About the Chicago Blackhawks vs. Detroit Red Wings Rivalry
- History & Previous Meetings
- Chicago Blackhawks Memorable Moments
- Chicago Blackhawks Form and Season
- Detroit Red Wings Memorable Moments
- Detroit Red Wings Form and Season
Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings share one of the most historic rivalries in the National Hockey League (NHL). The two franchises represent the largest metro cities in the Midwest.
The Blackhawks and Red Wings are a part of the Original Six teams in the NHL, including the Boston Bruins, Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs, and New York Rangers. Before the 2013-14 league-wide divisional re-alignment, the Blackhawks and Red Wings shared the most intense rivalry in the post-lockout era.
Both franchises have enjoyed periods of success over the years. The Red Wings are the most successful franchises in NHL history, winning multiple Stanley Cups. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks have registered several championship victories.
The fans from both franchises make their rivalry strong. While there is a deep respect between the Blackhawks and Red Wings, the intense rivalry has also seen animosity and heated exchanges.
History & Previous Meetings
The Blackhawks-Red Wings rivalry started during the inaugural season of the NHL in 1926-27. The two franchises have faced off more than any other clubs in NHL history, with only the Bruins–Canadiens rivalry being the exception.
Competition/League | Matches | Chicago Blackhawks | Detroit Red Wings |
---|---|---|---|
NHL Regular Season | 650 | 277 | 373 |
NHL Playoffs | 71 | 43 | 28 |
Total | 721 | 320 | 398 |
However, after the divisional re-alignment in 2013, the Red Wings joined the Atlantic Division in the Eastern Conference while the Blackhawks remained in the Western Conference’s Central Division. Due to this move, the intensity of the 90-season-long rivalry declined.
The Blackhawks-Red Wings rivalry has now reduced to only two meets every season due to their opposite divisions. The franchises meet once in the post-season if they advance to the Stanley Cup Finals.
Chicago Blackhawks Memorable Moments
The Chicago Blackhawks have registered many memorable wins in their decades-long rivalry, and one such moment emerged at the 1961 Stanley Cup Finals, where the Blackhawks defeated the Red Wings in six games. It was a historic moment for the Blackhawks.
In the 2009 Winter Classic, an outdoor game played at the Wrigley Field in Chicago, the Blackhawks clinched a thrilling 6-4 victory. The match was played in a festive atmosphere with snow falling, and it rekindled the rivalry, bringing it to the national audience.
In the 2013 Western Conference Semifinals, the Blackhawks displayed resilience to stage a comeback through a late game-tying goal by Niklas Hjalmarsson. Then they won in overtime, courtesy of the series-clinching goal from Brent Seabrook.
The Blackhawks defeated the Red Wings to clinch the 2013 Presidents’ Trophy for having the best record in the NHL season. This was a statement victory for the dominance displayed by the Blackhawks in the season.
The arch-rivals faced off in the first round of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. In Game 7, the Blackhawks came from behind to register a 3-2 win in overtime. Seabrook scored the series-winning goal once again.
Chicago Blackhawks Form and Season
The Chicago Blackhawks are currently playing in the 98th season of the NHL. It is their second season under head coach Luke Richardson. The season marks the first time since 2006-07 that Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane.
The Blackhawks have a 3-6 record in the season and are placed at the last spot of the Western Conference’s Central Division. If they improve their record, odds updates will certainlyy follow on the Illinois sports betting apps.
Detroit Red Wings Memorable Moments
The Detroit Red Wings have registered a fair share of wins over their arch-rivals in the NHL history. The 2009 Western Conference Finals between the Red Wings and Blackhawks turned out to be a highly competitive series. Darren Helm scored the winning goal to guide the Red Wings to a 2-1 victory in overtime of Game 5.
In the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Red Wings dominated the series to sweep the Blackhawks in the Western Conference Semifinals. The Red Wings won all four games, including their dramatic 3-1 victory in Game 4. It was a memorable series as it was one of the last playoff matchups between the two sides before their re-alignment.
In the 2002 Western Conference Semifinals, the Red Wings faced off their arch-rivals and secured a series-clinching 4-1 victory in Game 6. The victory was instrumental in guiding the Red Wings to the Stanley Cup victory.
The Red Wings defeated the Blackhawks 6-4 in a thrilling 2013 regular season series opener. Meanwhile, the Red Wings lost the 2009 Winter Classic to the Blackhawks. But the match was memorable for the fans as the Red Wings displayed their resilience in a losing effort.
Detroit Red Wings Form and Season
The Detroit Red Wings are currently featuring in their 98th season of the NHL. It marks their seventh season at the Little Caesars Arena and second under head coach Derek Lalonde.
The Red Wings currently have a 6-3-1 record and are in the second spot of the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. This puts them in a relatively good position if you consider Michigan online sports betting.