STAN "THE MAN" MIKITA

In the spring of 1962, the Chicago Black Hawks were hoping to repeat as Stanley Cup champions. After eliminating the Montreal Canadiens in their semi-final match up, they advanced to the Cup final for a showdown with the Toronto Maple Leafs.

One of Chicago's leaders was center Stan Mikita and in game five of the Cup final, he established two new NHL records. The game took place at Maple Leaf Gardens on April 19, 1962.

His two assists on goals scored by Ab McDonald enabled Mikita to set a new mark for playoff points and assists in one playoff year. He became the new point leader by passing Gordie Howe's record of 20 points, which went into the books in 1955. The two helpers gave Mikita a total of 15 assists, also new record.

Ab McDonald's goals were described by Jim Vipond of The Globe and Mail as follows:

Ab McDonald got the second period underway with two quick goals. McDonald picked up a loose puck at centre ice as Stan Mikita and Horton [Tim] jousted against the boards and ... found scoring success with a long shot. Dick Duff was serving a charging penalty when McDonald put Chicago in front 3-2. Again it was a long rising shot but this time from the right side of the rink.

While Mikita was able to achieve personal success in game five, the Maple Leafs doubled them up on the scoreboard by a score of 8-4. And it didn't get better for Chicago in game six at Chicago Stadium. In a tight contest, the Leafs defeated Chicago 2-1, and departed the Windy City with the Stanley Cup.