2012-13 Chicago Blackhawks
36-7-5 77 points
Stanley Cup Champ – Chicago Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks championship in 2013 was an interesting one to say the least. Not only did the Blackhawks go on an incredible 20 game plus point streak to start the season, but they added the Stanley Cup to their collection at the end of the year.
Chicago had great goaltending by Corey Crawford and Ray Emery throughout the season and playoffs, and that was a big reason they went all the way. However, one large factor that might make sense of the Blackhawks Stanley Cup as a Presidents’ Trophy winner would be the lockout that occurred that season.
Chicago won the Stanley Cup in a lockout season. Not to take away from their hard-earned trophy, but they did not have to go through the long NHL season and then compete in a long playoff series. Rather the Blackhawks only had to faceoff against their conference all season, and only played 6 games against an Eastern Conference team.
Chicago was a great team in 2013, but even they cut it close in the playoffs. Chicago almost lost to the Detroit Redwings in the second round when they were down 3-1 in the series, and they were down 2-1 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Boston Bruins.
Things do not always work out for the Presidents’ Trophy winner, but for the Blackhawks it did.