Chicago Blackhawks' 15 Iconic Moments in History

The Chicago Blackhawks are a storied NHL organization, an Original Six franchise that has operating for 84 seasons. 

Over those many years, there have been a plethora of memorable moments.

Some good, some bittersweet. All memorable.

What follows is a look back at 15 iconic moments in franchise history, in chronological order. Feel free to comment on ones you think should be included.

1. Nov. 17th, 1926: The Franchise Makes It's Debut

Played at the Chicago Coliseum, the Blackhawks defeat the Toronto St. Pats 4-1. Chicago had been given an NHL franchise two months earlier, which owner Frederic McLaughlin named for a military unit he had led in World War I.

2. April 10th, 1934: Stanley Cup Champions

Chicago won what was then a best-of-five series with the Detroit Red Wings three games to one, clinching the title with a 1-0 double overtime victory at the Chicago Stadium. Mush March struck the decisive goal 10 minutes into the second extra frame.

'Hawks captain and Vezina Trophy winner Charlie Gardiner, who shutout Detroit, died two months later as the first and only goalie to captain his team to the Stanley Cup.

3. April 12th, 1938: Stanley Cup Champions

Chicago capped an improbable run to the title that year. Having finished the regular season with a 14-25, the 'Hawks won the opening game after plucking an emergency goalie out of a Toronto bar. 

Regular starter Mike Karakas was in net for the last two victories, including the series clincher, a 4-1 triumph over the Maple Leafs.

4. March 23rd, 1952: Bill Mosienko's 21-second Hat Trick

In New York on the season's final day, Mosienko tore off three goals in a 21-second span of the third period that remains the fastest in NHL history. The Blackhawks needed every goal, beating the Rangers 7-6.

Teammate Gus Bodnar nabbed the distinction of assisting on each of the goals. Less than a minute later, Mosienko posted a potential fourth goal. Some guys can't catch a break.

5. April 16th, 1961: Chicago's Third Stanley Cup

A 5-1 win in Detroit gave the Blackhawks cup number three, clinching the best-of-seven series four games to two. 

The win ushered in talk of a possible dynasty, but the rest of the decade saw the 'Hawks come up short, including finals losses in 1962 and 1965.

6. March 12th, 1966: Bobby Hull Nets Goal No. 51

The crowd at the Stadium witnessed the first player in NHL history to score more than 50 goals. Hull's one-timer on a third period power play found the twine to tie the score at two.

After a lengthy ovation from the home audience, Chicago goes on to win the game 4-2.

Hull goes on to score 54 goals that season, the highest total of the Original Six era. Watch No. 51 here.

7. May 18th, 1971: The Blackhawks Lose Game 7 to Montreal

The Blackhawks see a 2-0 lead go for naught as they drop the deciding game of the 1971 Finals to the Canadiens.  The 'Hawks had led the series two games to none and had a 3-2 lead going into the third period of Game 6.

8. June 27th, 1972: Hull Bolts To Winnipeg

After his fifth 50-goal season, Hull signs a one-million dollar contract with the Jets and becomes the first big-name player to defect to the World Hockey Association. No matter how you slice it, the Golden Jet's departure after 15 seasons is the harbinger of a new era in hockey.

9. Oct. 9th, 1980: Stosh's Sweater Goes To The Rafters

Stan Mikita's No. 21 is retired on the opening night of the 1980-81 season after he ended his 22-year career with Chicago the previous season. The 'Hawks mark the occasion with a 4-3 win over Buffalo.

Mikita was the first Blackhawks player to have his sweater number retired.

10. May 9th, 1985: The Anthem Tradition Is Born

The cheers of exited 'Hawks fans anticipating Game Three of the Campbell Conference Finals against Edmonton continues right through the singing of the national anthem.

Chicago wins the game 5-2 and one of sports most unique pregame spectacles is spawned.

11. April 28th, 1994: Farewell To The Stadium

After 66 seasons, the Blackhawks play their final game at the Chicago Stadium. The result is a 1-0 loss to Toronto, who would defeat Chicago in the opening round of the playoffs. Catch the final moments of that game here.

The Maple Leafs had also spoiled the regular season finale at the Stadium, beating the 'Hawks 6-4.

From the massive pipe organ to the second balcony to the steps leading to the abbreviated playing surface, the Stadium is a house of icons unto itself.

12. Feb. 3rd, 2004: The Franchise Nadir

ESPN writer Peter Keating declared the Blackhawks the worst organization in sports. Hockey was irrelevant after the 'Hawks managed one playoff appearance in the previous seven seasons.

Attendance was at an all-time low.  The team was on it's way to a last place in the Central Division with just 59 points. With the NHL lockout looming, this was as bad it it gets for a once-proud franchise.

13. Sept. 26th, 2007: A Changing Of the Guard

After 41 years as owner and team president, William Wirtz passes away. Within days, the organization begins to shed one archaic practice after another.

The first to go is Peter Wirtz, who assumes ownership but almost immediately passes the Blackhawks to younger brother Rocky.

Moves made in the waning years of the Dollar Bill regime (Dale Tallon as the GM and the drafting of Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane) now ring with a renewed sense of hope.

Televising games, bringing back Pat Foley, the Winter Classic in 2009. All stem from this moment.

14. Oct. 10th, 2009: All Hail The Ambassadors

Hull and Mikita are honored at the United Center March 7th, 2008, and given the title of official Blackhawks Ambassadors. After years of acrimony with the previous leadership, Hull is welcomed back to the organization.

Tony Esposito is bestowed the honor March 17th. Denis Savard follows Nov. 13th.

This culminates in the home opener to the highly-anticipated 2009-10 season, when these legends take to the ice before the 'Hawks take on Colorado.

Mikita and Toews holding up the 70-year-old Golden Jet provides a bit of levity to go with a truly historic moment.

15. June 9th, 2010: One Goal Achieved

Kane's overtime goal took a few seconds to register, but it will resonate through the annals of Blackhawks' lore.

Chicago captures it's fourth Stanley Cup, the first in 49 years, with a 4-3 overtime win over Philadelphia.

In just five seasons from the lowest of lows, the 'Hawks have reached the pinnacle of the sport.