History of The Boston Bruins

By Bobby Barton


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 early years of existence, those before the War years, were not unkind to the team. Within three years of their founding they competed for the treasured Stanley Cup. It was at this time they landed future hall-of-famer defenseman Eddie Shore. By 1929 the team was a force to be reckoned with, having defeated the New York Rangers to win the 1928-1929 Stanley Cup. The following season they tallied the incredible record of 38-6, a winning percentage that has never been topped.

The Bruin team would go on to win the Cup in 1939 and again in 1941, besting the Maple Leafs and Red Wings respectively. But from that watershed year of 1942 until 1970, Bruin fans wallowed in disappointment. It was a particularly tough time to root for the team from 1959 to 1967. They never once made it to the playoffs.

This is why during the 1969-70 season fans flocked to their club once again and with much enthusiasm. The team finished second in the division and qualified for the playoffs. After that it was just like magic. First they beat the NY Rangers 4 games to 2 in round one. Then they trounced Chicago 4 to 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 mentioning that the Bruins have made it to the playoffs every year from 1969 until 1997, an impressive feat for sure. Even today, the team still remains among the most competitive in the league. It is no wonder that Bruin fans are as ardent about their team as they ever were.




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