The Chicago Blackhawks, during the past five years, have claimed two Stanley Cups, won an average of 44.6 regular season games and stayed close to the NHL's average payroll mark.
And for that, they have been named North American's most efficient sports franchise by Bloomberg Businessweek.
The formula is based on how much teams spent on payroll for each win over the last five seasons. The Blackhawks' payroll ($58 million) was about $2 million higher than the league average while their wins (44.6) were seven greater than average. Add in playoff victories (the Blackhawks averaged about six more per year than other teams) and championships (2011 and 2013), and coach Joel Quenneville's team takes the top spot.
The Blackhawks are trailed by the St. Louis Cardinals, the Boston Bruins and the New England Patriots.
The Blackhawks' Chicago brethren, the Cubs, finished last in the 122-team rankings. The Cubs' payroll is 26 percent higher than the MLB average and their regular-season wins are 10 below the average (71 compared to 81). They have no playoff victories in the past five years.
Unfortunately for the Blackhawks, their efficiency isn't making them money. Just last year the team's owner said his franchise is annually $10 million to $20 million in the red.
You can see Bloomberg's entire list here.
(H/T to For The Win)
