 After the NHL changed its rules to allow forward passing in the offensive zone in the 1929 – 30 season , goal scoring increased league @-@ wide . While Chicago increased its goals scored to 117 , Gardiner 's goals against average rose by only 0 @.@ 57 , to 2 @.@ 42 . Gardiner 's total number of shutouts fell by two , from five to three . Chicago improved its regular season record to 21 – 18 – 15 , placing second in the American Division , and making the playoffs . In the playoffs , the Black Hawks lost to the Montreal Canadiens 3 – 2 in a two @-@ game , total @-@ goal series , losing and tying one game . In the 1930 – 31 season , Chicago placed , once more , second in the American Division , with a 24 – 17 – 3 record . Gardiner recorded one of his best statistical years , recording 12 shutouts to go with a 1 @.@ 73 goals against average . Late in December 1930 the New York Americans offered $ 10 @,@ 000 to the Hawks in exchange for Gardiner , double his salary ; McLaughlin refused the offer . He was also named , for the first time , to the First All @-@ Star team . In the playoffs , Chicago advanced to the Stanley Cup final , losing once more to the Montreal Canadiens , three games to two . Posting a 5 – 3 – 2 record in the playoffs , Gardiner had another two shutouts and a 1 @.@ 32 goals against average . 
