{"id":131183,"date":"2022-08-03T09:50:15","date_gmt":"2022-08-03T13:50:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=131183"},"modified":"2022-08-01T14:05:10","modified_gmt":"2022-08-01T18:05:10","slug":"boston-bruins-bobby-orr-goat","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/08\/03\/boston-bruins-bobby-orr-goat\/","title":{"rendered":"Bobby Orr: The Gentleman of GOATs"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/orrbo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobby Orr<\/a> of the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/07\/20\/boston-bruins-team-direction-remains-uncertain\/\" target=\"_self\">Boston Bruins<\/a>, as you will be taken a journey through to see, is the GOAT of hockey. When it comes to GOAT status in NHL circles, the list is short, as it should be, to honour its integrity. Being short is much the same as how it is in other sports. Therefore, the following is a humble and honest attempt to not stir any controversy. The GOAT hockey list is as follows in no particular order other than loosely chronologically:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/morenho01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Howie Morenz<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/malonjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Joe Malone<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/richama01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maurice Richard<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/orrbo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bobby Orr<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gretzwa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wayne Gretzky<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lemiema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mario Lemieux<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mcdavco01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Connor McDavid<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>The runner-up list is a bit more debatable but includes the likes of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/laflegu01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Guy Lafleur<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/howego01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gordie Howe<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bossymi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mike Bossy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/crosbsi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sidney Crosby<\/a>, Alex Ovechkin, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/shoreed01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Eddie Shore<\/a>. Moreover, goalies did not quite seem suitable for the list. It has been so competitive for a number of years and seems more era-dependent. The names on the goalie list would include the likes of: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hasekdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Dominik Hasek<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/roypa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Patrick Roy<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/brodema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Martin Brodeur<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/drydeke01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ken Dryden<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bowerjo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Johnny Bower<\/a>, or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/p\/plantja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jacques Plante<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h2>Bobby Orr Is the NHL\u2019s GOAT<\/h2>\n<h3>What Quantifies GOAT Status in Hockey<\/h3>\n<p>A GOAT, an athlete who can be recognized as the greatest of all time in their respective sport, must indeed be bigger than the sport. Perhaps one specific statistic to support the argument, and also very simplistic, is points per game (PPG), just from a deviation standpoint. Another metric would be to count the number of Stanley Cup rings. We could also consider international accolades, but this is not necessary for our purposes. Only McDavid of the top candidate list has yet to achieve success in the playoffs. Some may argue what success McDavid and his Oilers have achieved is noteworthy given the rosters they\u2019ve had on a couple of playoff runs.<\/p>\n<h3>Notes on Other GOATs<\/h3>\n<p>A couple of notes on another member of the top candidate list, Maurice \u2018The Rocket\u2019 Richard, are worth mentioning. Richard is the epitome of a superstar athlete who carried his sport. He revitalized Francophone culture and gave everybody in Quebec, La Belle Province, a superhero and a role model.