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73-74ChiBH
1973–74 Chicago Black Hawks
Division 2nd West
1973–74 record 41–14–23
Home record 20–6–13
Road record 21–8–10
Goals for 272
Goals against 164
Team information
General manager Tommy Ivan
Coach Billy Reay
Captain Vacant
Arena Chicago Stadium
Team leaders
Goals Jim Pappin (32)
Assists Stan Mikita (50)
Points Stan Mikita (80)
Penalty minutes Phil Russell (184)
Plus/minus Bill White (+51)
Wins Tony Esposito (34)
Goals against average Tony Esposito (2.04)

The 1973–74 Chicago Black Hawks season was the Hawks' 48th season in the NHL. The Hawks finished 2nd in the West Division and lost in the Semi-finals to the Boston Bruins 4 games to 2.

Regular Season[]

Chicago started off the season slow, as they had a 2-4-4 record in their first ten games, however, the club then went on a nine game unbeaten streak to push themselves over the .500 mark. The Hawks would battle with the Philadelphia Flyers all season long for top spot in the West Division, as Chicago would finish the year with a record of 41-14-23, earning 105 points, which was their third highest total in club history. It was not enough though, as the Flyers dethroned the Black Hawks for top spot in the West, as they finished with 112 points. The 14 losses by Chicago was the fewest by the team in one season, while the 23 ties they recorded was a new team record. [1]

Offensively, the Black Hawks were led by Stan Mikita, who had a club high 50 assists and 80 points, while Jim Pappin led the team in goals for the second consecutive season, as he scored 32 goals, and finished with 73 points. Pit Martin had another very solid season, scoring 30 goals and 77 points, while Dennis Hull had 29 goals and 68 points. On defense, Dick Redmond emerged as the offensive leader, scoring 17 goals and 59 points, while Bill White recorded 36 points, while having a team high +51 rating. Phil Russell had 10 goals and 35 points, while having a team high 184 penalty minutes.

In goal, Tony Esposito led the club with 34 victories and a 2.04 GAA, along with ten shutouts while appearing in 70 games.[2] Rookie goaltender Mike Veisor backed up Esposito, going 7-0-2 with a 2.23 GAA in 10 games.[3] Chicago tied the Philadelphia Flyers with the fewest goals against in the league at 164, as both Tony Esposito and the Flyers Bernie Parent would share the Vezina Trophy for their achievements.

Sheppard from Orr-24Jan1974

Gregg Sheppard from Bobby Orr, January 24, 1974.

As the season progressed, Al Sims was paired more often with Bobby Orr while John Bucyk moved to Esposito's line and Wayne Cashman played with Derek Sanderson and Dave Forbes. After 5-2 and 1-0 wins over Los Angeles and St. Louis, the Bruins played the Black Hawks on January 24 in a signature match between two of the league's powerhouses. Tony Esposito was brilliant and stopped brother Phil on two breakaways in the first period. Pit Martin potted a power play goal off a Dick Redmond rebound and right after Boston failed to convert their only man advantage of the period, Randy Rota raced down the left wing and blasted a low slapshot past Gilbert for a 2-0 lead. Boston pressed in the second period and a brilliant rush by Bobby Orr sent Gregg Sheppard in to cut the lead to 2-1.

Harris blown call on Orr-24Jan1974

Bill White trips Bobby Orr who is ejected after protesting referee Wally Harris' non-call, January 24, 1974.

After Redmond tripped Orr, Derek Sanderson lost his temper with referee Wally Harris for not awarding a penalty shot and was ejected from the game. Boston held Chicago to only 3 shots in both the second and third periods. The Hawks lined up at their blueline every time Orr made a rush and with less than a minute left, Bill White tripped Orr as he skated into Chicago's zone. Harris refused to call a penalty on White and when Orr protested, Harris gave him a game misconduct. Orr had to restrained by his teammates and Harris added a bench minor penalty to the Bruins. Despite widely outshooting the Hawks, the Bruins lost 2-1.

Final Standings[]

West Division
  GP W L T GF GA Pts
Philadelphia Flyers 78 50 16 12 273 164 112
Chicago Black Hawks 78 41 14 23 272 164 105
Los Angeles Kings 78 33 33 12 233 231 78
Atlanta Flames 78 30 34 14 214 238 74
Pittsburgh Penguins 78 28 41 9 242 273 65
St. Louis Blues 78 26 40 12 206 248 64
Minnesota North Stars 78 23 38 17 235 275 63
California Golden Seals 78 13 55 10 195 342 36

Note: W = Wins, L = Losses, T = Ties, GF = Goals For, GA = Goals Against, Pts = Points
Teams that qualified for the playoffs are highlighted in bold.


