1969–70 Boston Bruins season

NHLTeamSeason
Season=1969–70
Team=Boston Bruins
Conference=
ConferenceRank=
Division=Eastern
DivisionRank=2nd
Record=40–17–19
HomeRecord=27–3–8
RoadRecord=13–14–11
GoalsFor=277 (1st)
GoalsAgainst=216 (6th)
GeneralManager=Milt Schmidt
Coach=Harry Sinden
Captain= "Vacant"
AltCaptain= "Unknown"
"Unknown"
Arena=Boston Garden
Attendance=
GoalsLeader=Phil Esposito (43)
AssistsLeader=Bobby Orr (87)
PointsLeader=Bobby Orr (120)
PlusMinusLeader=
PIMLeader=Bobby Orr (125)
WinsLeader=Gerry Cheevers (24)
GAALeader=Gerry Cheevers (2.72)
DivisionWin=
ConferenceWin=
StanleyCup=Yes

The 1969–70 Boston Bruins season was the Bruins 46th season in the NHL, and they were coming off of a successful season in 1968–69, as they finished with a franchise record 100 points, sitting in 2nd place in the Eastern Division, however, they would lose to the Montreal Canadiens in the Eastern Division finals.

Boston got off to a quick start, going unbeaten in their first 7 games (6–0–1), which immediately was followed by a 5 game winless streak. The Bruins though would snap out of their mini-slump, and never have a 2 game losing streak for the remainder of the season, finishing the year with a 40–17–19 record, earning 99 points, which tied the Chicago Black Hawks for 1st place in the Eastern Division. Chicago was awarded 1st place though due to having more wins than Boston, as the Hawks recorded 45.

Bobby Orr would have his breakout season, leading the league with 120 points, as he became the first defenceman in league history to record over 100 points, while setting an NHL record with 87 assists. Orr also scored 33 goals, which also was a record by a defenceman. Orr also provided toughness, leading the Bruins with 125 PIM. Phil Esposito had another very strong season, scoring 43 goals and earning 99 points, while John McKenzie registered 70 points. 34 year old John Bucyk scored a career high 31 goals and tied his career best with 69 points.

In goal, Gerry Cheevers would get the majority of playing time, winning a team high 24 games, and having a team best 2.72 GAA and 4 shutouts. Ed Johnston would be his backup, as he won 16 games, had a 2.98 GAA, and 3 shutouts.

In the playoffs, Boston opened up against the New York Rangers, who finished in 4th place in the Eastern Division, with 92 points, 7 less than the Bruins. The series opened up at the Boston Garden, and the Bruins continued their winning ways at home, taking the first 2 games to take an early series lead. The series then moved to Madison Square Garden in New York for the next 2 games, and the Rangers responded with 2 close wins, and tied the series up at 2 games each. Boston returned home for game 5, and took a 3–2 series lead with a hard fought 3–2 win in the game, and the Bruins would finish off the Rangers in game 6 on the road, beating New York 4–1, and advance to the Eastern Division finals.

The Bruins opponent for the division finals was the Chicago Black Hawks, who finished with 99 points, the same as Boston, but had more wins, so they were awarded home ice for the series. Boston would surprise the Chicago fans by taking the first 2 games held at Chicago Stadium with relative ease to take a 2–0 series lead. Boston then took game 3 by a 5–2 score at the Boston Garden, and took a commanding 3–0 lead in the series. The Black Hawks would keep game 4 close, but would lose, as Boston won the game 5–4, and swept Chicago, to advance to the Stanley Cup finals for the first time since 1958.

Boston Bruins vs. St. Louis Blues

Boston would face the winner of the Western Division, the St. Louis Blues, who were making their 3rd straight Stanley Cup final appearance. The Blues had previously been swept by the Montreal Canadiens in their first 2 times in the finals. St. Louis had defeated the Minnesota North Stars and Pittsburgh Penguins to earn a spot. The series would open at the St. Louis Arena, and the Bruins had no problems at all in their first 2 games, defeating the Blues by scores of 6–1 and 6–2, and took a 2–0 series lead. The series shifted to Boston for the next 2 games, and the Bruins again dominated game 3, winning 4–1. St. Louis would sent the 4th game into overtime, however, the Bruins, on a goal by Bobby Orr, would win the game 4–3, winning an NHL record 10th straight playoff game, and win their first cup since 1941, and the 4th in franchise history.

eason standings

Boston Bruins 4, Chicago Black Hawks 0

Goaltending

Awards and records

* Bobby Orr, Art Ross Memorial Trophy
* Bobby Orr, Conn Smythe Trophy
* Bobby Orr, Hart Memorial Trophy
* Bobby Orr, Norris Trophy
* Bobby Orr, NHL Plus/Minus Award
* Bobby Orr, NHL Record, Plus/Minus +124

Draft picks

Boston's draft picks at the 1969 NHL Amateur Draft

References

* [http://www.shrpsports.com SHRP Sports]
* [http://www.hockeydb.com The Internet Hockey Database]
*National Hockey League Guide & Record Book 2007