<\/p>\n<p>This was best evidenced by the \u201cRichard Riot\u201d when in the 1954-55 season Richard was suspended on March 13<sup>th<\/sup> for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. With the NHL president at the time, Clarence Campbell, attending the Canadiens&#8217; next home game it was enough to fuel <a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeynews.com\/news\/on-this-day-in-history-anniversary-of-the-maurice-richard-riot-in-montreal\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Richard\u2019s supporters to riot<\/a>. The only way the rioters could be contained was from Richard himself making pleas with them to restore order. The suspension ultimately cost Richard a shot at a scoring title, a feat he never did achieve. There is some consensus, among the French hockey community, that Richard was <a href=\"https:\/\/archive.macleans.ca\/article\/1960\/1\/30\/backstage-in-hockey\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">sometimes gypped second assist points<\/a>, to favour his peers\u2019 odds at scoring titles. To add to what makes him a GOAT candidate, Richard did have eight Stanley Cups. Conversely, another great, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/howego01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gordie Howe<\/a>, nullified much of his statistical prowess. Howe captured six scoring titles, five of which are during their career overlaps.<\/p>\n<h3>The Runner-Up: Number 99<\/h3>\n<p>The other GOAT runner-up to Bobby Orr that without mention would be a fault is the \u2018Great One\u2019, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gretzwa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Wayne Gretzky<\/a>. At the outset of the 2021-22 NHL regular season Gretzky still held at least a share of many of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sportingnews.com\/ca\/nhl\/news\/wayne-gretzky-nhl-records\/jetckdaln30pck877roofdtq\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">60 significant NHL records<\/a> that he had when he retired. What makes many of his records so outstanding is his gap between second place. For most goals in a single regular season, Gretzky scored 92, while only <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hullbr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brett Hull<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/lemiema01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mario Lemieux<\/a> have eclipsed 85. Additionally, when it comes to career point totals, Gretzky has a 936-point lead over second place <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/jagrja01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jaromir Jagr<\/a>. Gretzky\u2019s assist total of 1963, is still more than Jagr\u2019s point total, and Gretzky is the all-time leader in goals scored. He tallied 200 points four times, and only one other player came close once, with Lemieux\u2019s 199 in 1988-89.<\/p>\n<p>Gretzky is very likely the top-runner up to our Bobby Orr GOAT selection. However, he did not play the complete game. There are many conflicting thoughts on his defensive acumen. Yes, he was fast, covered the entire surface, and was proficient at stealing the puck from opponents. In contrast, he was not a strong checker. Also, despite his scoring dominance, it translated to only four cups. A long-time teammate, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/messima01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mark Messier<\/a>, was able to amass six cups throughout his career. Thus, our selection for GOAT was the complete package. Robert Gordon Orr, more affectionately known as number four Bobby Orr. He did it all, which we will go into but first, let\u2019s take a look at how it got started.<\/p>\n<h3>How the Maple Leafs Missed Out on Bobby Orr<\/h3>\n<p>The window was small, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.pensionplanpuppets.com\/2010\/5\/10\/1462755\/bad-history-and-bobby-orr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the Toronto Maple Leafs did have the first opportunity at Bobby Orr<\/a>, albeit as a 12-year-old. Orr\u2019s peewee team had the opportunity to visit Maple Leaf Gardens. In appreciation, Orr\u2019s coach at the time, Anthony Gilchrist, wrote a letter to thank the Leafs general manager Punch Imlach. Along with giving thanks, he suggested that the Leafs send some personnel to a couple of upcoming games to watch Orr play. He went on to add a comment that they might want to do this before the Barrie Flyers owner, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/emmsha01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hap Emms<\/a>, scoops him up.<\/p>\n<p>Punch Imlach did as expected, and passed the letter onto his chief scout <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/d\/davidbo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Bob Davidson<\/a>. Davidson\u2019s response was that Orr was too young. He said that the only way a junior club could protect him was that Orr moved to that city, something very unlikely for a 12-year-old.<\/p>\n<p>Bobby Orr would never become a Maple Leaf, however, the Toronto connection did carry on somewhat. Orr\u2019s first season for Oshawa, as a 14-year-old in 1962-63, saw them play home games at the Maple Leaf Gardens. Oshawa was awaiting the completion of their new arena. Also, there was an exhibition game in which the Toronto Marlies availed Orr\u2019s services in December of 1965 against the USSR&#8217;s top team.