On This Day in Blackhawks History: January 31

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Jonnie Nonnie | Last updated 1/31/24

Here's a list of notable events on January 31 in Chicago Blackhawks history.

1963: Blackhawks' Dynamic Duo Dominates Bruins

On January 31, 1963, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita each scored a hat trick to fuel the Blackhawks' 9-2 win over the Boston Bruins.

Chicago raced ahead with five goals in the first period with Hull and Mikita scoring two apiece. The Bruins got a pair back in the middle frame before Hull and Mikita completed their hat tricks 25 seconds apart in the third period.

#OTD in 1963, Bobby Hull and Stan Mikita each scored a hat trick in the #Blackhawks 9-2 win over the Bruins pic.twitter.com/x685HDqaje
— Four Feathers Podcast (@FourFeathersPod) January 31, 2024

Glenn Hall stopped 39 of 41 Bruins' shots in the Blackhawks' blowout victory.

2021: Elvis Has Left the Crease

On January 31, 2021, the Blackhawks took advantage of two gaffes by Elvis Merzlikins to record a 3-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Chicago and Columbus traded goals in the first period and the tie held through 40 minutes. In the third period, Merzlikins misplayed the puck twice, leading to goals by Pius Suter and Patrick Kane.

Kevin Lankinen made 32 saves on 33 Blue Jackets' shots to backstop the Blackhawks' victory.

Notable Blackhawks Birthdays

Brandon Bollig , a 2013 Stanley Cup champion with the Blackhawks, was born on January 31, 1987. The rugged forward spent three seasons with the Blackhawks and recorded 14 points (seven goals, seven assists) and 201 penalty minutes across 125 regular-season games. Bollig added two points (one goal, one assist) and 37 penalty minutes in 24 playoff games with Chicago.