The best hockey player of all time. A career unfortunately prematurely ended by knee injuries. He revolutionized the game. He did things that no other player did before or has done since. Simply the greatest.
I'm certainly no fan of the Bruins, but Bobby Orr is the greatest player ever. He could do it all, including dropping the gloves when he was forced to. Who knows what he would have accomplished if he hadn't had knee problems throughout his career? I believe that he would have set records that nobody would ever surpass. I've been fortunate to meet him and he's as much of a gentleman off the ice as he was a superstar on the ice. There will never be another one like him.
went to a Redwing game in 1973,got there early to see Orr get off the plane at Metro Airport in a wheelchair his left leg all bandaged up.he played that night-scored 2 goals and 3 assists and was the no.1 star.simply the best ever.
The year was 1979, and I had participated in a week long day camp run the Blackhawks (Tony Esposito was the coach for my group - he worked our butts off). As I left the rink that day, I saw Bobby walking in from the parking lot. I was awestruck. He gladly shook my hand and politely chatted with me. It was the most memorable moment of my life.
I Remember meeting him as a kid at a local car dealership... i was in line to get his autograph, but when my turn came up he had to get up and do a radio feed...he saw that i was sad, so he threw a tennis ball to me and he made sure i was the first person he signed for when he came back... what a class act, he sure made a young orr fans day!!!
Just watching this clip reminds me, as an old Leafs fan, of the one player I hated above all. Bobby Orr. When the leafs played Boston, I used to scream "Get him, tie him up" but they never could. Bobby was like a pro playing with a group of juniors, and at any moment he could up his game where the others couldn't. It pains me to see so many 'experts' touting this factlet or that, proclaiming nonsense about whether Bobby would be able to play in today's game. Bobby Orr was the consumate athlete, like Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby, and a few others. These guys would become legends and stars in whatever game they played, in whatever century they lived. Argue if you will, but that's the truth. There has always, and will always be players in every sport, who rise above the norm, because they see the game on a different level. It's been 4 decades or more, but I can finally say, 'I love Bobby Orr"...
How could the Leafs not have scouted Orr since he grew up and developed his talent in Parry Sound--it was a Boston scout who saw Orr play a bantam/peewee game in Napanee, Ontario who first tipped off the Bruins of his incredible potential (this scout was actually checking out another player when he "stumbled" upon Orr)
@@daveyboy_ How did Pat Quinn shorten his career, he didn't get Orr in the Knees one bit? Marcel Pronovost was the one who did the damage, but it was Orr's fault in a way. Pronovost was one of the best hitters ever, and he had Orr lined up for a perfect hip check, Orr tried to hurdle Marcel and put his knee in line with Marcel's big backside and injured his knees.
Um no that's not the truth that's literally just you're opinion that can't be proven...if you're actually gonna speak facts then make sure you actually have facts...
I remember watching him announce his forced retirement on television......I am not an emotional man but, I wept that day...He is the greatest all round hockey player of all time and one of the classiest
Most of us who saw it all, from the early 60's, acknowledge Bobby as the greatest player, ever. He was a phenomenon, a juggernaut of hockey dominance unlikely to be seen again. According to Milt Schmidt: Robert Gordon Orr was born great... its that simple. He was also pure class; a man of elegance, humility, and grace. With Orrs retirement my interest in hockey began to wane. Bless you, Bobby. Thanks for the memories.
Thanks for posting this - I left Boston 30 years ago, I'm sitting at work and wiping tears from my eyes. Jeez, he was incredible! I was in the Garden one night when Bobby caught Yvan Cournoyer from behind, making up about 5 yards on a break-away. Cournoyer, at that time considered the fastest guy in the game, was shocked, because he knew how big a jump he had on everyone!
I grew up in Chicago and have been a Blackhawk fan since 1961. Bobby Hull was my idol when I was a kid. I think Bobby Orr is one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates!!!
He was truly indescribable as a hockey player -- how does a defenseman, on one freaking leg (his knees were shot at 22 yrs old), winning SCORING championships, dominate like he did? Talent, heart, courage, and class -- Bobby was and always will be tops!
l am 82 years old and have seen all best of my time and no one was as good as bobby orr . he was in a class above all others i am fortunate to have seen him play l do not think there will be another hockey player to come along that will be as good as bobby orr was.he was sure some thing to watch
This is all you need to know about Bobby Orr to understand how great he was: The top three seasonal plus/minus totals in NHL history are #1. Bobby Orr +124; #2. Larry Robinson, +120; #3. Wayne Gretzky +98. You'll never guess who #4 (with a +94) is. It's Dallas Smith--a very average, plodding defenceman who is barely remembered today unless you are a hard-core Bruins fan. How did Dallas Smith get to be #4 on that list? Simple, he was Bobby Orr's defence partner in 1970-71! Orr's presence alone elevated a mediocre player to having the fourth-best seasonal plus/minus of all time. That ought to speak volumes.
+Lava1964 u right meant to print #20 I'm 58 I could probably tell you the proper # and name of entire team yet the other day was baffled at who plays for the red sox
I wouldn't say Dallas was mediocre, he was a solid Stay-at-Home Defensman and he provided a steady defensive style, not a super star by any means, but solid none the less.