<\/p>\n<h3>The Boston Bruins Connection<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Hap_Emms\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hap Emms founded<\/a> the Barrie Flyers organization, a team that existed from 1945 to 1960. They were very successful, which included two national titles, the 1951 and 1953 Memorial Cups. As coach of the Barrie Flyers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/emmsha01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Hap Emms<\/a> had players such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/cherrdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Don Cherry<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/w\/westfed01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ed Westfall<\/a> (Orr\u2019s teammate during the cup years in Boston). Conveniently, Barrie was a team sponsored by the Boston Bruins. So, Boston did have a strong presence in the area, which Davidson was responding to in the letter. Now, the Flyers did end up moving to Niagara Falls in the 1960 season, but Boston still maintained its sponsorship affiliation to the organization. During 1965-66 and 1966-67 (Orr\u2019s NHL rookie season), Emms was the general manager of both the Niagara Falls Flyers and the Boston Bruins. He is credited with promoting Harry Sinden to coach in 1966.<\/p>\n<h3>Committing to the Oshawa Generals<\/h3>\n<p>Now, so far we have not mentioned how the eventual GOAT ended up with his junior club. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.theglobeandmail.com\/sports\/wren-blair-a-great-hockey-man-who-never-let-up\/article8029941\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Cue hockey pioneer, Wren Blair<\/a>. In 1953, after a fire tragically burned down the Hambly Arena, the <a href=\"https:\/\/oshawagenerals.com\/history\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Oshawa Generals<\/a> of the OHA were forced to disband. Blair was able to salvage some of the pieces and created a Senior B club.\u00a0 They would play out of Bowmanville, the Oshawa Truckmen. The following year, this team became the Whitby Dunlops. What\u2019s more, with Blair as the general manager of the club, they would go on to become the 1956 Olympic Team Canada representative. As a sidebar, a member of this club was ironically enough, Harry Sinden.<\/p>\n<p>Around 1960, with Blair well established in the local and world hockey scenes, he began negotiations with Boston Bruins president Weston Adams. The deal went something like this: if the Boston Bruins wanted a sponsorship deal, with the re-birth of the Oshawa Generals, they would have to help build the Oshawa Civic Auditorium. It was also around this time that Blair had discovered for himself at a playoff game in Gananoque, ON, the star in the making. In this case, it seems the stars were aligning.<\/p>\n<h3>The First Big Step<\/h3>\n<p>Blair was able to convince Orr\u2019s family to go to a tryout with the Niagara Falls Flyers as a 13-year-old. At this point, Weston Adams stepped in, saying Orr was too young for such a venture, sending the boy back home to Parry Sound. It seems a bit of a chicken before the egg scenario, as this is probably where Adams decided to go forward with the Oshawa deal. Apparently, it ended up being Blair who was able to work through the details with the Orr family. He was able to sign Orr under some \u2018unique\u2019 circumstances. Most notably, Orr would be playing for the newly formed Oshawa Generals, not the Flyers.<\/p>\n<p>Some of these unique circumstances of the deal are worth mentioning. The main idea was that Orr would be able to remain with his family in Parry Sound, given its proximity to Oshawa. A further stipulation was as a signing bonus, a car, for his father, but it was said that it couldn\u2019t have been anything newer than a \u201958. The rest as they say is history.<\/p>\n<p>Orr supplanted himself as a star during his time in Oshawa. In his final two seasons with Oshawa, he tallied 93 and 94 points, respectively. Moreover, in his final season, 1965-66, he led the Generals to their first Memorial Cup final in 22 years. They would lose in the final in six games, to the Edmonton Oil Kings, a series where Orr played mostly hurt.<\/p>\n<h3>The Dough and the Show for Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruins<\/h3>\n<p>As we can see, by the time Orr got to the NHL, he was destined to be the greatest. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.stanleycupofchowder.com\/2016\/10\/19\/13328400\/what-it-took-to-get-orr-on-nhl-ice-on-this-date-in-history\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">He signed his six-figure contract in 1966<\/a>, making him the highest-paid hockey player ever at the time. He debuted that year under head coach Harry Sinden. As the season began, Orr did not disappoint. He would go on to win the Calder as the league\u2019s top rookie that season. In contrast, the team struggled, finishing in last place in the six-team league, and had failed to make the playoffs again, dating back to 1958-59.