1938–39 Detroit Red Wings season



The 1938–39 Detroit Red Wings season was the Red Wings' 13th season. The Red Wings finished 5th in the league and lost in the Semi-finals to the Toronto Maple Leafs 2 games to 1.

Regular Season
Bill Cowley's torrid pace continued on November 6, 1938 against the Red Wings. His backhand opened the scoring in the first period, then he set up Charlie Sands for a goal in the second. Mud Bruneteau narrowed it to 2-1 and then during a Detroit power play, Frank Brimsek threw the puck into the crowd. A penalty shot was awarded but Brimsek stopped Charlie Conacher, Roy's brother. A few minutes later, Ray Getliffe poked in a rebound off a Cowley shot. In the third, Woody Dumart snapped a shot between Normie Smith's legs as the Bruins won 4-1 for Brimsek's second win.

Having finished a contract hold-out, Eddie Shore wasted no time making his presence felt in his first game back on November 20 against Detroit. The Red Wings had an emergency goaltender, Harvey Teno, playing his second NHL game and in the third period, he'd held the fort with Detroit leading 1-0. After Cooney Weiland tied it up, Shore made one of his patented rushes and set up Bobby Bauer for the winner. Milt Schmidt and Woody Dumart piled on as the "B's" won 4-1.

During the December 8, 1938 game against the New York Americans, Eddie Wares ruptured a kidney crashing into the boards and missed 20 games. On December 18, 1938, the Bruins played Detroit in the first head-to-head match between Tiny Thompson and Frank Brimsek since Tiny's trade. The Red Wings were tied for last in the league and had a weaker defense than the "B's." Thompson stood on his head for more than 50 minutes as both teams were held scoreless. Ironically, his best friend Dit Clapper broke the ice at 11:16 of the third period. Milt Schmidt added an empty net goal in the last minute as Boston won 2-0.

The New Year began with Tiny Thompson's return to Boston, a sellout, for the January 1, 1939 match. The ever popular Thompson was given a standing ovation on his return to the Bruins ice and put on a great show. The Bruins widely outplayed the Red Wings and led 1-0 going into the second period. Frank Brimsek had only one shot to handle in the second frame while Thompson stopped several excellent Boston scoring chances. Doug Young tied the game up at 11:04 of the third but the dam burst as goals by Mel Hill, Flash Hollett (playing center for Cowley) and Charlie Sands saw the Bruins win 4-1.

Boston moved on to Detroit on January 22, 1939 for their third meeting against Tiny Thompson and the teams were held scoreless after two periods. Boston scored two quick goals in the last frame by Milt Schmidt and Charlie Sands, then played defense for ten minutes which the Red Wings couldn't penetrate. Sands then converted a Bill Cowley pass on a two man breakaway before Roy Conacher was tripped by his brother Charlie. Woody Dumart scored on the ensuing penalty shot, the first Bruins success following the modern format. Roy scored a last minute goal for a 5-0 win for Brimsek's 7th shutout.

Toronto Maple Leafs 2, Detroit Red Wings 1
Gordie Drillon scored the series winning goal in overtime in Game 3.

Regular Season

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Playoffs

 * Scoring
 * Goaltending

Note: GP = Games played; G = Goals; A = Assists; Pts = Points; +/- = Plus-minus PIM = Penalty minutes; PPG = Power-play goals; SHG = Short-handed goals; GWG = Game-winning goals

MIN = Minutes played; W = Wins; L = Losses; T = Ties; GA = Goals against; GAA = Goals-against average; SO = Shutouts

Awards and Records

 * The Red Wings did not receive any awards this season.