Uncovering The Infamous 1970 Playoff Snub: The Gordie Howe Story

The Infamous 1970 Playoff Snub: Uncovering the Gordie Howe Story

The 1970 NHL playoffs were marked by one of the most contentious and enduring debates in hockey history: the snub of the Detroit Red Wings and Gordie Howe from the playoffs. The Red Wings, led by the incomparable Gordie Howe, were a force to be reckoned with that season, dominating their opponents and finishing with a record 31 wins and 19 losses. Yet, when the NHL handed out the final playoff spots, Howe and his team were inexplicably left out in the cold.

As the 1969-70 NHL season drew to a close, the Red Wings found themselves in a familiar position: atop the Norris Division standings. With 53 points from 66 games, they had secured the division title and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs. The playoff format, which had been adopted the previous season, consisted of a best-of-seven series between the top division winner and the two division runners-up. The Red Wings were clearly the team to beat, with a deep roster that boasted some of the greatest players in the game.

Gordie Howe, the Red Wings' stalwart captain, was having one of the greatest seasons of his career. At 40 years old, Howe was still playing at an elite level, scoring 41 goals and adding 35 assists for 76 points. He was a dominant force on the ice, using his speed, agility, and raw talent to outmaneuver opponents and score with ease. The Red Wings' supporting cast was equally impressive, featuring players like Ted Lindsay, Larry Aurie, and Ted Gillies.

So, what happened to the Red Wings in the 1970 playoffs? The answer lies in the NHL's playoff seeding system, which was designed to promote competitive balance and create more opportunities for teams to make the postseason. The top eight teams in each division, based on points percentage, qualified for the playoffs. However, this system had some unintended consequences.

One of the main problems with the 1970 playoff seeding system was the lack of a true "third-tier" playoff spot. With the top three teams in each division guaranteed a spot, the system left several talented teams on the outside looking in. The Red Wings, despite their impressive regular-season record, were not given the chance to compete for the Stanley Cup.

The snub of the Red Wings and the subsequent playoff brackets sparked widespread outrage among hockey fans and players. Many felt that the system was flawed and that it favored teams with more financial resources and deeper rosters. The controversy surrounding the 1970 playoffs helped to bring attention to the issue and paved the way for future changes to the playoff format.

The Impact of the Snub on the NHL

The 1970 playoff snub had a significant impact on the NHL, both in the short-term and long-term. In the short-term, the controversy surrounding the playoffs helped to galvanize support for change. The NHL responded by making several tweaks to the playoff format, including the introduction of a tiebreaker game in the event of a playoff tie.

In the long-term, the snub of the Red Wings and the subsequent changes to the playoff format helped to promote competitive balance and create more opportunities for teams to make the postseason. The NHL's playoff system has continued to evolve over the years, with the introduction of a more comprehensive playoff format and the creation of new playoff spots to accommodate additional teams.

The Legacy of Gordie Howe

Gordie Howe's legacy extends far beyond his impressive on-ice accomplishments. He was a true leader and a beloved figure in the hockey community, known for his incredible work ethic, his charismatic personality, and his commitment to the sport. Howe played in the NHL for an incredible 26 seasons, earning the nickname "Mr. Hockey" and cementing his place in the annals of hockey history.

Howe's impact on the game extends beyond his on-ice accomplishments. He was a tireless advocate for the sport, working tirelessly to promote hockey and increase its popularity. He was also a dedicated philanthropist, supporting a range of charitable causes and organizations throughout his life.

The Red Wings' Reunion

In the years following the 1970 playoff snub, the Red Wings have made several attempts to reunite their classic lineup. While the team has had its share of successes over the years, it has never quite regained the magic of the 1969-70 team.

In recent years, however, the Red Wings have made significant strides in rebuilding their roster and restoring their competitive balance. The team has drafted several talented players, including Mitch Eller, Tyler Bertuzzi, and Moritz Seider, and has made savvy moves in free agency to bolster its lineup.

While the Red Wings may not have won the Stanley Cup in 1970, their legacy lives on in the hearts of hockey fans everywhere. The team's dedication to the sport, its commitment to excellence, and its passion for competition have made it a beloved and respected institution in the hockey community.

The Controversy Surrounding the 1970 Playoffs

The 1970 playoff controversy surrounding the Red Wings and the NHL has continued to this day. Many fans and players feel that the team was unfairly snubbed from the playoffs, while others argue that the NHL's playoff format was simply not conducive to allowing every team to participate.

In 2019, the NHL celebrated the 50th anniversary of the 1969-70 season, and the Red Wings were honored for their achievements that year. However, the team's exclusion from the playoffs in 1970 was still a topic of discussion and debate.

A Look Back at the 1969-70 Red Wings

The 1969-70 Red Wings were a dominant force in the NHL, boasting a roster that featured some of the greatest players of the era