History of Blackhawks–Red Wings rivalry in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 10, 2025

The Blackhawks–Red Wings rivalry is a long-standing and intense matchup in the NHL. Originating in 1926–27, the inaugural season for both teams, it became the Central Division's fiercest rivalry post-lockout before realignment in 2013-14. Geographically close, representing the Midwest's largest metro areas separated by a 280-mile stretch along I-94, their frequent meetings have resulted in the most regular-season games played between any two NHL teams. Only the Bruins–Canadiens rivalry surpasses them when Stanley Cup playoff games are included, highlighting the historical significance and frequency of their contests.

November 24, 1926: First Game

On November 24, 1926, the Detroit Cougars defeated the Chicago Black Hawks 1–0 at the Chicago Coliseum. Frank Frederickson scored the only goal, assisted by Hobie Kitchen, and Hap Holmes recorded a shutout. It was the first win for Detroit and the first loss for Chicago.

1926: Inaugural Season

In 1926, the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings franchises began playing each other during their inaugural season in the NHL.

1934: Blackhawks Win First Stanley Cup

In 1934, the Chicago Blackhawks won their first Stanley Cup against the Detroit Red Wings. Winger Mush March scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal in double-overtime.

1952: Norris Family Ownership Split

In 1952, upon the death of James Norris, ownership of the Blackhawks and Red Wings franchises was split between his sons, James and Bruce.

1961: Blackhawks Break Title Drought

In 1961, the Chicago Black Hawks, led by Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita, defeated Gordie Howe's Detroit Red Wings, ending a 23-year title drought.

1970: Realignment

Starting in 1970, the Blackhawks were realigned to the West Division while the Red Wings remained in the East Division.

1981: Reunion

In 1981, the Blackhawks and Red Wings were reunited in the reconfigured Norris Division.

1985: Blackhawks Sweep Red Wings

In the 1985 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Blackhawks completed a three-game sweep against the Red Wings in the division semifinals.

1986: Name Change

In 1986, the Chicago Black Hawks team name was compounded to Blackhawks.

1987: Red Wings Sweep Blackhawks

In the 1987 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Red Wings swept the Blackhawks in four games in the division semifinals.

1989: Blackhawks Defeat Red Wings

In 1989, the Blackhawks defeated the Red Wings in six games during the Stanley Cup playoffs.

1992: Blackhawks Sweep Red Wings Again

In 1992, the Blackhawks swept the Red Wings in four games en route to the 1992 Stanley Cup Final.

1993: Division Renamed

In 1993, the Norris Division, which included both the Blackhawks and Red Wings, was renamed the Central Division.

1995: Red Wings Defeat Blackhawks

In the 1995 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Red Wings defeated the Blackhawks in five games in the conference finals, advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.

1999: Chelios Returns to Chicago

In 1999, Chicago native Chris Chelios was booed upon his return to the United Center as a Detroit Red Wings player.

2009: Hossa Returns to Detroit

In 2009, former Red Wing Marian Hossa was booed upon his return to the Joe Louis Arena as a Chicago Blackhawk player.

2009: Red Wings Win Conference Finals

In the 2009 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Red Wings defeated the Blackhawks in five games in the Western Conference finals, advancing to the 2009 Stanley Cup Final.

2012: Last time in the same division

The 2012-13 NHL season was the last time before 2020 that Detroit and Chicago shared a division.

2013: Red Wings Move to Eastern Conference

In 2013, as a result of NHL realignment, the Red Wings moved to the Eastern Conference's Atlantic Division, ending the intense rivalry with the Blackhawks after almost 90 seasons.

2013: Divisional Realignment

In 2013, the NHL underwent a league-wide divisional realignment which intensified the Blackhawks–Red Wings rivalry in the Central Division during the post-lockout era.

2013: Blackhawks Win Series and Advance to Stanley Cup

In the 2013 Stanley Cup playoffs, the Blackhawks defeated the Red Wings 4–3 after trailing 3–1 in the series, advancing to win their fifth Stanley Cup.

2020: Temporary Realignment

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, the NHL temporarily realigned the divisions for the 2020–21 NHL season, placing Detroit and Chicago in the same division, the Central, for the first time since the 2012-13 season, with eight games between them.

2021: League reverts to 2013-20 alignment

In the 2021-22 NHL season, the league reverted to its 2013-20 alignment, removing the Blackhawks and Red Wings from the same division.

February 25, 2024: Chelios' Jersey Retirement and Kane's Return

On February 25, 2024, the Blackhawks retired Chris Chelios' no. 7 jersey before a game against the Red Wings. Patrick Kane made his first appearance in Chicago's United Center as a visiting player and scored the game-winning goal in overtime.