I think Serge Savard summed it up the best when interviewed and asked about Bobby Orr. He responded well there are players, great players, stars, super stars, and then there is Bobby Orr. He belonged in a league of his own, but there wasn't one for him to play in.
Bobby Orr's unique skating style, unmatched and never copied, was his greatest skill. Lots of players are fast, quick, but I have never seen anyone who turn turn on a dime, change directions, and manuver like Bobby Orr at top speed. He could do eveything else too and he had one of the best shots from the point. He was a great plaer, maybe the greatest, and I am just glad I got to see his great talent when he was fresh in the NHL. It was a treat to watch.
I call him the only one.... There will never be another player that changed the game of hockey like he did.... Onto bad knees as we all know... You'll never see a defenseman win the scoring title... the greatest person to ever put on a pair of skates.❤❤
Wow, just wow... Guess I will never see someone like him in the NHL nowadays. The guy is just insane with the puck handling and amazing skating and acceleration. Beauty to watch.
He was something else he was great amazing. My Mom said he was exciting to watch but hated him because she was a Rangers fan. He changed the game and I don't think there is anyone who will ever be as good as Bobby Orr. He is in a league of his own.
Being a washed-out player who is now approaching old age I can honestly say this is the coolest video of the greatest player accompanied by fantastic music. I love this video. We were never quite as good but my brothers and I came close. I will always love the game. It's golf now for all three of us. Thanks to whoever put this video out there. Brings back fond memories.
fernmann7 In RI, you mean trying to bleed in a game on UHF 38. Moving the rabbit ears constantly, hell it was work watching through the snowy black and white cheap tv. Damn I miss it.
Watched Bobby play in a Midget Tournament in Milton when he was only 13 years old. Pretty well all top Boston Brass was there scouting him. He skated circles around those older boys. Have been a huge fan of his ever since along with Derek Sanderson. Best pair of skaters in the OLD NHL, penalty killing specialists.
I grew up as A Ranger fan during Orr's heyday. Let's face it the guy was on another universe. Always managed to break the Rangers hearts but you just have to tip your cap to the man. As an old time hockey veteran once said, "I'd take 5 Bobby Orr's over 5 Gretzky's every time." I'd have to agree, he had it all: speed, stickhandling, passing, and toughness- the one thing that really separates the two. You were awesome # 4.
I would love to see a video of the time the Bruins were shorthanded against the Rangers in MSG. Orr took the puck from the face-off and ragged it for almost two minutes, going end to end two times and finishing by taking a hard shot on the Ranger goalie (which he saved) and as Orr skated to the bench, the MSG crowd gave him a standing ovation. Will never forget seeing that on TV in the early 70's.
His penalty kills against the rangers in the 72 finals, in msg- drove the fans nuts...he would go around and around behind his goalie, come up to the blue line, circle back behind his net again....genius....
As a Rangers fan I hated the Bruins with a passion but I always feared Bobby Orr because everytime he got the puck and started skating up ice I just knew my team was in trouble and he was going to do something which he usually did. Looking at these film clips now I just have great respect for what a tremendous player he was.
If you're not from the Boston area, the music selection for this video may be annoying, but for those who grew up watching the B's on WSBK TV38, it is sweet music to the memories. The song is "Nutty" by the Ventures, and is a rocking version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. And be sure to check out dunskie's version up above!
I Showed this video to my friend who plays Hockey, and his Response was (And I Quote) "He's Not Dangling, he's just practicing with Moving Traffic Cones!"
I remember an interview on tv and they were saying how Orr stick handle in a phone booth and the skate away like an opponent was standing still. It would have been awesome if Orr played the same time and seasons that Gretzky.
Watching Bobby Orr swing around behind his own goal, then turning on the jets, splitting defensemen and scoring was a pleasure to watch. Sometimes other players seemed to be mesmerized as he sped by.
What your watching is maybe 40% of what made Bobby Orr such an incredible player. There is a few glimpes of the great defensive defenseman he was, he could stickhandle like no one before or after him, incredible speed/skating, pin point passing just to name a few. He could rag the puck during penalties...there's just to much to explain his mastery of the game...did I mention his vision?
I watched every Bruin game during the early 70's; Orr is no doubt the greatest player ever--he was tremendous in every aspect, and unbelievable at stopping the puck against the boards with his stick; you couldn't ice it against him!
For those who weren't around to see Orr play, I think the greatest thing about Orr besides his hockey ability was his humility.I was fortunate to grow up in Boston when Orr was playing and I remember him being asked why he didn't 'celebrate' when he scored.He responded that he felt like he embarassed his opponent when he scored and didn't want to rub it in.Watch the video and see how he rarely raises his stick when he scores.
"What can you say about the greatest player ever to play the game? When he was playing, you would never know that Bobby Orr was hurt, and he was skating on one leg a lot of the time. I respect him so much today for his charitable work. He does things for causes that no one ever hears about." -Ken Hodge, from today's Nantucket Independent
This Penguin fan thanks you for the Bobby Orr memories. I got to see Bobby Orr three times in Pittsburgh during the 74-75 season. I know he had a hat trick in a 5-5 tie and I think he had two goals each in a 4-4 tie and a 4-3 Penguin win. I've seen Orr, Gretzky, and Lemieux multiple times and nobody else could do the things they did on the ice. I can't say who is best among those three--I'm just glad I got to see all of them with my own eyes.
