A Look At The Boston Bruins Over The Years
Mention to a hardcore hockey fan from New England, particularly one from Massachusetts, that your favorite NHL team is not the Boston Bruins and, well, good luck. You see the Bruins own a special place in the hearts of hockey fans from Boston to Bangor. The team is one of the NHL’s “Original Six” and as such carries with it a storied tradition. With this in mind, let’s take a closer look at this famous franchise.
The Bruin team was brought together 1924 as the first American team to join the National Hockey League. For years the league was beset with numerous commercial conflicts. However it finally took hold as a viable enterprise during World War II, in 1942. It consisted of six teams (thus the name “Original Six”, one of which was the Boston franchise.)
The years before the war were good for the team and its players. In just 3 years, the Bruins found themselves vying for the top prize, the Stanly Cup. This is when they acquired defensive player Eddie Stone, who would one day enter the Hall of Fame. After defeating the New York Rangers in 1929 to bring home the Stanley Cup, people knew the Bruins were not a team to be taken lightly. The next season they ended with a record of 38-6, a winning percentage that has still never been surpassed.
The team would again bring home the Cup in 1939 and 1941 with victories over the Maple Leafs and the Red Wings respectively. But from 1942 until 1970, Bruins fans were tormented with one disappointment after another. It was especially horrible being a fan of the team during the stretch between 1959-67. They did not even make it to the playoffs once during that entire time.
So it was with unbridled enthusiasm that fans of the club followed the 1969-1970 team. Although the team finished second in the East Division, they did qualify for the playoffs. From there it was like they were shot out of a cannon. Beginning with a four games to two victory over the Rangers in their first round match up, they then rolled over the Chicago Blackhawks, 4-0.
Fans all over the region were thrilled and excited. For the first time in nearly three decades, their Bruins had a chance to go all the way. And that is what happened. The St. Lois Blues were the unlucky team that had to face these Bruins who seemed to be on fire. Boston won it 4 games.
When folks look back at that championship team, two names come to mind right away: Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito. These guys both played huge roles in the success of that team. Orr has been called the best defensemen in history and Esposito is still one of the most prolific scorers.
It is worth noting that from that 1969 season until 1997 the Bruins qualified for the playoffs every year, quite a remarkable string of success. Even today the team is one of the league’s most competitive franchises. So you can’t help but think that Bruin fans everywhere are still as passionate as ever.Bobbie Barton is a fitness trainer She likes SportsFanTreasures.com and recommends you check out their info on