<\/p>\n<p>Their recently appointed general manager <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/schmimi01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Milt Schmidt<\/a> was determined to change their fortunes. Schmidt traded for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/esposph01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Phil Esposito<\/a>, in what is thought to be a <a href=\"https:\/\/thehockeywriters.com\/the-5-worst-chicago-blackhawks-trades\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">historically lopsided transaction<\/a>. Boston also received <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/stanffr01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Fred Stanfield<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=hodgeke01,hodgeke02&amp;search=Ken+Hodge&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ken Hodge<\/a>, players who would become stalwarts throughout the next number of years. Between Orr and the trade, this truly was the beginning of the Boston Bruins franchise turnaround.<\/p>\n<h3>Becoming the Big, Bad Bruins<\/h3>\n<p>A huge contribution to the breadth of Orr&#8217;s GOAT status was the moniker of the Big, Bad Bruins of which he was an integral part. Teammate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/search\/search.fcgi?pid=hodgeke01,hodgeke02&amp;search=Ken+Hodge&amp;utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Ken Hodge<\/a> once summed up the team with the slogan \u201cOne throw, All for One.\u201d If someone were to throw a hit on Orr, that meant they were hitting the whole team, and they would pay. As a result of the turnaround, and Boston\u2019s newly minted identity, the Bruins made a push for the post-season in 1967-68.<\/p>\n<p>Orr was off to a record-setting pace in the 1967 season. He had accumulated 31 points in 46 games, and then he got hurt. There was so much hype on making their long-awaited return to the playoffs, that the injury stunned them. Orr would return for the playoffs, but they were unable to make a run. Despite only suiting up for 46 games, Orr still earned a first-team all-star selection. Even more impressively, Orr captured his first Norris Trophy as the league\u2019s top defenseman.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"The 1970 Boston Bruins: Big, Bad and Bobby (2020)\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/vbyQ8SHEQUg?start=865&#038;feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>For the 1968-69 season, the league was keenly aware there was something special in Orr and with the entire Bruins organization. One of his peers, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/belivje01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jean Beliveau<\/a> once said of him, \u201cNobody is a perfect hockey player. The important thing is to correct your mistakes. Orr, he does that.\u201d Within the team, this season saw an NHLer eclipse the 100-point plateau for the first time ever. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/esposph01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Phil Esposito<\/a> did it. Moreover, for Orr, he was able to set the record for points in a season by a defenseman at 64. The previous mark for a defenseman in a season was 59. He also flexed his toughness, adding on a career-high 133 penalty minutes. Even though he was often injured, his toughness was never questioned. It was rumoured he played his entire career without shoulder pads.<\/p>\n<h3>Orr&#8217;s Recognition as Great<\/h3>\n<p>In addition to his toughness, he was often praised and recognized for his abilities and individual performance. Sports Illustrated writer E.M. Swift encapsulated his abilities, stating \u201cOrr was more than an opportunist: He created opportunities.\u201d He was an eight-time Norris winner, three-time Hart winner, and once captured the Lester Pearson. Orr was the first out of Gordie Howe and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/richama01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Maurice Richard<\/a> to win three consecutive MVP titles. In addition, one more trophy Orr claimed, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rossar01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Art Ross<\/a>, which he is the only rearguard to win, and he did it twice. One of Esposito or himself would win the award for seven consecutive seasons. Needless to say, his trophy case was extensive.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">52 years ago today, Bobby Orr scored the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/StanleyCup?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#StanleyCup<\/a> winning goal against the St. Louis Blues and one of the most iconic hockey photos was born. \ud83c\udfc6<\/p>\n<p>\ud83d\udcf8: Ray Lussier <a href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/Jctsak9q3X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/Jctsak9q3X<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Sportsnet\/status\/1524017241427259395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">May 10, 2022<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Of course, what GOAT\u2019s trophy case wouldn\u2019t be complete without some post-season silverware? In 1970, Orr would help the Bruins claim their first crown in 29 years. This was the scene of his infamous goal, flying through the air, space, and time. Amazingly, this season would see him become the first player ever to win four individual awards. Included in the four are the Norris, Hart, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/r\/rossar01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Art Ross<\/a>, and adding his first of two Conn Smythe awards.