My Memories of Bobby Orr go back to my days of Playing Junior Hockey in Sault Ste Marie and Bobby was playing for Oshawa, and I was On the Ice and Bobby went down and I was on the Ice and Bobby had the Puck (As usual!) and I thought I had him checked he was coming down on me and all of a Sudden he put on the jets and he went down and beat our goalie and I went to the Bench and was Saying sorry coach I don't know how he did that, and All my Coach could say was don't worry Fenton, that guy is Going to be the Greatest Hockey player of All time.
Autimul & Jackson I know I was a junior back in the day, I have met Bobby in the past, and I played against him never with him. I never played pro, due to being one of the few Americans in OHA, I almost got to play in the pros but I got drafted into the U.S Marines the summer I was eligible, and I never could return to hockey as a player. I will tell you, Orr was a great hockey player, and the greatest player ever. Its sounds unbelieveable, but its the truth, I never went to College, as Vietnam got in the way of everything, except my Military Career. I know that story sounds unbelievable, but its true I remember it happened in the Oshawa rink, in November 1964.
Just watching him rag the puck on a penalty kill was magic. He could keep the puck away from the other team all by himself. Then he’d kick it into another gear and take it down the ice and score by himself. I’ve never seen anyone else be able to control a game like he could.
Jacob Russell SCROLL UP TO APRIL8, 1971 BRUINS WORST GAME OF ALL TIME WATCH BOBBY PLAY ORR NOT PLAY DEFENSE. FIND HILITES OF GAME 7 IN 1971 ON TH-cam. WATCH HIM FOLD IN GAME 7. WATCH MONTREAL 4TH GOAL.
JAY DAVIDSON Bobby Orr was so obviously the best of all time that even more than forty years later people still remember the rare bad game he played. A true legend.
+Jacob Russell ORR AND ESPO were humbled by Montreal time and time again. They played 18 games in playoff head to head...............Orr and ESPO lost 12 of the 18.. Orr and ESPO in ALL playoffs lost 7 playoff GAMES in OT. ORR AND ESPO WERE CHOKERS !!!!! Don Cherry's Bruins WON 7 playoff games in OT Showed more HEART than ORR and ESPO. TWICE BEAT MONREAL IN OT IN PLAYOFFS Look at Brad Park. Game 7 vs Buffalo 1983. Brad tied the game up and WON IT IN OT Brad did not disappear in game 7 like Orr did in 1971. Brad Park.the BEST
Since joining TH-cam I bet I have watched this at least 25 times. Thanks for sharing the memories with me. I remember WSBK and the pre NESN days. I agree they were a much better team back then
Yep, I'd take him in a heartbeat too, Thomas. He was Far tougher than Gretzky. Someone said that he had 3 speeds of fast, he made it look like he was a man playing against boys. None better. Robert Gordon FREAKING Orr. 'Nuff Said.
i gotta hand it to the uploader, i watch this every time before my hockey games. it inspireès me in a way, i dunno, all im saying is, bobby orr is my favorite player of all time, GO BOSTON!
I'm agerman native Habsfan born '84. Only seeing those footages here makes my heart smiling. What a dominant beast on skates. If you consider the position he played on Bobby Orr is probably the most influential Hockey player of all time. And in my opinion the very best. I wished I could have seen him live.
Two goals that just ...omg...leave me laughing. The one against the Blues...literally skates into the left side of the slot, pulls a near U-turn on the goalie, and literally slides it past the goalie like a hot knife through butter. And the last one....I remember watching that game...literally pulls the entire Atlanta Flames team...to the right wing...just frying them in his zephyr, going around the net, and making a highlight reel goal as one Atlanta Flame player literally head first into the net...with a shot under him... So many.........and I was blessed to see these games as they happened. Never will be another total package of stick handling, skating ability and game smarts. Only one #4...Bobby Orr...
some of these plays are ridiculous, dominating some of the greatest players ever. If Orr was a forward and didn't have to go back, he's scoring 80-100 goals on a regular basis.
Oh Hell YES!!! This song and the WSBK graphics bring back so many great memories of watching the Bruins on a black and white TV at my childhood house in Wayland, Mass.
The debate is useless. Each Legend brought something to the game that made him what he was. Gretzkys passes, Orrs game control, Lemieuxs pure size and finesse, Brett Hulls one timers. All these greats will admit they could'nt do things the others could. Its theyre humility that made them great.
I agree! What makes hockey interesting is the unique ways each player can move and do things. Who cares who the "greatest" was unless you are a fanboy? My favorite ever was Peter Forsberg who did a lot of things that none of those players you list could do. But it is fun to watch other players who have unique abilities too -- even if they are not even close to being considered "the greatest."
Ive watched a lot of Peter Forsberg but he didn't define his era. He could hit no doubt, but his numbers were on par with more than a dozen or so players of his time. Peter makes the top 100 of all time but doesn't compare with Orr, Lemieux or Gretzkys superstar status.
Instead of saying one way or another, I'll just tell you I'd have Gretzky at center, Orr as one of my defensemen, Roy or LaPlante in net, and I'd try to coax Richard and Howe into playing wings. Need one more defenseman and I might suggest Bourque, but is someone else wants to suggest my last player for my all time first shift, speak up.
