The Canadiens were appearing in their second straight Finals series, while Detroit was returning after winning in 1950.
The Red Wings swept the Canadiens, shutting them out twice and allowing one goal in each of the other two games.
Detroit defeated the defending champion Toronto Maple Leafs 4–0 to reach the Finals.
The Red Wings went through the playoffs perfect, a feat that has been replicated only once since: in 1960, the Canadiens went 8–0 against first the Chicago Black Hawks and then the Maple Leafs en route to their record fifth consecutive Stanley Cup.
The 1952 Stanley Cup was presented to Red Wings captain Sid Abel by NHL President Clarence Campbell following the Red Wings 3–0 win over the Canadiens in game four.