Stan Mikita

During Mikita's true rookie season, it was only the second season in many years in which Chicago made the playoffs. The following year, the 1960-61 season, Mikita played with two broken toes and racked up 100 penalty minutes in the regular season. But in the playoffs, Mikita was a leading offensive force. The Black-hawks had momentum going into the playoffs, and defeated five-time defending champions the Montreal Canadiens. In the finals, the Blackhawks faced the Detroit Red Wings, lead by Mr. Hockey Gordie Howe. Chicago won in six games to capture their first Stanley Cup since the late 1930s.

At the time, it was believed that Mikita and the Blackhawks would be winning several more Cups with their lineup. The team did make the finals in 1962, but lost in six games to the Toronto Maple Leafs. This series showed their vulnerability on defense. But Mikita still made big plays and set a playoff scoring record with 21 points (six goals and 15 assists). Chicago's playoff performance went downhill from there, losing in the semifinals in 1963, then the first round in 1964.