That's the game Tom Johnson put Ed Johnston in nets instead of Cheevers. I was 11 then and remember that game. I never thought I would see another comeback like that in my life, but they did it again a couple of weeks ago. I was and still am a big Habs fan, but in retrospect, it must have been heartbreaking for the Bruins fans in 1971. At least, they won in 70 and 72. Btw Bobby Orr was THE greatest hockey player. He didn't change the way to play the game, he changed THE game.
Several commentators one of whom watched the greatest for 50 years said the strangest thing about Orr was his moving where the action WASN'T and the puck ending up there. Anatoly Tarasov the great Russian coach of Orr's era (and others) said that as a JUNIOR, Orr was the best player he'd ever seen anywhere in the world including Russia professionals and players in the NHL. Were his knees genetically terrible, or were they 'unlucky' ...and the hack artists of his day (Bobby Clarke et al) made them 'terrible?''
He seems to pick up speed without putting any effort into it after he's already going pretty fast, and that seems to catch a lot of guys of guard. Plus his stick handling, passing and shooting are top notch. Ability to turn on a dime, superb defensive play, hockey sense. Man, this guy would be the best in the league today without a doubt.
***** Just by doing math, Lemieux if he had been able to play the same amount of matches Gretzky did, he'd have over 1000 goals in the NHL. But he'd still trail Gretzky in total points. And for laughs, Mike Bossy would be doing over 1000 goals with the amount of matches Gretzky played.
***** And the funny thing is. Sidney Crosby of all the people, is at the moment 4th in points per game average. AHEAD of Orr, just behind Bossy, Lemieux and Gretzky.
Orr's natural talent is even more remarkable when you consider he played at a time when there were less than half the NHL teams there are now--in other words there wasn't this "dilution" of talent that is around now--Orr was up against higher skilled players since only the best players made it to the NHL at that time
People thought it was diluted then, and now I think back and say, "Gee it was way better back in my day!" (I was in my twenties at the time when Bobby was at his peak.
Umm. The early 70 s the NHL was diluted to the max . It expanded more than twice the size it was when Orr arrived. Then there was the WHA. so yeah , its safe to say it WAS diluted ,
The 14 teams League wasn't that bad, the 16 team league was a bit Diluted. But today it isn't much better the speed is there but they don't play with skates that weigh two pounds each.
I saw Bobby Orr in his prime. He dominated my home team, a second six expansion team loaded with fringe NHL players. Imagine Sandy Koufax pitching against a good high school team. I loved watching Orr skate, so effortless and powerful. I am eternally grateful for being in the arena several times when Bobby Orr and the Bruins came to our barn.
Excellent video 85highlander...it is such a pleasure to watch Bobby Orr on the ice..he is the high water mark for all players to aspire to..on and off the ice. Classiest guy to ever play the game.
LOVED reading the comments here, saw him play when I was 15 years old, I love hockey, watching him play took my breath away, it was magic to me. As a kid playing hockey, I never wore the "4", it was just too much pressure to wear, if you wear it, you better be good and I was not good, lol.
Completely changed the sport. Incredible combination of skill, speed, strength and toughness. One thing w/ Orr was that he was a psychotic fighter. He'd never stop throwing punches when the officials were breaking up a fight. Landed a whole lot of cheap shots.
Heck, I was fidgeting around with my own TV antenna in NJ in order to see Bobby Orr. We in NJ did not have a team but I hoped to see Bobby as a NJ native. He remains the best hockey player!
Some people seem to forget that today the goalies wear much bigger pads and they have better training methods for all hockey players then they did in Orr's day. And better doctors if they get injured and the players have much lighter, better skates and lighter graphite hockey sticks. Picture Bobby Orr in his prime with the lightweight skates they have today and the lightweight hockey sticks they have today before you say he wouldn't be able to score goals like back then. And imagine if they had micro-surgery back then so they didn't have to rip his knees to shreds on the operating table like back then. And what if Bobby Orr trained like the athletes do today? Think of all of those things before you say he wouldn't be good if he played today in his prime. The athletes have many advantages today that Orr did not have back then, including everything I mentioned and also better athletic supplements and nutrition now. They know so much more today when it comes to athletes then back then. You can't compare the eras. It's not fair.
In those Days when i was in the Prime of my Life, I can only Compare one Goalie that Would be Successful as a Goalie today and that is Tony Esposito, he played a style way ahead of his time, he was one of the greatest of All time, and had he been with Montreal, instead of Chicago, he would have made Drydens Stats look like Chicken feed. today he still could Survive Regular Season, and Playoff Hockey, He was back then, great in both Seasons Regular and playoff. But also to say that they were all bad in the Conditioning and Diet Department is not fully true, Guys like Bobby Clarke and Red Kelly, were always in Shape and had their own Diets without the need of a Dietitian, its true that not all were in such good shape, but Goalies in that Era were still very, very Good, with the Size of Equipment they had on. I played in the early 1960's in Junior and I always watched my Diet.
@@fentonhardy8176 I generally agree with your overall theme, but Tony Espo better than Ken Dryden?? The Bruins won 2 Cups in 3 years, and the ONLY reason they didn't win 3 Cups in a row (the middle year) was because Ken Dryden absolutely stood on his head, as the Habs upset the HEAVILY-favored Bruins team in the playoffs that year. Don't get me wrong, Tony Espo is one of the all-time greats, but Dryden was absolutely phenomenal.
