The Black Hawks finished 21 points ahead of the second place Minnesota North Stars.
Pit Martin led the club with 51 assists, and finished second in team scoring with 75 points.
The Hawks opened the playoffs against the Pittsburgh Penguins, who finished fourth in the West Division with a record of 26–38–14, earning 66 points.
The Rangers defeated the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Montreal Canadiens in their first playoff series.
Since the Black Hawks won their division, they were given a home-ice advantage in the series for the second straight year.