Sharks vs Blackhawks: A Rivalry for the Ages
The San Jose Sharks and the Chicago Blackhawks are two of the most storied franchises in the National Hockey League (NHL). Their rivalry is one of the most heated and passionate in the league, with both teams boasting a rich history and a passionate fan base.
Origins of the Rivalry
The rivalry between the Sharks and Blackhawks began in the early 1990s, when both teams were rising powers in the NHL. The Sharks joined the league in 1991, while the Blackhawks were in the midst of a rebuild after struggling through the 1980s.
The first meeting between the two teams took place on October 16, 1991, with the Blackhawks winning 6-2. However, the Sharks would get their revenge the following season, winning 4-2 in Chicago.
Regular Season Matchups
Since their first meeting, the Sharks and Blackhawks have met 213 times in the regular season. The Blackhawks hold a slight edge in the series, with a record of 103-93-17. However, the Sharks have won the last four meetings between the two teams.
Regular Season Records
| Team |
Wins |
Losses |
Ties |
| Sharks |
93 |
103 |
17 |
| Blackhawks |
103 |
93 |
17 |
Playoff Matchups
The Sharks and Blackhawks have met in the playoffs on three occasions:
- 2010 Western Conference Semifinals: Blackhawks win 4-2
- 2013 Western Conference Quarterfinals: Sharks win 4-3
- 2019 Western Conference First Round: Blackhawks win 4-3
The Sharks' victory in 2013 was particularly significant, as it marked the first time that they had defeated the Blackhawks in a playoff series.
Playoff Records
| Team |
Wins |
Losses |
| Sharks |
1 |
2 |
| Blackhawks |
2 |
1 |
Key Players
Over the years, many great players have played for both the Sharks and Blackhawks. Some of the most notable players include:
Sharks:
- Joe Thornton
- Patrick Marleau
- Evander Kane
- Logan Couture
- Erik Karlsson
Blackhawks:
- Jonathan Toews
- Patrick Kane
- Marian Hossa
- Duncan Keith
- Brent Seabrook
Rivalry Highlights
The Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry has been marked by several memorable moments, including:
-
The "Homerun Save" (2010): During the 2010 Western Conference Semifinals, Sharks goalie Antti Niemi made a spectacular save on a shot by Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane. The save was so good that it was later dubbed the "Homerun Save."
-
The "Flying Elbow" (2013): During the 2013 Western Conference Quarterfinals, Sharks forward Raffi Torres was suspended for 25 games for a hit on Blackhawks forward Marian Hossa. The hit was widely condemned as being dirty and dangerous.
-
The "Game 7 Showdown" (2019): The 2019 Western Conference First Round series between the Sharks and Blackhawks went to a thrilling Game 7. The Blackhawks ultimately won the game 4-3 in overtime, but the series was a classic that will be remembered for years to come.
Legacy
The Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry is one of the most passionate and intense in the NHL. Both teams have a rich history and a passionate fan base, and their meetings are always highly anticipated.
The rivalry is sure to continue for many years to come, and it is sure to produce more memorable moments along the way.
Pros and Cons of Sharks vs Blackhawks Rivalry
Pros:
-
Competitive games: The Sharks and Blackhawks are two of the most evenly matched teams in the NHL, which makes for competitive and exciting games.
-
Passionate fan bases: Both the Sharks and Blackhawks have passionate and loyal fan bases, which creates a great atmosphere at games.
-
Historically significant: The rivalry between the Sharks and Blackhawks is one of the most storied in the NHL, dating back to the early 1990s.
Cons:
-
Bitter rivalry: The Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry is one of the most bitter in the NHL, which can sometimes lead to dirty play and suspensions.
-
Missed opportunities: The Sharks have lost several key playoff series to the Blackhawks, which has prevented them from advancing to the Stanley Cup Final.
-
Injuries: The Sharks and Blackhawks have both been affected by injuries in recent years, which has made it difficult for them to compete at their best.
FAQs
1. Who has the most wins in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry?
The Blackhawks have the most wins in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry, with a record of 103-93-17.
2. When was the first Sharks-Blackhawks game?
The first Sharks-Blackhawks game was played on October 16, 1991, with the Blackhawks winning 6-2.
3. Who has the most goals in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry?
Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks has the most goals in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry, with 21.
4. Who has the most assists in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry?
Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks also has the most assists in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry, with 31.
5. Who has the most points in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry?
Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks has the most points in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry, with 52.
6. Who has the most penalty minutes in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry?
Evander Kane of the Sharks has the most penalty minutes in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry, with 150.
7. Who has the most game-winning goals in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry?
Patrick Kane of the Blackhawks has the most game-winning goals in the Sharks-Blackhawks rivalry, with 7.
Call to Action
If you are a fan of the Sharks or the Blackhawks, be sure to check out their next game. The rivalry between these two teams is one of the most passionate and intense in the NHL, and you are sure to have a great time.
