ORR'S SECOND CUP-WINNING GOAL - 1972

When it comes to Bobby Orr and the Stanley Cup, much of the attention is given to his electrifying Cup-winning goal on May 10, 1970, against the St. Louis Blues.

 On a give-and-go play with Derek Sanderson, Orr got off his shot, then was lifted off the ice as Blues' defenceman Noel Picard got his stick entangled in Orr's skate. With his entire body stretched out and his stick raised in celebration of the goal, Orr flew through the air prior to making a landing.

Yesterday (May 10, 2020), was the 50th anniversary of the goal. And it wouldn't be the last time Orr scored a Cup-winning goal.

In the 1972 playoffs, the Boston Bruins earned a berth in the Cup final by defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs and St. Louis. They faced the New York Rangers as the final got underway on April 30, 1972, at Boston Garden.

When the final shifted to Madison Square Garden for games three and four, the Bruins held a two game advantage. They split the two contests in New York, which gave Boston a commanding 3 games to one lead. In need of a road victory, the Rangers won game five by a score of 3-2.

Still on the brink of losing the final, the Rangers hosted the Bruins on May 11, 1972.

Once again, Bobby Orr led the Bruins to the promise land as they blanked the Rangers 3-0 to capture the Stanly Cup. Orr's first period goal was all Boston needed scoring wise to win the game. His Cup-winning goal was scored at the 11:18 mark.

"He opened the scoring on a first period power play, spinning away from a Bruce MacGregor check and directing a screen shot that goaltender might see if he watches a replay today," wrote Dan Proudfoot in The Globe and Mail.

In his humble way, Orr recognized his teammates' contributions.

"Give Cheevers [Boston goalie, Gerry] the credit," said Orr. "It was a 19-man job with everybody working together. Winning the Cup again is still a big thrill. It's a wonderful feeling."

In the Rangers' dressing room, their captain, Vic Hadfield, reflected on Orr's brilliant play. He began by answering his own question.

"You want to know what turned the game around? It was the same thing that turned the whole series around - Bobby Orr. We were even in face-offs, even in power plays and even in penalty killing. Everything was pretty even except they had Bobby Orr."

The last word goes Orr, who was named the winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy as the playoff MVP.

"I have to rate this tops because we won here [at MSG]. We had a lot of pressure on us. It started in training camp and just kept mounting. Now we can relax."