Game Log[]

# Date Visitor Score Home Record Pts
1 October 10 Chicago Black Hawks 3–0 Los Angeles Kings 1–0–0 2
2 October 12 Chicago Black Hawks 2–3 California Golden Seals 1–1–0 2
3 October 14 Minnesota North Stars 1-1 Chicago Black Hawks 1–1-1 3
4 October 17 Vancouver Canucks 0–5 Chicago Black Hawks 2–1–1 5
5 October 21 New York Islanders 3–3 Chicago Black Hawks 2–1–2 6
6 October 24 Chicago Black Hawks 1–3 Buffalo Sabres 2–2–2 6
7 October 27 Chicago Black Hawks 4–4 St. Louis Blues 2–2–3 7
8 October 28 Toronto Maple Leafs 1–1 Chicago Black Hawks 2–2–4 8
9 November 1 Chicago Black Hawks 0–1 Philadelphia Flyers 2–3–4 8
10 November 3 Chicago Black Hawks 4–5 Minnesota North Stars 2–4–4 8
11 November 4 New York Rangers 1–4 Chicago Black Hawks 3–4–4 10
12 November 7 Chicago Black Hawks 1–1 California Golden Seals 3–4–5 11
13 November 9 Chicago Black Hawks 4–0 Vancouver Canucks 4–4–5 13
14 November 11 Chicago Black Hawks 3-0 Los Angeles Kings 5–4–5 15
15 November 14 Chicago Black Hawks 4–4 New York Rangers 5-4–6 16
16 November 16 Chicago Black Hawks 6–1 Atlanta Flames 6–4–6 18
17 November 17 Chicago Black Hawks 4–1 Pittsburgh Penguins 7-4–6 20
18 November 21 St. Louis Blues 1-4 Chicago Black Hawks 8–4–6 22
19 November 24 Chicago Black Hawks 3-1 Toronto Maple Leafs 9–4–6 24
20 November 25 Montreal Canadiens 6–4 Chicago Black Hawks 9–5–6 24
21 November 28 Boston Bruins 3–3 Chicago Black Hawks 9–5–7 25
22 December 1 Chicago Black Hawks 5–0 Montreal Canadiens 10–5–7 27
23 December 2 Pittsburgh Penguins 1-2 Chicago Black Hawks 11–5–7 29
24 December 5 Chicago Black Hawks 8–2 Detroit Red Wings 12–5–7 31
25 December 9 Minnesota North Stars 3–5 Chicago Black Hawks 13–5–7 33
26 December 12 Philadelphia Flyers 2-2 Chicago Black Hawks 13–5–8 34
27 December 15 Chicago Black Hawks 3-3 New York Islanders 13–5–9 35
28 December 16 Chicago Black Hawks 6-1 New York Rangers 14–5–9 37
29 December 19 Buffalo Sabres 2–2 Chicago Black Hawks 14–5–10 38
30 December 22 Chicago Black Hawks 2–4 Philadelphia Flyers 14–6–10 38
31 December 23 Vancouver Canucks 2–6 Chicago Black Hawks 15–6–10 40
32 December 26 Los Angeles Kings 3–3 Chicago Black Hawks 15–6–11 41
33 December 29 Chicago Black Hawks 4–2 Pittsburgh Penguins 16–6–11 43
34 December 30 Toronto Maple Leafs 4–3 Chicago Black Hawks 16–7–11 43
35 January 2 New York Islanders 1–5 Chicago Black Hawks 17–7–11 45
36 January 3 Chicago Black Hawks 2-3 Atlanta Flames 17–8–11 45
37 January 6 California Golden Seals 4–9 Chicago Black Hawks 18–8–11 47
38 January 9 Los Angeles Kings 4–4 Chicago Black Hawks 18–8–12 48
39 January 10 Chicago Black Hawks 2–2 Boston Bruins 18–8–13 49
40 January 13 Detroit Red Wings 1–4 Chicago Black Hawks 19–8–13 51
41 January 16 Boston Bruins 5–5 Chicago Black Hawks 19–8–14 52
42 January 19 New York Rangers 3-2 Chicago Black Hawks 19-9–14 52
43 January 20 Vancouver Canucks 2–7 Chicago Black Hawks 20–9–14 54
44 January 24 Chicago Black Hawks 2–1 Boston Bruins 21-9–14 56
45 January 26 Chicago Black Hawks 1–4 Montreal Canadiens 21–10–14 56
46 January 27 New York Islanders 4-2 Chicago Black Hawks 21–11–14 56
47 January 31 California Golden Seals 1–2 Chicago Black Hawks 22–11–14 58
48 February 2 Chicago Black Hawks 3–1 Pittsburgh Penguins 23–11–14 60
49 February 3 St. Louis Blues 0–3 Chicago Black Hawks 24–11–14 62
50 February 6 Atlanta Flames 1–1 Chicago Black Hawks 24–11–15 63
51 February 8 Chicago Black Hawks 3–0 Atlanta Flames 25–11–15 65
52 February 10 Pittsburgh Penguins 3–5 Chicago Black Hawks 26–11–15 67
53 February 13 Los Angeles Kings 0–4 Chicago Black Hawks 27–11–15 69
54 February 16 Chicago Black Hawks 4–0 New York Islanders 28–11–15 71
55 February 17 Toronto Maple Leafs 1-4 Chicago Black Hawks 29–11–15 73
56 February 20 California Golden Seals 0–3 Chicago Black Hawks 30–11–15 75
57 February 23 Philadelphia Flyers 1–3 Chicago Black Hawks 31–11–15 77
58 February 24 Pittsburgh Penguins 4–2 Chicago Black Hawks 31–12–15 77
59 February 27 Chicago Black Hawks 3–1 Minnesota North Stars 32–12–15 79
60 February 28 Chicago Black Hawks 2–2 Buffalo Sabres 32–12–16 80
61 March 3 Chicago Black Hawks 6–6 Detroit Red Wings 32–12–17 81
62 March 6 Chicago Black Hawks 3–3 California Golden Seals 32–12–18 82
63 March 7 Chicago Black Hawks 2–3 Los Angeles Kings 32–13–18 82
64 March 9 Chicago Black Hawks 4–4 Vancouver Canucks 32–13–19 83
65 March 13 Montreal Canadiens 3-3 Chicago Black Hawks 32–13–20 84
66 March 14 Chicago Black Hawks 5–2 New York Rangers 33–13–20 86
67 March 16 Chicago Black Hawks 3–1 Montreal Canadiens 34-13–20 88
68 March 17 Atlanta Flames 3–3 Chicago Black Hawks 34–13–21 89
69 March 20 Buffalo Sabres 3–2 Chicago Black Hawks 34–14–21 89
70 March 23 Chicago Black Hawks 3–1 Philadelphia Flyers 35–14–21 91
71 March 24 Minnesota North Stars 0–6 Chicago Black Hawks 36–14–21 93
72 March 27 Chicago Black Hawks 5–3 Toronto Maple Leafs 37–14-21 95
73 March 28 Chicago Black Hawks 2–2 Buffalo Sabres 37–14–22 96
74 March 30 Chicago Black Hawks 2–1 Detroit Red Wings 38–14–22 98
75 March 31 St. Louis Blues 2–2 Chicago Black Hawks 38–14–23 99
76 April 3 Boston Bruins 2–6 Chicago Black Hawks 39–14–23 101
77 April 6 Chicago Black Hawks 6–3 St. Louis Blues 40–14–23 103
78 April 7 Detroit Red Wings 4–7 Chicago Black Hawks 41-14–23 105

