Top 5 Players of the 1961 Stanley Cup Finals

Originally published on Nov. 14, 2019

By Zane Miller

On Sunday, April 16th, 1961, the Chicago Black Hawks (now Chicago Blackhawks) defeated the Detroit Red Wings at the Detroit Olympia to win the 48th Stanley Cup Finals four games to two. It was the third Stanley Cup championship for the Black Hawks franchise, and the ninth that was won in Michigan. These are the top five players that I felt most stood out during the series.

5. #10 Alex Delvecchio (Red Wings)- F

Delvecchio picked up player of the game in game two, as he grabbed two goals and an assist as the Red Wings claimed the 3-1 win.

4. #1 Terry Sawchuk (Red Wings)- G

Sawchuk was game four’s player of the game, as he made 26 saves on 27 shots in the Red Wings’ 2-1 victory.

3. #5 Jack Evans (Black Hawks)- D

Evans scored player of the game in game six, picking up a goal as the Black Hawks went on to win it 5-1 to clinch the series championship.

2. #16 Bobby Hull (Black Hawks)- F

Hull earned player of the game in game one, as he scored two goals to help the Black Hawks to the 3-2 win.

1. #21 Stan Mikita (Black Hawks)- F

Mikita took player of the game honors in game five and partial player of the game in game three, as he had a goal in the Black Hawks’ 3-1 win, followed up in game five as he added a pair of goals and an assist as the Black Hawks won it 6-3.

Players of the Game Breakdown:

Link to stats database: https://www.hockey-reference.com/playoffs/1961-chicago-black-hawks-vs-detroit-red-wings-stanley-cup-final.html