Since more than half the clubs in the NHL make the playoffs, it isn't hard to find fans who argue that the regular season is somewhat devalued. Rarely has that been more apparent than in the 1937-38 season.

The NHL, struggling through the Depression era along with the rest of the world, had only eight teams that season, four in the Canadian Division and four in the American Division. One of the American teams was the Chicago Blackhawks, a collection of moderately talented players coached by rookie Bill Stewart, a major-league baseball umpire whose stern demeanor was seemingly more important to owner Major Frederic McLaughlin than the fact he had no hockey experience.

McLaughlin had several unique ideas about running a hockey team, including icing a roster that was made up largely of American-born players. "I intend to throw off the traditional Canadian influence over this game," he said.

Critics scoffed as Chicago stumbled through the regular season with a 14-25-9 record. The Blackhawks scored only 97 goals that season while allowing 139 and stumbled into the third and final playoff spot in the American Division only two points ahead of last place Detroit, which had collapsed from a first-place finish the season before.

But when the playoffs began, McLaughlin and company would gain the last laugh. The Blackhawks upset Montreal and the New York Americans in the first two rounds, and then rallied in the Finals against Toronto, culminating with a 4-1 victory on April 12 at home, becoming the first, and only team ever to win the Stanley Cup despite having a losing record in the regular season.

It was one of the great moments in hockey history, and it took place during the week of April 10-16.

April 10

Clint Benedict was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1965.(Provided to SportsLine)

His peers considered Clint Benedict the greatest goalie of his era, which is high praise considering he opposed such talents as Georges Vezina and Georges Hainsworth. Benedict won four Stanley Cups during his career and the league best goals-against average six times during a 12-year career with Ottawa and the Montreal Maroons that ended in 1930. Benedict holds several NHL records, including one he set on this date in 1928 when he blanked the New York Rangers 2-0 in Game 3 of the Stanley Cup for his 15th career playoff shutout.

April 11

Norm Ullman never played on a Stanley Cup winner.(Provided to SportsLine)

Norm Ullman was a smooth skater and stickhandler who spent 20 years in the NHL with Detroit and Toronto. He was part of the one of the most famous trades in the game, going to the Maple Leafs from the Red Wings in a deal that sent Frank Mahovlich the other way, but Ullman accomplished a great deal in his own right, including setting a playoff record that may never be broken. On this date in 1965 while a member of the Red Wings, Ullman scored two goals against Chicago just five seconds apart, setting a mark for the two fastest goals by one player.

April 12
Maurice Richard was the first player with more than 600 total goals in his career.(AP)	Maurice 'Rocket' Richard was one of the greatest scorers the NHL has ever known, electrifying crowds with his speed and power throughout his brilliant NHL career. Richard's playing days ended in 1960 and on this date that year, he scored his 34th and final Stanley Cup playoff goal.

April 13

Tim Kerr scored more than 50 goals four times in his career.(Allsport)

At 6-foot-three, 230 pounds, Tim Kerr was like an immovable object in front of opponent's nets when he played for the Philadelphia Flyers. Kerr didn't score many pretty goals, but he had a knack of pouncing on loose rebounds and driving them home, a talent that proved particularly effective on the power play. Never was that more apparent than in the scond period of a playoff game on this date in 1985 against the Rangers, when Kerr scored four times, three of them with a man advantage. Both those accomplishments are records.

April 14

Jacques Plante had a lifetime winning percentage of .614.(Provided to SportsLine)

Many observers consider the Montreal Canadiens of the late 1950s to be the greatest team of all time. It's hard to argue with the success they enjoyed, winning a record five consecutive Stanley Cups from 1955 to 1960, a mark that has never been equaled. The Canadiens clinched their final Cup of that run in style on this date in 1960 behind the great goaltending of Jacques Plante who shutout the Toronto Maple Leafs 4-0 to complete a four-game sweep.

April 15

Clark Gillies is one of five Islanders to have his number retired.(Allsport)

Clark Gillies was a quintessential power forward, someone who could mix it up in the corners or drive to the net and find ways of scoring key goals. He was the first round draft choice of the New York Islanders in 1974 and he made himself a key part of the lineup that would go on to win four consecutive Stanley Cups in early 1980s. Gillies was also a fan favorite on Long Island, but he was never more popular than on this night in 1977 when he scored against Buffalo in the third game of a semifinals series. It was his fourth consecutive game-winning goal, a playoff record.

April 16

Turk Broda was at his best in the playoffs, posting a 1.98 GAA.(Provided to SportsLine)

With World War II raging in Europe during the first half of the 1940s, most NHL teams lost players to overseas service and were unable to put together a team that could dominate. When the conflict ended and players returned, the Toronto Maple Leafs iced a lineup that was the most powerful of its era. On this date in 1949, Toronto defeated the Detroit Red Wings to capture its third consecutive Stanley Cup, the first team in history to manage that feat.

Historical photos courtesy of Hockeyonline.com