Detroit Red Wings vs. Chicago Blackhawks: A Century of NHL Rivalry
Few matchups in professional sports carry as much historical weight as the clash between the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks. Spanning nearly a century, this rivalry has evolved from a family-owned business arrangement into one of the most intense and physical competitions in the National Hockey League (NHL).
The rivalry began on November 24, 1926, when the two Midwest expansion teams met for the first time at the Chicago Coliseum. The Detroit Cougars (renamed the Red Wings in 1932) secured a 1–0 victory over the Chicago Black Hawks (renamed the Blackhawks in 1986). The game's lone goal was scored by Frank Frederickson with five minutes left in the third period, assisted by Hobie Kitchen, while rookie goaltender Hap Holmes earned the first shutout of his career. This game marked the first win in Detroit's franchise history and the first loss for Chicago.
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The Original Six Era and Family Ties
During the Original Six era—a 26-year period when the NHL consisted of only six teams—the rivalry had a unique dynamic: both franchises were controlled by the Norris family. Patriarch James Norris owned both teams until his death in 1952. Following his passing, ownership was split between his sons; James co-owned the Blackhawks with Arthur Wirtz, while Bruce inherited the Red Wings.
Despite the family connection, the competition on the ice remained fierce. In 1961, the Blackhawks, led by stars Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, ended a 23-year title drought by defeating Gordie Howe's Red Wings. The tension often boiled over; in the 1960s, Bobby Hull famously hit three heckling Red Wings fans with his stick after they climbed the glass at Detroit's Olympia Stadium.
Division Shifts and Playoff Battles
The structural alignment of the NHL has frequently shifted the intensity of this rivalry. While the teams were separated in 1970–71, they were reunited in the Norris Division in 1981–82, which later became the Central Division in 1993. The passion of the fans was evident at Chicago's United Center, where seven of the ten largest crowds in the arena's history were recorded during games against Detroit.
The postseason amplified the animosity. Key playoff encounters include:
- 1985: The Blackhawks swept the Red Wings in three games in the division semifinals.
- 1987: Detroit retaliated with a four-game sweep in the division semifinals.
- 1989: Chicago emerged victorious in a six-game series.
- 1992: The Blackhawks swept Detroit in four games on their way to the Stanley Cup Final.
- 1995: The Red Wings defeated Chicago in five games during the conference finals.
The rivalry was often defined by physicality and fighting, with players like Bob Probert and Stu Grimson playing for both franchises and frequently fighting one another. This tension extended to the fans, characterized by the infamous "Detroit sucks!" chants in Chicago.
Modern Era and Conference Realignment
In the 21st century, the teams continued to clash in high-stakes games. In 2009, the Red Wings won the Western Conference finals in five games. By 2013, the teams had faced off in the playoffs 16 times and played over 800 regular-season games. In their 2013 playoff meeting, the Blackhawks overcame a 3–1 series deficit to win 4–3, eventually securing their fifth Stanley Cup.
A major shift occurred before the 2013–14 season when the Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, while Chicago remained in the Western Conference's Central Division. This realignment effectively ended the divisional rivalry, limiting their meetings to twice per season. The only exception occurred during the 2020–21 season, when the NHL temporarily realigned divisions to reduce travel during the COVID-19 pandemic, placing both teams back in the Central Division for eight games.
Key Facts
- First Meeting: November 24, 1926 (Detroit won 1–0).
- First OT Cup Goal: Mush March scored the first-ever Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal in NHL history against Detroit in 1934.
- Shared Ownership: Both teams were owned by the Norris family during the Original Six era.
- Total Games: The franchises have played over 800 games against each other.
- Playoff History: The teams have met in the postseason 16 times as of 2013.
| Year | Event | Outcome/Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1926 | First Franchise Meeting | Detroit wins 1–0 |
| 1934 | Stanley Cup Final | Chicago wins; first NHL OT winning goal |
| 1952 | Ownership Split | Norris family divides teams between sons |
| 1961 | Blackhawks Championship | Chicago defeats Detroit to end 23-year drought |
| 2013 | Conference Realignment | Detroit moves to Eastern Conference |
| 2024 | Jersey Retirement | Chicago retires Chris Chelios' no. 7 |
Recent Developments
Even with the conference split, the emotional ties remain. On February 25, 2024, the Blackhawks retired the no. 7 jersey of Chris Chelios, a legend for both franchises. The same night marked Patrick Kane's first return to the United Center as a visiting player. In a rare moment of peace, Kane received standing ovations from Chicago fans for his contributions to their 2010s dynasty, eventually scoring the game-winning goal in overtime.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the first game between the two teams?
The Detroit Cougars (now the Red Wings) won the first meeting on November 24, 1926, with a score of 1–0.
How did the Norris family influence the rivalry?
James Norris owned both the Red Wings and the Blackhawks during the Original Six era. After his death in 1952, the teams were split between his sons, James and Bruce.
What is the significance of Mush March in this rivalry?
In 1934, Mush March scored the first-ever Stanley Cup-winning overtime goal in NHL history during a game against the Red Wings.
Why do the teams play each other less frequently now?
Since the 2013–14 season, the Red Wings have been in the Eastern Conference and the Blackhawks in the Western Conference, meaning they only meet twice a year in the regular season.
Which players played for both the Red Wings and the Blackhawks?
Several notable players have suited up for both teams, including Bob Probert, Stu Grimson, Bill Gadsby, Chris Chelios, and Marian Hossa.