Top Boston Bruins Defining Moments in Franchise History

The iconic goal has been dubbed as “The Flight” and the most-commonly known version is from the American CBS Network, which was called by Dan Kelly. Some thought the CBC broadcast would be the one that they would use. However, broadcaster Dick Irvin Jr., who was in the booth with legendary Danny Galvan, explained in his book that the surviving master tape was thrown away. (This was a common practice at a number of stations.)

The Aftermath

Orr’s goal would seal up the Conn Smythe for post-season MVP. The blueliner registered nine goals in that series for Boston.

Boston would go on and win the Cup again in the 1971-72 season. Orr would once again win the Conn Smythe as the Bruins dispacted the New York Rangers in six games.

The moment itself has been replayed countless times. However, it’s one that’s instantly know to fans around the world.

Orr would get elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1979, which would make him the youngest inductee at the time. He would also be awarded the Order of Canada in that same year.

Other Boston Bruins Defining Moments

Too Many Men

Bruins fans knew this one was coming, too. On May 10, 1979, it was Game 7 of the Stanley Cup semifinal series between the Bruins and the rival Montreal Canadiens. Boston was leading late in the game, but that would not be the end result.

Canadiens captain Yvan Cournoyer would rally the troops and his team took advantage of their opening. Boston had took a 4-3 lead, but were called for a too many men penalty with 2:34 left. If you’ve watched “Coach’s Corner” with Don Cherry, the gesturing in the intro package is from that game.

Montreal would get a power-play goal from Guy Lafleur and force overtime. The Habs would finish the job thanks to Yvon Lambert‘s game-winner. The Habs would cement their place as the dominant team of the 1970s with their fourth straight Stanley Cup.

Cherry, who blamed himself for the penalty, was fired by Harry Sinden. Boston would have to wait until the 1980s to reach the Final, which they would lose both to the Edmonton Oilers. However, they would never reach championships heights until the next century.

The Wait is Finally Over

The Bruins ended their 39-year Stanley Cup drought in 2011. Boston would go to seven games against the Vancouver Canucks. However, the deciding game would be in British Columbia.

Vancouver won the President’s Trophy and were favoured to win the Cup. The Canucks raced out to a 2-0 series lead, but the Bruins would force Game 7.

Goalie Tim Thomas made 37 saves as Boston walked away with a 4-0 shutout to hoist the vaunted silver chalice. Legend has it that injured forward Nathan Horton sprinkled some Boston water on the ice to give the Bruins a dose of good luck.

Boston wouldn’t win another Cup with the core group. However, Brad Marchand, Patrice Bergeron and Zdeno Chara would be immortalized in Bruins’ history. Thomas would be awarded the Conn Smythe for his outstanding play in between the pipes.

Honourable Mentions for Other Boston Bruins Defining Moments

With the teams that having longer histories, we’ll mention more moments. Things such as Ray Bourque switching to number 77, the Kraut Line going to war for World War II. Willie O’Ree integrating the NHL, Boston’s first game since the Boston Marathon bombing and “It Was 4-1” also deserve mentioning.

Stick around all summer long as we look at more defining moments from each NHL team.