Mike S Mike I've seen goalies going back to the days of Terry Sawchuk in his prime, Sawchuk to me is still the greatest goalie ever. But remember Dryden wasn't always counted on. If you look at his stats from the summit series. You could see the Espo was the best goalie. Now I have a bit of a bias considering I saw Tony when he was coming up. Ken Dryden was a good goalie, but did he play on a lot of bad teams like say Espo did though the hawks weren't void of talent they were not the same team of the 60s.While Dryden's Canadiens were an excellent throughout most of the 70s, they had some less productive seasons but compared to the hawks of that era, they were superior. But durability wise Espo kills Dryden. I'm still sticking with Tony. But there are goalies I put above both of them, and that would 1 Terry Sawchuk, 2 Glenn Hall, and Jacques Plante. We can agree to disagree on who we hink is better but I think those 3 are solidly entrenched at the top.
Hey thanks for the invite! Yes, I did see the new video...The Big Bad Bruins were a little before my time but..if I had a way-back machine I can think of no place I would rather go back to...would give anything to have seen Bobby play back in his prime! And boy do I ever miss Fred, Johnny, Derek, Tom and the games from TV38. The 80's and early 90's were not all that bad looking back. --Thanks for the reply! :-)
For the next couple of days, if you feel up to it, post a holiday greeting for #4. To Bobby and family: thanks for the tremendous memories and the way you carried yourself on and off the ice. You will forever be number one in the hearts of your fans!! A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Orr family!!
Bobby vs. Everybody.---Bobby wins. Not even close. How many times did he skate by an entire team to score even when the goalie KNEW he was coming? The goalies reactions after the goals are priceless. A whole other level from the rest in the league. I am so proud, to this day, to call myself a fan of The Boston Bruins because of Bobby. So special.
My wife and I are life-long Flyers fans but her description of when, as a youngster at a Flyers-Bruins game when Orr killed an entire Flyers powerplay by just ragging the puck the entire time still gives me chills. She said the Philadelphia crowd just all stood up as one and gave him a standing ovation.
Bobby Orr could skate for minutes (not an exaggeration) without being disturbed, shoot, rebound, pass, defend, play goal (when he had to), FIGHT (hear me, Gretzky promoters), lead, rag the puck, control the game, and score like nobody ever had, has, and (it’s likely) ever will. Orr lacked no aspect needed to be a superstar. BIG exception - he couldn’t last (not the way HE played). Brave to a fault, his tough, rugged, loyal style was bound to ground this angel of the game. That’s why each/every person who’s known him (Gretz’ included) will tell you the same - Bobby Orr IS ice hockey. He defines the game. Jesus!, I’m rambling. Great to hear you voice what is, too often, denied him - that Bobby Orr was/is a genuine pioneer! 👍
imagine Bobby Orr today and he would still dominate in the same way as in his heyday ..because the essence of his genius was 7 speeds of overdrive which allowed him to not even have to bother with a head fake..literally just left all the human pylons behind in his wake..and then be able to utilize his other masterful skills like puckhandling shooting passing.....greatest ever
The best hockey player of all time. A career unfortunately prematurely ended by knee injuries. He revolutionized the game. He did things that no other player did before or has done since. Simply the greatest.
I'm certainly no fan of the Bruins, but Bobby Orr is the greatest player ever. He could do it all, including dropping the gloves when he was forced to. Who knows what he would have accomplished if he hadn't had knee problems throughout his career? I believe that he would have set records that nobody would ever surpass. I've been fortunate to meet him and he's as much of a gentleman off the ice as he was a superstar on the ice. There will never be another one like him.
went to a Redwing game in 1973,got there early to see Orr get off the plane at Metro Airport in a wheelchair his left leg all bandaged up.he played that night-scored 2 goals and 3 assists and was the no.1 star.simply the best ever.
The year was 1979, and I had participated in a week long day camp run the Blackhawks (Tony Esposito was the coach for my group - he worked our butts off). As I left the rink that day, I saw Bobby walking in from the parking lot. I was awestruck. He gladly shook my hand and politely chatted with me. It was the most memorable moment of my life.
I Remember meeting him as a kid at a local car dealership... i was in line to get his autograph, but when my turn came up he had to get up and do a radio feed...he saw that i was sad, so he threw a tennis ball to me and he made sure i was the first person he signed for when he came back... what a class act, he sure made a young orr fans day!!!
Watching Bobby Orr highlights NEVER gets old...
Bobby was magnificent...The way he played the game was truely awe inspiring. Bobby you are to this date the best who ever played the game.
Whenever this music plays, true Bostonians immediately think of Bobby Orr rushing up ice. It's forever a part of our culture.
Gave me goose bumps when I heard it. Grew up in the Boston area in the sixties and seventies. Left in the early 80's, so this is great nostalgia.
NO#4 IS UNBELIEVABLE! THE BEST EVER!!
Just watching this clip reminds me, as an old Leafs fan, of the one player I hated above all. Bobby Orr. When the leafs played Boston, I used to scream "Get him, tie him up" but they never could. Bobby was like a pro playing with a group of juniors, and at any moment he could up his game where the others couldn't. It pains me to see so many 'experts' touting this factlet or that, proclaiming nonsense about whether Bobby would be able to play in today's game. Bobby Orr was the consumate athlete, like Gretzky, Lemieux, Crosby, and a few others. These guys would become legends and stars in whatever game they played, in whatever century they lived. Argue if you will, but that's the truth. There has always, and will always be players in every sport, who rise above the norm, because they see the game on a different level. It's been 4 decades or more, but I can finally say, 'I love
Bobby Orr"...
