May 10, 1970. A fan sitting behind the Blues’ goal is holding a sign that says “Happy Mother’s Day, Mrs. Orr.” Bobby’s mother has traveled to Boston from her home in Canada for this game.
The series between Boston and St. Louis hadn’t been much of a challenge for Boston, having won the previous games by 6-1, 6-1, and 4-1.
The Game Four scoring opens with Rick Smith beating Blues goalie Glenn Hall. Late in the period, Red Berenson ties the score for the Blues.
Gary Sabourin puts St. Louis ahead in the second, but Phil Esposito answers back with his 13th goal of the playoff series, breaking the record set by Maurice Richard in 1944 and tied by Jean Beliveau in 1956.
Larry Keenan gives the Blues a 3-2 edge in the first minute of the third and the pressure is on for the Bruins.
In front of 14,385 fans and a national TV audience, the Bruins desperately want to win the series at home.
Finally, John Bucyk, who has been a Bruin since 1957, forces overtime with a tip-in at the 13:48 mark and the crowd goes crazy.
Forty seconds into sudden death overtime, Bobby Orr takes a pass from Derek Sanderson and knocks in the game-winner. Just after he shoots, Noel Picard hooks Orr’s skate and Orr goes flying.
For a moment forever captured in time, Bobby Orr really is Superman.
Note: this is part two of the Greatest Playoff Moments series. Read part one here.
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2 months ago
It must be nice for Bruins fans to have these types of memories, but since that happened in 1970 and now its over 30 years later shouldnt they be trying to make NEW memories. Most of the time it seems like the Bruins dont really care about winning because they make horrible decisions with thier players. Making the playoffs again in I dont know how many seasons (but it was awhile) is the first step. Now you go out this golfing season and make your team stronger. And for God's sake dont trade away your best players anymore.
2 months ago
Hey, better than loving a team with NO MEMORIES AT ALL ... like my team...
about 1 month ago
The most famous photograph in sports history. 'Nuff said.
I just finished reading Stephen Brunt's biography, Searching for Bobby Orr. Fantastic book that transcends hockey.
from about 1 month ago
I read that book too. It really revealed what he was like away from the ice. I liked the article. This is one of the moments I wish I were alive to see.
about 1 month ago
Just look at that trajectory—Bobby is seconds away from falling flat on his face, and he doesn't even have a helmet on.
And yet he's got his hands above his head, ready to celebrate, even as he goes flying.
We think hockey players today are tough? We would do well to remember Mr. Orr. Thanks for the recap of one of sports finest moments Jennifer.
from about 1 month ago
Hey, you think Bobby Orr was tough? You should see what Rocket Richard did with a severe concussion. It's part one of this series. And then there's this little incident:
Mark Messier clotheslined Rich Sutter with his stick. It broke several of Rich's teeth, and he endured over four hours in the dentist's chair. The dentist reported having to remove hockey tape that was embedded in Rich's mouth. Ultimately, he lost four teeth.
May I just say ouch?
Watch for more tough guys, as I'll be writing about one who played on a broken leg.
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