiding the squad throughout this successful campaign in the 2012–2013 season. His strategies were crucial for navigating the playoffs and securing conference supremacy.
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