Page "Detroit Red Wings" Paragraph 7

In 1932, the NHL let grain merchant James E. Norris, who had made two previous unsuccessful bids to buy an NHL team, purchase the Falcons.

Norris ' first act was to choose a new name for the team – the Red Wings.

Earlier in the century, Norris had played on one of hockey's early powers, the Montreal HC, nicknamed the " Winged Wheelers.

" Norris transformed the club's logo into the first version of the Red Wings logo as it is known today.

Norris also placed coach Jack Adams on a one-year probation for the 1932 – 33 NHL season.

Adams managed to pass his probationary period by leading the renamed franchise to first ever playoff series victory over the Montreal Maroons.

Despite this success, the team lost in the semi-finals to the New York Rangers.