How could the Leafs not have scouted Orr since he grew up and developed his talent in Parry Sound--it was a Boston scout who saw Orr play a bantam/peewee game in Napanee, Ontario who first tipped off the Bruins of his incredible potential (this scout was actually checking out another player when he "stumbled" upon Orr)
Then Pat Quinn helped shorten his career. Thanks alot Pat
@@daveyboy_ How did Pat Quinn shorten his career, he didn't get Orr in the Knees one bit? Marcel Pronovost was the one who did the damage, but it was Orr's fault in a way. Pronovost was one of the best hitters ever, and he had Orr lined up for a perfect hip check, Orr tried to hurdle Marcel and put his knee in line with Marcel's big backside and injured his knees.
Daveyboy _
Don’t forget Bill Barber...
Um no that's not the truth that's literally just you're opinion that can't be proven...if you're actually gonna speak facts then make sure you actually have facts...
I remember watching him announce his forced retirement on television......I am not an emotional man but, I wept that day...He is the greatest all round hockey player of all time and one of the classiest
Most of us who saw it all, from the early 60's, acknowledge Bobby as the greatest player, ever. He was a phenomenon, a juggernaut of hockey dominance unlikely to be seen again. According to Milt Schmidt: Robert Gordon Orr was born great... its that simple. He was also pure class; a man of elegance, humility, and grace. With Orrs retirement my interest in hockey began to wane. Bless you, Bobby. Thanks for the memories.
Bobby Orr....it still takes my breath away watching him skate & score!! Incredible...!!!
Thanks for posting this - I left Boston 30 years ago, I'm sitting at work and wiping tears from my eyes. Jeez, he was incredible! I was in the Garden one night when Bobby caught Yvan Cournoyer from behind, making up about 5 yards on a break-away. Cournoyer, at that time considered the fastest guy in the game, was shocked, because he knew how big a jump he had on everyone!
I grew up in Chicago and have been a Blackhawk fan since 1961. Bobby Hull was my idol when I was a kid. I think Bobby Orr is one of the greatest players to ever lace up a pair of skates!!!
He literally skates circles around professionals, making them look like fools. Mesmerizing....
Fantastic compilation of the best player the NHL has ever seen.
Always my favourite.
How great was that song and especially Bobby Orr. I still can’t believe he’s retired. He was god on the ice and a humble nice man.
He was truly indescribable as a hockey player -- how does a defenseman, on one freaking leg (his knees were shot at 22 yrs old), winning SCORING championships, dominate like he did? Talent, heart, courage, and class -- Bobby was and always will be tops!
Bobby Orr was the most gifted athlete I have ever seen. Everyone was mesmerized when Bobby touched the puck.
The best hockey player ever. Broke the mold made me a fan at the age of 4. Bobby Orr.
You know what is really great? He just skates with the puck, almost no dekes and they couldn't stop him. LEGEND
l am 82 years old and have seen all best of my time and no one was as good as bobby orr . he was in a class above all others i am fortunate to have seen him play l do not think there will be another hockey player to come along that will be as good as bobby orr was.he was sure some thing to watch
55 been a bruins fan since age of 3. He, made it look easy, best ever!!!!!!
This is all you need to know about Bobby Orr to understand how great he was: The top three seasonal plus/minus totals in NHL history are #1. Bobby Orr +124; #2. Larry Robinson, +120; #3. Wayne Gretzky +98. You'll never guess who #4 (with a +94) is. It's Dallas Smith--a very average, plodding defenceman who is barely remembered today unless you are a hard-core Bruins fan. How did Dallas Smith get to be #4 on that list? Simple, he was Bobby Orr's defence partner in 1970-71! Orr's presence alone elevated a mediocre player to having the fourth-best seasonal plus/minus of all time. That ought to speak volumes.
I remember Dallas Smith will don't even have close my eyes to see him in my mind .average at best
+Teddy Max in fact he's #2 towards the end of this video
Dallas Smith wore #20 for most of his career in Boston.
+Lava1964 u right meant to print #20 I'm 58 I could probably tell you the proper # and name of entire team yet the other day was baffled at who plays for the red sox
I wouldn't say Dallas was mediocre, he was a solid Stay-at-Home Defensman and he provided a steady defensive style, not a super star by any means, but solid none the less.
To this day, Orr was the most exciting hockey player I've ever seen.
I think Serge Savard summed it up the best when interviewed and asked about Bobby Orr. He responded well there are players, great players, stars, super stars, and then there is Bobby Orr. He belonged in a league of his own, but there wasn't one for him to play in.
Bobby Orr's unique skating style, unmatched and never copied, was his greatest skill. Lots of players are fast, quick, but I have never seen anyone who turn turn on a dime, change directions, and manuver like Bobby Orr at top speed. He could do eveything else too and he had one of the best shots from the point. He was a great plaer, maybe the greatest, and I am just glad I got to see his great talent when he was fresh in the NHL. It was a treat to watch.
Mcdavid 😂
Happy belated birthday to Boston’s #4. Thanks for the many memories we in Boston will cherish till the day they lay us in our graves!
