The 1944 Stanley Cup Finals was a best-of-seven series between the Chicago Black Hawks and the Montreal Canadiens. The Canadiens swept the Black Hawks to win their first Stanley Cup since they defeated Chicago in.

Paths to the Finals

Chicago defeated the defending champion Detroit Red Wings in a best-of-seven 4–1 to advance to the Finals. Montreal defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs in a best-of-seven 4–1 to advance to the Finals.

Game summaries

Maurice "Rocket" Richard made his Stanley Cup debut with a five-goal performance in the series, including a hat trick in game two. The Punch Line of Richard, Elmer Lach and Toe Blake scored ten of the Canadiens' 16 goals. Blake scored the Cup winner in overtime. In the same overtime, Bill Durnan stopped the first penalty shot awarded in the Finals, awarded to Virgil Johnson.

Stanley Cup engraving

The 1944 Stanley Cup was presented to Canadiens captain Toe Blake by NHL President Red Dutton following the Canadiens 5–4 overtime win over the Black Hawks in game four. The following Canadiens players and staff had their names engraved on the Stanley Cup 1943–44 Montreal Canadiens

References and notes