Playoffs[]

The Hawks opened the playoffs against the Los Angeles Kings, who had a record of 33-33-12, earning 78 points, while placing third in the West Division. The series opened with two games at Chicago Stadium, and the Black Hawks used their home ice to their advantage, defeating the Kings 3-1 and 4-1 to take a 2-0 series lead. The series shifted to the The Forum in Los Angeles for the next two games, and the Hawks would continue to shutdown the Kings in the third game, shutting them out 1-0. Los Angeles would avoid the sweep by easily handling the Black Hawks 5-1 to send the series back to Chicago. In the fifth game, the Hawks, led by Tony Esposito, would shutout Los Angeles by a score of 1-0 to eliminate the Kings from the playoffs.

Chicago's next opponent was the Boston Bruins, who had finished the season with a 52-17-9 record, earning 113 points, and a first place finish in the East Division. The Bruins swept the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round. The series opened up with two games at the Boston Garden, but it was Chicago who struck first, doubling the Bruins 4-2 in the series opener. Boston responded in the second game, winning a wild game 8-6 to even the series. The next two games were played in Chicago, and the Black Hawks once again took the series lead, defeating Boston 4-3 in overtime, however, the Bruins once again came back, winning the fourth game 5-2 to even the series once again. The fifth game was back in Boston, and the Bruins took their first series lead, dominating Chicago by a score of 6-2. Boston would clinch the series in the sixth game, winning 4-2 on Chicago ice to eliminate the Black Hawks from the post-season.

