1938–39 Chicago Black Hawks season



The 1938–39 Chicago Black Hawks season was the team's 13th season in the NHL. The Black Hawks finished last in the league and did not qualify for the playoffs.

Regular Season
Prior to the season, the Montreal Maroons announced they would be folding, leaving the NHL with seven teams, thus eliminating the need for divisions. The Black Hawks got off to a mediocre start, and after going 8–10–3, they dismissed head coach Bill Stewart and replaced him with player-coach Paul Thompson. The Hawks struggled under Thompson, going 4–18–5, and finished in last place in the NHL, missing the playoffs for the 2nd time in 3 years. Chicago had problems scoring goals, getting an NHL low 91 goals, while they gave up the 3rd most goals at 132.

During the second game of the season, on November 5, 1938 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Bill Shill suffered a dislocated vertebrae and missed 20 games.

Boston Bruins defenseman Jack Shewchuk was recalled and played in the February 5 match against Chicago. Before the game, goalies Frank Brimsek and Mike Karakas, who both grew up in Eveleth, Minnesota, presented their mothers with flowers. Mrs. Brimsek enjoyed the game more than Mrs. Karakas as the Bruins blanked the Black Hawks 3-0, giving Brimsek his 8th shutout.

Team captain Johnny Gottselig led the team offensively, getting team highs in goals (16), assists (23) and points (39). Joffre Desilets and Mush March would be the only other Hawks with double digit goals, with 11 and 10 goals respectively. Earl Siebert anchored the defense, scoring 15 points and had a team high 57 penalty minutes.

In goal, Mike Karakas was the starter, winning 12 games, earning 5 shutouts, and posting a GAA of 2.65.

A year after their unexpected Stanley Cup championship, the Black Hawks became the only team in the league to miss the playoffs, as they finished 7 points behind the 6th place team, the Montreal Canadiens.

Playoffs

 * The Black Hawks did not qualify for the playoffs.

Awards and Records

 * Earl Seibert, Defense, NHL Second Team All-Star

Trivia

 * Black Hawks who recorded a Hat trick this season include:
 * Johnny Gottselig during the 4-3 win over the Montreal Canadiens on November 13, 1938.

Video
A minute worth of footage from the home opener of the Black Hawks which they won over the New York Americans 6-1. First period goals by Cully Dahlstrom and Johnny Gottselig are shown.