On This Date In Chicago Blackhawks History

Oct 22, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Blackhawks legend Stan Mikita is honored with a bronze statues outside of the United Center before the game between the Chicago Blackhawks and the Colorado Avalanche. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

On this date in Chicago Blackhawks history,

On April 5, 1970 the Chicago Blackhawks completed their worst to first season with a 10-2 victory at the Chicago Stadium versus the Montreal Canadians.   After not making the playoffs for the first time since 1958, the Hawks didn’t show much promise starting the season with a 0-5-1 record but they unleashed Tony Esposito on the NHL and his record 15 shut outs, and the Hawks would only lose 17  more games the rest of the year to finish 45-22-9.

The Hawks were led by their reliable stars Stan Mikita (39 goals 47 assists) and Bobby Hull (38 goals 29 assists) and Keith Magnuson with 213 penalty minutes and +38 rating.

The Hawks first place finished led them to the playoffs and they swept the Detroit Red Wings in the first round, but in the Conference finals they were swept by the Boston Bruins.

43 years ago today the Hawks finished first after a rare basement finish the year before.

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