Chicago Black Hawks 4, Los Angeles Kings 1[]

# Date Visitor Score Home Record
1 April 10 Los Angeles Kings 1–3 Chicago Black Hawks 1-0
2 April 11 Los Angeles Kings 1–4 Chicago Black Hawks 2-0
3 April 13 Chicago Black Hawks 1–0 Los Angeles Kings 3-0
4 April 14 Chicago Black Hawks 1–5 Los Angeles Kings 3-1
5 April 16 Los Angeles Kings 0-1 Chicago Black Hawks 4-1

Boston Bruins 4, Chicago Black Hawks 2[]

The Bruins and Black Hawks last met in the 1970 Semi-finals where Boston swept Chicago in four games. This series was closer but Gregg Sheppard continued his excellent playoffs with seven points, John Bucyk led the Bruins with nine points and Phil Esposito continued his scoring prowess over his brother Tony, potting six goals. Gilles Gilbert played every minute of the series in goal for the Bruins.

Tony robs Phil-18Apr1974

Tony Esposito makes one of 46 saves, Game 1 of the 1974 Semi-finals, April 18, 1974.

Game 1 at the Boston Garden saw the Bruins fire 48 shots at Tony Esposito, twice as many as the Black Hawks mustered. After Phil Esposito scored on the power play 6:40 into the first period, a fight broke out between Darryl Edestrand and Cliff Koroll. Play grew rougher until Carol Vadnais and Dale Tallon fought. In the second period, Boston had chance after chance that was foiled by Tony Esposito while Stan Mikita and Darcy Rota put the Hawks up 2-1. In the third period, Edestrand tied the game up and overtime loomed until John Marks scored with a little over three minutes to play. Dennis Hull added an empty net goal and thanks to Tony's superlative goaltending, the Black Hawks upset the Bruins 4-2.

Bucyk goal-Game2-21Apr1974

The first of three goals by John Bucyk, Game 2 of the 1974 Semi-finals, April 21, 1974.

Game 2 at Boston was a wild, high-scoring affair where the lead constantly changed hands. John Bucyk scored twice on the power play in the first period, answered by Darcy Rota and Dale Tallon. Early in the second period, Terry O'Reilly staked Boston to a 3-2 lead until Dennis Hull and Germain Gagnon scored. Bucyk scored on the power play again, completing a hat trick and sending the game into the third period tied 3-3. All three of Bucyk's goals were assisted by Bobby Orr and Carol Vadnais. In the third, Phil Esposito and Hull traded goals before the Bruins took the lead for good as Bobby Schmautz, Don Marcotte and Gregg Sheppard scored. John Marks got one back for the Black Hawks but Gilles Gilbert shut the door as Boston won 8-6 and tied the series at a game apiece.

Hodge goal-23Apr1974

Ken Hodge puts the Bruins up 3-1, Game 3 of the 1974 Semi-finals, April 23, 1974.

Game 3 at the Chicago Stadium was the closest game of the series with both team's capitalizing on the man advantage. On the power play, Carol Vadnais scored the only goal of the first period, poking in a loose puck in the crease. 3:09 into the second period, Bill White countered with his own power play marker, blasting a shot along the ice between Gilbert's pads. Gregg Sheppard put the Bruins up 2-1 with his sixth goal of the post season, banging in a rebound off the end boards. In the third period, Ken Hodge added to Boston's lead with Dale Tallon in the penalty box, sliding in a rebound off a Phil Esposito shot. Stan Mikita cut the lead on the power play with a low shot just inside the left post. In the last minute, Mikita tied the game with Tony Esposito pulled for an extra attacker, banking a shot in off Gilbert's pad. In overtime, Bill White found Jim Pappin uncovered at the left post and he one-timed a shot in as the Black Hawks took a 2-1 series lead.

Espo goal-25Apr1974

Phil Esposito scores the game winner, Game 4 of the 1974 Semi-finals, April 25, 1974.

Game 4 at Chicago saw the Bruins play an excellent defensive game in which they held the Black Hawks to under ten shots in each period. Pit Martin opened the scoring before Gregg Sheppard and Ken Hodge gave Boston the lead. In the second period, Phil Esposito scored the game winner on a breakaway after an excellent pass from Hodge. André Savard padded the Bruins lead before Keith Magnuson scored. Late in the period, Phil Esposito fought with Phil Russell. In the third period, Boston choked off Chicago's attacking attempts and Wayne Cashman scored an empty net goal as the Bruins won 5-2 and tied the series at two games apiece.

Bucyk goal-28Apr1974

John Bucyk's second of the game, Game 5 of the 1974 Semi-finals, April 28, 1974.

