During the 1960-61 NHL season, the Chicago Blackhawks achieved the ultimate goal, winning the Stanley Cup. But surprisingly, offensive fireworks were not a regular occurrence.
Across the entire league, 21 hat tricks were recorded that year. The Blackhawks accounted for just one of them. Despite finishing third overall in the six-team NHL and placing fourth in goals scored, Chicago relied heavily on elite goaltending and structured defensive play rather than high-powered offense.
Highlights
- Chicago recorded just one hat trick during the 1960–61 season
- The Blackhawks still went on to win the Stanley Cup
- Bobby Hull scored all three goals in a 3–2 win over the Rangers
- Hull fired 13 shots on goal in the game
- Two of his goals came on the power play
- The hat trick included the game-winning goal late in the third
- Hull followed it up by factoring in all goals in a 3–0 shutout win
- Chicago relied more on defense and goaltending than offense
The Golden Jet Takes Over At Chicago Stadium
That lone hat trick came early in the season and it belonged to a rising superstar.
On October 9, 1960, at Chicago Stadium, Bobby Hull delivered a dominant performance, scoring all three goals in a 3-2 victory over the New York Rangers. Hull was a one-man offensive engine, firing 13 of Chicago’s 38 shots on goal against Rangers netminder Gump Worsley.
Hull opened the scoring late in the first period with a power-play goal, assisted by Bill Hay and Murray Balfour. The timing was especially painful for New York, as Andy Hebenton was just seconds away from exiting the penalty box.
Clutch Goals Seal The Comeback
The Rangers responded by taking a 2-1 lead into the third period on goals from Harry Howell and Brian Cullen. But the final frame belonged entirely to Hull.
Just 2:53 into the period, he struck again on the power play to tie the game, with assists from Ed Litzenberger and Moose Vasko. Once again, the Rangers were on the verge of killing the penalty before Hull capitalized.
Then, at 16:08, Hull completed the hat trick, scoring the game-winning goal with help from Bill “Red” Hay.
Hull Stays Red Hot
Hull didn’t slow down after his standout performance.
In the very next game, a 3-0 shutout win over the Toronto Maple Leafs, he factored into every Chicago goal. Hull assisted on Dollard St. Laurent’s game-winner, scored an insurance goal, and added another assist on Murray Balfour’s first goal of the season.
The Golden Jet: A Spectacular Career In Stunning Photographs
A visually rich tribute to Bobby Hull’s legendary career, featuring stunning photographs that capture the speed, power, and charisma of one of hockey’s greatest goal scorers.
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