In the late 60’s and early 70’s every kid in New England wanted to be Bobby Orr.
he skated so effortlessly. his shoulders barely move yet everyone else seems to be going in slow motion
I call him the only one.... There will never be another player that changed the game of hockey like he did.... Onto bad knees as we all know... You'll never see a defenseman win the scoring title... the greatest person to ever put on a pair of skates.❤❤
The Greatest Hockey Player of all time Bobby Orr.
I AGREE LOVED TO WATCH HIM PLAY
JUST THINK HOW MANY POINTS HE WOULD HAVE IF HE PLAYED WITH EDMONTON OILERS WHEN THEY HAD ALL THOSE GREAT PLAYERS
If Gretzky had played against Orr It would have been an awesome match up! I think Orr Was better.
@@johnheebner9364 Exactly. Coffey was great, but imagine if it were Bobby Orr instead. It wouldn't of even been fair.
@@Jim-pq9pm I LOVED THE SIX TEAM NHL AND WAS A BOSTON FAN AND ORR WAS MY BOY PLUS HOWE
Best player ever IMO...too bad his career was cut so short.
When I met him I was sooo amazed. What a great guy.
Wow, just wow... Guess I will never see someone like him in the NHL nowadays. The guy is just insane with the puck handling and amazing skating and acceleration. Beauty to watch.
He was something else he was great amazing. My Mom said he was exciting to watch but hated him because she was a Rangers fan. He changed the game and I don't think there is anyone who will ever be as good as Bobby Orr. He is in a league of his own.
Being a washed-out player who is now approaching old age I can honestly say this is the coolest video of the greatest player accompanied by fantastic music. I love this video. We were never quite as good but my brothers and I came close. I will always love the game. It's golf now for all three of us. Thanks to whoever put this video out there. Brings back fond memories.
this is the theme music to the opening of every Bruins game in the early 70s on Channel 38 in Boston. Ventures doing it.
fernmann7 In RI, you mean trying to bleed in a game on UHF 38. Moving the rabbit ears constantly, hell it was work watching through the snowy black and white cheap tv. Damn I miss it.
There will never be another Bobby Orr.
quinn huges
@@dsrevo79 What about him?
dsrevo79, Quinn Hughes is good, but he’s not the next Bobby orr
@@dsrevo79 nope, and ima die hard canucklehead 4 life too.
@@dsrevo79 Are you good??? Lol hes not even ray bourque or any great defender ranked below Bobby Orr let alone Bobby himself.
Watched Bobby play in a Midget Tournament in Milton when he was only 13 years old. Pretty well all top Boston Brass
was there scouting him. He skated circles around those older boys. Have been a huge fan of his ever since along with Derek Sanderson. Best pair of skaters in the OLD NHL, penalty killing specialists.
This was before my time, but watching this put a smile on my face. In 2018 very little to smile about.
I grew up as A Ranger fan during Orr's heyday. Let's face it the guy was on another universe. Always managed to break the Rangers hearts but you just have to tip your cap to the man. As an old time hockey veteran once said, "I'd take 5 Bobby Orr's over 5 Gretzky's every time." I'd have to agree, he had it all: speed, stickhandling, passing, and toughness- the one thing that really separates the two. You were awesome # 4.
I would love to see a video of the time the Bruins were shorthanded against the Rangers in MSG. Orr took the puck from the face-off and ragged it for almost two minutes, going end to end two times and finishing by taking a hard shot on the Ranger goalie (which he saved) and as Orr skated to the bench, the MSG crowd gave him a standing ovation. Will never forget seeing that on TV in the early 70's.
His penalty kills against the rangers in the 72 finals, in msg- drove the fans nuts...he would go around and around behind his goalie, come up to the blue line, circle back behind his net again....genius....
As a Rangers fan I hated the Bruins with a passion but I always feared Bobby Orr because everytime he got the puck and started skating up ice I just knew my team was in trouble and he was going to do something which he usually did. Looking at these film clips now I just have great respect for what a tremendous player he was.
If you're not from the Boston area, the music selection for this video may be annoying, but for those who grew up watching the B's on WSBK TV38, it is sweet music to the memories. The song is "Nutty" by the Ventures, and is a rocking version of Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker. And be sure to check out dunskie's version up above!
I am privileged to cherish memories of Bobby Orr, the greatest hockey player who has lived
I Showed this video to my friend who plays Hockey, and his Response was (And I Quote) "He's Not Dangling, he's just practicing with Moving Traffic Cones!"
Natendowii lmao
I remember an interview on tv and they were saying how Orr stick handle in a phone booth and the skate away like an opponent was standing still. It would have been awesome if Orr played the same time and seasons that Gretzky.
Natendowii he’s not wrong
Watching Bobby Orr swing around behind his own goal, then turning on the jets, splitting defensemen and scoring was a pleasure to watch. Sometimes other players seemed to be mesmerized as he sped by.
What your watching is maybe 40% of what made Bobby Orr such an incredible player. There is a few glimpes of the great defensive defenseman he was, he could stickhandle like no one before or after him, incredible speed/skating, pin point passing just to name a few. He could rag the puck during penalties...there's just to much to explain his mastery of the game...did I mention his vision?