Game 5 at Boston saw a close-checking first period in which John Bucyk scored the only goal, banking in a low shot off the right post. However, the Bruins broke the game open in the second period, scoring three goal in the first 3:35. Bucyk scored his second of the game on a breakaway, flicking a shot past Tony Esposito's blocker. Phil Esposito scored his fifth of the playoffs, a high shot over Tony's blocker after Ken Hodge dug the puck out from the corner. Dallas Smith then blasted a high shot from the point over Tony's catching glove. Cliff Koroll responded before Esposito scored his second from the slot and Gregg Sheppard added his eighth goal of the post season, blasting a Schmautz pass off the right post and in. Tony Esposito was pulled to start the third period and Mike Veisor played his second NHL playoff game. Veisor shut out the Bruins the rest of the game and though Pit Martin scored, the damage was done as the Bruins won 6-2.

Espo EN goal Game6-30Apr1974

Phil Esposito seals the series victory, Game 6 of the 1974 Semi-finals, April 30, 1974.

Game 6 at Chicago saw Tony Esposito back in the net for the Black Hawks, who played with desperation and were rewarded with a first period goal by Cliff Koroll. The Bruins took over in the second period and the third line came through with Don Marcotte scoring twice. In the third period at 4:18, Len Frig tied the game up on the power play. The game tightened until stalwart Black Hawks defenseman Bill White took a minor penalty and a misconduct with eight minutes to go in the game. Deprived of White's services, Gregg Sheppard scored his ninth goal of the playoffs with less than two minutes to play. Tony Esposito was pulled for an extra attacker but Bobby Orr retrieved a Chicago dump-in and sent Phil Esposito on a breakaway for an empty net goal. The Bruins won 4-2 and took the series by the same score.

# Date Visitor Score Home Record
1 April 18 Chicago Black Hawks 4-2 Boston Bruins 1-0
2 April 21 Chicago Black Hawks 6-8 Boston Bruins 1-1
3 April 23 Boston Bruins 3-4 (OT) Chicago Black Hawks 1-2
4 April 25 Boston Bruins 5-2 Chicago Black Hawks 2-2
5 April 28 Chicago Black Hawks 2-6 Boston Bruins 2-3
6 April 30 Boston Bruins 4-2 Chicago Black Hawks 4-2

Player Stats[]

Scoring Leaders[]

Player GP G A Pts PIM
Stan Mikita 76 30 50 80 46
Pit Martin 78 30 47 77 43
Jim Pappin 78 32 41 73 76
Dennis Hull 74 29 39 68 15
Dick Redmond 76 17 42 59 69

Goaltending[]

Player GP TOI W L T GA SO GAA
Tony Esposito 70 4143 34 14 21 141 10 2.04
Mike Veisor 10 537 7 0 2 20 1 2.23

Playoff Stats[]

Scoring Leaders[]

Player GP G A Pts PIM
Stan Mikita 11 5 6 11 8
Dennis Hull 10 6 3 9 0
Jim Pappin 11 3 6 9 29
Bill White 11 1 7 8 14
Dick Redmond 11 1 7 8 8

Goaltending[]

Player GP TOI W L GA SO GAA
Tony Esposito 10 584 6 4 28 2 2.88
Mike Veisor 2 65 0 1 5 0 3.75

Draft Picks[]

Chicago's draft picks at the 1973 NHL Amateur Draft held at the Mount Royal Hotel in Montreal, Quebec.

Round # Player Nationality College/Junior/Club Team (League)
1 13 Darcy Rota Flag of Canada Canada Edmonton Oil Kings (WCHL)
2 29 Reg Thomas Flag of Canada Canada London Knights (OHA)
3 45 Randy Holt Flag of Canada Canada Sudbury Wolves (OHA)
4 61 Dave Elliot Flag of Canada Canada Winnipeg Jets (WCHL)
5 77 Dan Hinton Flag of Canada Canada Sault Ste. Marie Greyhounds (OHA)
6 93 Gary Doerksen Flag of Canada Canada Winnipeg Jets (WCHL)
7 109 Wayne Dye Flag of Canada Canada New Westminster Bruins (WCHL)
8 125 Jim Koleff Flag of Canada Canada Hamilton Red Wings (OHA)
9 140 Jack Johnson Flag of the United States United States University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
9 141 Steve Alley Flag of the United States United States University of Wisconsin (NCAA)
10 156 Rick Clubbe Flag of Canada Canada University of North Dakota (NCAA)
11 165 Gene Strate Flag of Canada Canada Edmonton Oil Kings (WCHL)

Gallery[]

See Also[]

References[]

Sources[]

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