Today, we’re going to blast back to one of the most memorable moments of NHL history. On May 10, 1970, the Boston Bruins managed to overcome the St. Louis Blues in overtime to emphatically win their first Stanley Cup since World War II. The back story to the finals was riveting and, even more importantly, the winning goal marked the coming of one of, if not the best players that the NHL has ever seen.
A summer to remember
The 1970 Stanley Cup finals marked the coming of a new age. Firstly, it was the first time since 1965 that the Montreal Canadiens – Boston’s arch nemesis – wasn’t present in the finals, having won four of the last five. Also, it was the last year of what was the St. Louis Blues’ most dominant period to date, appearing in their third consecutive finals in their third season of NHL competition.
Without their ever-dominant eternal rivals in the playoffs bracket, the Boston Bruins overcame the New York Rangers and Chicago Black Hawks convincingly. The St. Louis Blues went two-for-two before winning games five and six in their series against the Minnesota North Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins.
This culminated in a Stanley Cup Finals to remember for Boston Bruins fans, but one to continue the inaugural years of heartbreak for followers of the Blues. At the St. Louis Arena, the Bruins romped the Blues 6-1 and 6-2 and then continued their dominance with a 4-1 win at Boston Garden in Game 3. But then, at Boston Garden, the Blues did something rather unexpected in Game 4: they put up a fight.
Neither team was willing to give the other the edge in Game 4, with the two teams trading single goal leads until a 3-3 scoreline remained at the end of regulation. Then came what was one of the most memorable goal celebrations in NHL history, marking the true breakout season of a future legend of the game.
Bobby Orr and “The Dive”
The Boston Bruins boast a long and coveted history in the NHL as a member of the Original Six. Through the years, they’ve hosted many stars of the sport – even now, with four-time Frank J. Selke Trophy winner Patrice Bergeron at center and sniper Brad Marchand on the left wing – but these stars aren’t enough to bolster the team’s Stanley Cup credentials.
5/10/1970- Bobby Orr’s Goal that won the Stanley Cup- Boston Garden, Boston, Ma. Photo by Ray Lussier/ Boston Record American
To win the Eastern Conference Finals this season, the Bruins are at +1900 when making a bet online, whereas the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Toronto Maple Leafs are favored at +350 and +450, respectively. 1970 was the dawn of a marvelous era of hockey in Boston, one that centered around a certain superstar defenseman.
In the three seasons leading up to the 1969-1970 campaign, Bobby Orr had already begun to make waves in the league for his gung-ho style of play from the defenseman position. With 41, 31, and 64 regular season points in his first three seasons, Orr truly had his breakout campaign in the running to the 1970 Stanley Cup final.
Scoring a massive 33 goals and 87 points through 76 games of the regular season, Orr helped the Bruins to place second in the East Division, contributing to just over 43% of the team’s 277 goals tally. He continued to be on fire in the playoffs, scoring eight goals and 20 points in just 14 games in the running to Game 4 of the finals.
Then came the moment that would cement the 22-year-old’s place in history, “The Dive.” Overtime began at Boston Garden, and Boston held possession. Just as it was about to leave the Blues’ zone, Orr riskily picked up the puck down the right wing, played a one-two with the behind the net Derek Sanderson, took it and snapped it past goalie Glenn Hall to win it all.
Orr immediately burst into the air to produce one of the most iconic photos in sports history. Captured by Boston Record-American photographer Ray Lussier, the image of Orr in midair, arms far-flung, with a colossal grin on his face is recognized by every Bruins fan to this day.
It was one of the greatest nights in Boston Bruins history, with Bobby Orr winning the Conn Smythe Trophy following a tremendous postseason. He went on to notch 139 season points in the following season – a standing record to this day – finishing his career with 915 points in 657 regular season games – 26 games and 27 points for the Chicago Blackhawks – 92 points in 74 playoff games, and two Stanley Cups victories from three finals.
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