Photo: Kamil Krzaczynski/USA TODAY Sports

On This Day in Blackhawks History: February 20

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 2/20/24

Here's a list of notable events on February 20 in Chicago Blackhawks history.

1944: Blackhawks, Maple Leafs Turn in NHL's Only Complete Clean Sheet

On February 20, 1944, the Blackhawks and Toronto Maple Leafs played the only scoreless, penalty-free game in NHL history.

Toronto's Paul Bibeault and Chicago's Mike Karakas recorded shutouts in front of a crowd of 18,534 gathered at Chicago Stadium. Ties weren't uncommon in the NHL's yesteryear, but a penalty-free game on top of it is pretty remarkable.

On this day in 1944, a record crowd of 18,534 watched the Maple Leafs and Black Hawks dueled to the first and only scoreless, penalty-free game in NHL history #Leafs365 #Blackhawks #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/jSS8ByhudO
— Mike Commito (@mikecommito) February 20, 2023

Notable Blackhawks Birthdays

Phil Esposito, a Hall of Fame NHL center, was born on February 20, 1942. While Esposito racked up most of his accolades with the Boston Bruins, he spent the first four seasons of his NHL career in Chicago. The Ontario native scored 174 points (74 goals, 100 assists) in 235 regular-season games with the Blackhawks. Esposito added eight points (four goals, four assists) in 29 playoff games with Chicago.

Jarred Tinordi, a current Blackhawks defenseman, was born on February 20, 1992. Tinordi joined the Blackhawks as a waiver claim ahead of the 2022-23 season. As of this writing, the rugged blueliner has 14 points (two goals, 12 assists) and 80 penalty minutes in 77 regular-season games with the Blackhawks.