1961 Stanley Cup Finals



The 1961 Stanley Cup Final was contested by the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Black Hawks. Chicago was making its first appearance since the 1944 Stanley Cup Finals while Detroit, their first appearance since the 1956 Stanley Cup Finals. The Black Hawks won the best-of-seven series four games to two to win their third Stanley Cup, their first since 1938.

Paths to the Final
Detroit defeated Toronto Maple Leafs while Chicago defeated the defending champion Montreal Canadiens to advance to the Finals.

The Series
Two of the most notable athletes in Chicago sports history, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita made their first Stanley Cup appearances. Hull scored two in Game 1, including the winner, and Mikita scored the winner in Game 5.