The 1970 Stanley Cup Final marked a significant moment in the history of the National Hockey League (NHL). The Boston Bruins faced off against the St. Louis Blues in a series that would end in a decisive victory for the Bruins. This series was notable not only for the Bruins' dominant performance but also for the iconic moment when Bobby Orr scored the Cup-winning goal in overtime. This article delves into the details of the Bruins' sweep and the impact
it had on the team and the league.
The Road to the Finals
The Boston Bruins entered the 1970 Stanley Cup Final after a strong season, having tied for first in the East Division with the Chicago Black Hawks. Despite losing the tiebreaker, the Bruins were a formidable team, boasting a roster filled with talent. They advanced to the Finals by defeating the New York Rangers 4-2 and sweeping the Chicago Black Hawks 4-0. This set the stage for their showdown with the St. Louis Blues.
The St. Louis Blues, on the other hand, had a challenging path to the Finals. They defeated the Minnesota North Stars and the Pittsburgh Penguins, both in six games. The Blues were making their third consecutive appearance in the Stanley Cup Final, but they had yet to secure a victory in the series. Their previous two appearances ended in sweeps, and they were determined to change their fortunes against the Bruins.
The Series Unfolds
The 1970 Stanley Cup Final was a best-of-seven series, but it was clear from the start that the Bruins were the superior team. The series began on May 3, 1970, and the Bruins quickly took control. They won the first game 6-1, setting the tone for the rest of the series. The Bruins continued their dominance, winning the next two games 6-2 and 4-1, respectively.
The fourth game, held at the Boston Garden, was a nail-biter that went into overtime. It was during this game that Bobby Orr scored the legendary goal that would secure the Bruins' victory. Orr's goal, assisted by Derek Sanderson, came just 40 seconds into overtime. The image of Orr flying through the air after being tripped by Blues' defenseman Noel Picard became one of the most iconic moments in hockey history.
The Aftermath and Legacy
With their victory, the Boston Bruins won their first Stanley Cup since 1941, ending a 29-year drought. This win was significant not only for the team but also for American hockey, as the Bruins became the first American team to win the Stanley Cup since the Chicago Black Hawks in 1961. The Blues, meanwhile, faced their third consecutive sweep in the Finals, a streak that would not end until 2019.
The 1970 Stanley Cup Final remains a memorable chapter in NHL history, celebrated for the Bruins' impressive performance and Bobby Orr's unforgettable goal. This series solidified the Bruins' place in hockey lore and set the stage for future successes.