<\/p>\n<p>Even though it did not end with a Stanley Cup, the 1970-71 season saw Orr hit his career high in points, with 139. He didn\u2019t even win the Art Ross, thanks to teammate Phil Esposito\u2019s memorable 76-goal, 76-assist campaign. The two teamed up for 45 goals that season. They either assist on one another\u2019s goals or both assist on another player\u2019s goals. Over the next few years, Orr would go on to put up many scoring records, which still rank top amongst defensemen of all time.<\/p>\n<h3>A Look at the Evidence of Bobby Orr&#8217;s Brilliance<\/h3>\n<p>Let us elaborate on some of his statistical significance. He is one of only five defensemen with a 100-point season. One reason why last year <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/j\/josiro01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Roman Josi<\/a> had a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2022\/05\/05\/norris-trophy-predictions-2022\/\" target=\"_self\">96-point total<\/a> was such an outlier. Back to Orr, who would end up collecting six, 100-point seasons in a row. His ability to quarterback the play, and make pinpoint passes was attributed to an early coach. He is the one who is credited with moving Orr from forward to defence. In Orr&#8217;s autobiography, Orr: My Story, he told Orr to: \u201cnever get rid of the puck when you can control it. Hold on to it and let the play open up in front of you.\u201d Orr remains the only defenseman to lead the league in assists, and he did it five times. The 100-assist in a year club is exclusive: Wayne Gretzky (11 times), Mario Lemieux, and Orr.<\/p>\n<p>Along with the points and passing, Orr\u2019s goal stats are also remarkable. Such is the case Orr scored 20 plus goals for seven straight seasons. When he entered the league, no defenseman had accomplished that feat even once in 20 years. Furthermore, five times he scored 30 plus goals. In the top-10 list of most goals in a season by a defenseman, Orr appears five times. Orr\u2019s last triumphant campaign, 74-75, was a magical one. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/cherrdo01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Don Cherry<\/a> summed it up in his book, Hockey Stories Part 2: \u201cI\u2019ve said many times, he had 46 goals, 89 assists, plus-128, fought a lot that year, hit a lot that year and blocked a lot of shots.\u201d This total of 46 is second all-time only to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/c\/coffepa01.html?utm_campaign=Linker&amp;utm_source=direct&amp;utm_medium=linker-\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Paul Coffey<\/a>\u2019s 48 in 1985-86. Orr would have one final curtain call, claiming the outstanding player award at the 1976 Canada Cup.<\/p>\n<h3>The Gentleman, The Legend<\/h3>\n<p>It seems otherworldly, that one man could redefine a position, and do it so eloquently. He was a true gentleman, one who played with speed, finesse, and power. As a 13-year-old kid, he tried out against 20-year-olds and played at 14. He could achieve great success by being tough and playing a complete game. He elevated the players around him, such as the great Phil Esposito. One final stat to throw out there for the modern analytic side of the coin, <a href=\"https:\/\/fivethirtyeight.com\/features\/building-hockeys-advanced-stats-dream-team\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Orr had a 45.6 goal above replacement<\/a> value average over his best five seasons, peaking at 49 in his 70-71 season. (As a comparison, <a href=\"https:\/\/novacapsfans.com\/2022\/07\/06\/evaluating-the-performance-of-nhl-defensemen-with-goals-above-replacement-gar\/\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Josi was around 20<\/a> this past year). He would lead the rush offensively and be the first one back to block shots. Orr was the greatest, and those of us, who watched him play, should be forever thankful.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins, as you will be taken a journey through to see, is the GOAT of hockey. When it comes to GOAT status in NHL circles, the list is short, as it should be, to honour its integrity. Being short is much the same as how it is in other sports. [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4222,"featured_media":131223,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,4096,4547,4548],"tags":[2118,90,6170,6141,2115],"class_list":["post-131183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bruins","category-editorials","category-hockey","category-nhl","tag-bobby-orr","tag-boston-bruins","tag-boston-bruins-analysis","tag-boston-bruins-defence","tag-phil-esposito"],"modified_by":"Josh Erickson","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131183","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4222"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131183"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131183\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/131223"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131183"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131183"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=131183"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}