By the Numbers: 61—A Look Back at "Mr. Goalie's" Stanley Cup Heroics with the Chicago Blackhawks
In the history of the Chicago Blackhawks, the number “61” is more than just a digit. It represents the moment Glenn Hall turned his legendary endurance into championship hockey. 1961 was the year Chicago finally conquered the hockey world—winning the Stanley Cup for the first time since 1938—on the back of the most durable goaltender to ever play the game.
The Iron Man’s Standard
The 1960-61 season was a masterclass in psychological and physical toughness. Hall, famously known as “Mr. Goalie”, was in the midst of his record-breaking streak of 502 consecutive NHL games (552 [including playoffs]). This feat is often cited as one of the most unbreakable records in professional sports. And even with the pressure of the moment, Hall delivered exactly what Chicago needed. Alongside him was a Chicago lineup stacked with talent (e.g., Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita), but it was Hall who gave the team its backbone.
The ’61 Stanley Cup Final—A Clinic in the Crease
Against the Detroit Red Wings in the ‘61 Stanley Cup Final, Hall showed that his “Iron Man” label wasn’t just about showing up every night. It was about rising to the occasion when it mattered most.
Game 1 (3–2 Win): Hall stopped 34 shots
Game 2 (3–1 Loss): Hall stopped 36 shots
Game 3 (3–1 Win): Hall stopped 35 shots
Game 4 (2–1 Loss): Hall stopped 28 shots
Game 5 (6–3 Win): Hall stopped 33 shots
Game 6 (5–1 Win): Hall stopped 21 shots; helping to win the ’61 Stanley Cup for the City of Chicago
The Immortal ’61 Stanley Cup Final
Although Glenn Hall passed away at age 94 on January 7, 2026, his Stanley Cup championship performance in ’61 remains immortal. He finished that playoff run with a staggering .920 save percentage—a feat achieved while playing every single minute of the post-season.
To the Blackhawks organization, the ’61 Stanley Cup championship will forever represent the golden standard of goaltending and the “Iron Man” who defined what it meant to be a champion.