Flyers, Blackhawks met in 1971 playoffs

The Flyers and Blackhawks have met only once in the playoffs and the series didn't last very long.

Hall of Famers Bobby Hull had six goals and two assists and Stan Mikita scored twice and helped on five others as the Blackhawks swept the Flyers in a 1971 West Division quarterfinal.

Simon Nolet had a pair of goals for the Flyers, who were outscored, 20-8.

Game 3 of the series was a particular lowlight, and not just because it was the only game that was close.

Unruly fans littered the Spectrum ice with debris following Chicago's 3-2 win. Hull, who scored the game-winner and tangled with Flyers defenseman Jimmy Mair at the buzzer, was a particular target.

The following day, before Game 4, banners such as "We Want Hull's Blood on the Ice," were removed by Spectrum officials. The angered Blackhawks thumped the Flyers, 6-2, to end it.

"I think the biggest help to the club will be they now know what it's like to play one of the best [teams] in the playoffs," Flyers defenseman Larry Hillman said after the series. "Now everybody knows what a long haul it is for an expansion club to win the Stanley Cup."

Chicago went to the Stanley Cup finals that year, but squandered a 3-2 series lead and lost to the Canadiens in seven games.

Mention "1971" to a Blackhawks fan and expect the same reaction you'd get from a Phillies fan if you whispered "1964." *

- Ed Barkowitz

1971 West Division Quarterfinals

April 7 at Chicago: Blackhawks, 5-2

Game-winning goal: Bobby Hull

April 8 at Chicago: Blackhawks, 6-2

Game-winning goal: Stan Mikita

April 10 at Spectrum: Blackhawks, 3-2

Game-winning goal: Bobby Hull

April 11 at Spectrum: Blackhawks, 6-2

Game-winning goal: Pit Martin

OTHER PHILADELPHIA-CHICAGO

PLAYOFF SERIES

EAGLES (3-2)

1947 NFL Champ.: Lost to Cardinals, 28-21

1948 NFL Champ.: Beat Cardinals, 7-0

1979 NFC Wild Card: Beat Bears, 27-17

1988 Divisional Playoff: Lost to Bears, 20-12

2001 Divisional Playoff: Beat Bears, 33-19

PHILLIES (0-0)

None

ATHLETICS (2-0)

1910 World Series: Beat Cubs, 4-1

1929 World Series: Beat Cubs, 4-1

SIXERS (0-2)

1990 Second round: Lost to Bulls, 4-1

1991 Second round: Lost to Bulls, 4-1

WARRIORS (1-0)

1947 BBA Finals: Beat Stags, 4-1