NHL: The Presidents' Trophy is not the trophy to chase

NHL: The Presidents’ Trophy is not the trophy to chase

By Jim Lynch | Dec 19, 2019

NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 9: The Nashville Predators pose with the Presidents' Trophy during the banner raising ceremony prior to an NHL game against the Calgary Flames at Bridgestone Arena on October 9, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) /

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Photo by Mike Stobe/NHLI via Getty Images /

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.

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