1920 Stanley Cup

Lore & Background

This championship is remembered for the clash between the established Ottawa power and the ambitious Seattle Metropolitans from the Pacific Coast Hockey Association. The Senators, featuring the famous 'Big Four' line including Punch Broadbent and Frank Nighbor, brought veteran poise to the ice against a younger American squad seeking glory on the national stage. The series highlighted the physical and tactical superiority of the NHL's top team at the time. Ottawa's defensive structure, anchored by Eddie Gerard, neutralized Seattle's offense effectively. The victory reinforced the Senators' reputation as the standard-bearers of professional hockey during the early twentieth century.

In Their Own Story

Inside Dey's Arena, the air was thick with steam and anticipation. The crowd roared as the puck dropped for the decisive third game. Eddie Gerard skated forward, his wool jersey damp with sweat, rallying the line. A pass to Cy Denneny found open ice near the net. One shot, one sound of leather on wood, and the Ottawa faithful erupted. It was another chapter written in the golden history books of the Rideau Street team.

Reader's Guide

The Ottawa Senators, fresh off establishing themselves within the new NHL structure, faced the Seattle Metropolitans in a best-of-five series to determine the world champion. Seattle represented a significant challenge as the first American-based team to reach the Stanley Cup Finals. However, the Senators' experience and depth proved too much for the western challengers. Ottawa secured a clean sweep of the series, winning all three games played across both cities without dropping a single contest. It remains one of eleven Stanley Cup championships won by the Original Senators, highlighting their incredible consistency and talent throughout the early twentieth century hockey landscape.

Did You Know?

• The Seattle Metropolitans were the first American team to challenge for the Stanley Cup.
• Ottawa swept the series, winning all three games without a loss.
• This was one of eleven total championships won by the Original Ottawa Senators franchise.
• Cy Denneny was instrumental in the offense, leading scoring efforts during the season.