Hall's NHL career took off when he joined the Detroit Red Wings. He played his first full season with the team in 1955-56, quickly establishing himself as a reliable presence between the pipes. During his time with the Red Wings, Hall demonstrated remarkable consistency and durability, playing every game of the season and earning the Calder Memorial Trophy as the league's top rookie.
In 1957, Hall was traded to the Chicago Black Hawks, where he would spend the majority of his career. It was with Chicago that Hall truly cemented his legacy. He played an incredible 502 consecutive games, a record for goaltenders that still stands today. This streak is a testament to his endurance and ability to perform at a high level night after night. Hall's tenure with the Black Hawks was highlighted by winning the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goaltender, three times. In 1961, he played a crucial role in leading the team to a Stanley Cup victory, their first in 23 years.
After his time in Chicago, Hall was claimed by the St. Louis Blues in the 1967 NHL Expansion Draft. Despite being in the latter stages of his career, Hall continued to excel. He helped the Blues reach the Stanley Cup Finals in each of his first three seasons with the team. In 1968, Hall's outstanding performance in the playoffs earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy, making him the first player from a losing team to receive the award.
Hall's playing style was characterized by his innovative use of the butterfly technique, where he would drop to his knees and spread his legs to cover the lower part of the net. This approach was revolutionary at the time and influenced generations of goaltenders who followed. His ability to read the game and anticipate plays made him a formidable opponent for any forward trying to score.
Throughout his career, Hall was known for his calm demeanor and unflappable nature, traits that served him well in the high-pressure environment of professional hockey. He retired from the NHL in 1971, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and a standard of goaltending that few have matched.
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