I watched every Bruin game during the early 70's; Orr is no doubt the greatest player ever--he was tremendous in every aspect, and unbelievable at stopping the puck against the boards with his stick; you couldn't ice it against him!
85highlander. Thank You so much for posting this wonderful Tribute to Bobby Orr.
For those who weren't around to see Orr play, I think the greatest thing about Orr besides his hockey ability was his humility.I was fortunate to grow up in Boston when Orr was playing and I remember him being asked why he didn't 'celebrate' when he scored.He responded that he felt like he embarassed his opponent when he scored and didn't want to rub it in.Watch the video and see how he rarely raises his stick when he scores.
"What can you say about the greatest player ever to play the game? When he was playing, you would never know that Bobby Orr was hurt, and he was skating on one leg a lot of the time. I respect him so much today for his charitable work. He does things for causes that no one ever hears about."
-Ken Hodge, from today's Nantucket Independent
This Penguin fan thanks you for the Bobby Orr memories. I got to see Bobby Orr three times in Pittsburgh during the 74-75 season. I know he had a hat trick in a 5-5 tie and I think he had two goals each in a 4-4 tie and a 4-3 Penguin win. I've seen Orr, Gretzky, and Lemieux multiple times and nobody else could do the things they did on the ice. I can't say who is best among those three--I'm just glad I got to see all of them with my own eyes.
My Memories of Bobby Orr go back to my days of Playing Junior Hockey in Sault Ste Marie and Bobby was playing for Oshawa, and I was On the Ice and Bobby went down and I was on the Ice and Bobby had the Puck (As usual!) and I thought I had him checked he was coming down on me and all of a Sudden he put on the jets and he went down and beat our goalie and I went to the Bench and was Saying sorry coach I don't know how he did that, and All my Coach could say was don't worry Fenton, that guy is Going to be the Greatest Hockey player of All time.
Fenton Hardy I both do and don't believe u
Fenton Hardy about the fact u pretty much met Bobby Orr
Autimul & Jackson I know I was a junior back in the day, I have met Bobby in the past, and I played against him never with him. I never played pro, due to being one of the few Americans in OHA, I almost got to play in the pros but I got drafted into the U.S Marines the summer I was eligible, and I never could return to hockey as a player. I will tell you, Orr was a great hockey player, and the greatest player ever. Its sounds unbelieveable, but its the truth, I never went to College, as Vietnam got in the way of everything, except my Military Career. I know that story sounds unbelievable, but its true I remember it happened in the Oshawa rink, in November 1964.
Fenton Hardy wow
Fenton it must have been cool just to have been on the ice with him
Bobby Orr is the best athlete i have ever seen in my life. What a pleasure it is to see these old tapes.
Just watching him rag the puck on a penalty kill was magic. He could keep the puck away from the other team all by himself. Then he’d kick it into another gear and take it down the ice and score by himself. I’ve never seen anyone else be able to control a game like he could.
This is an incredible video, thanks for uploading it. It's absolutely beautiful to watch Orr at work.
Jacob Russell SCROLL UP TO APRIL8, 1971 BRUINS WORST GAME OF ALL TIME WATCH BOBBY PLAY ORR NOT PLAY DEFENSE. FIND HILITES OF GAME 7
IN 1971 ON TH-cam. WATCH HIM FOLD IN GAME 7. WATCH MONTREAL 4TH GOAL.
+JAY DAVIDSON One game in which the entire team played poorly, starting with goalie Eddie Johnston. What's your point, ALL CAPS FOOL??
JAY DAVIDSON Bobby Orr was so obviously the best of all time that even more than forty years later people still remember the rare bad game he played. A true legend.
+Jacob Russell ORR AND ESPO were humbled by Montreal time and time again. They played 18 games
in playoff head to head...............Orr and ESPO lost 12 of the 18.. Orr and ESPO in ALL playoffs lost 7 playoff GAMES in OT. ORR AND ESPO WERE CHOKERS !!!!!
Don Cherry's Bruins WON 7 playoff games in OT Showed more HEART than ORR and ESPO. TWICE BEAT MONREAL IN OT IN PLAYOFFS
Look at Brad Park. Game 7 vs Buffalo 1983. Brad tied the game up and WON IT IN OT
Brad did not disappear in game 7 like Orr did in 1971. Brad Park.the BEST
JAY DAVIDSON So you're comparing two players to an entire team? I'd say that speaks for itself.
Best hockey player of all time based on 1) he could have played any position on the ice, and 2) he would have thrived in any era.
2:18 best hockey play ever, by the best player ever
Since joining TH-cam I bet I have watched this at least 25 times. Thanks for sharing the memories with me. I remember WSBK and the pre NESN days. I agree they were a much better team back then
I would have loved to see what his stats would have been with good knees for ten or fifteen seasons.
Yep, I'd take him in a heartbeat too, Thomas. He was Far tougher than Gretzky. Someone said that he had 3 speeds of fast, he made it look like he was a man playing against boys. None better. Robert Gordon FREAKING Orr. 'Nuff Said.
Theo 80126 Bucyk said he had 16 levels of fast
i gotta hand it to the uploader, i watch this every time before my hockey games. it inspireès me in a way, i dunno, all im saying is, bobby orr is my favorite player of all time, GO BOSTON!
the music makes it complete!~E
+Eric-Scott Bloom NUTTY
I'm agerman native Habsfan born '84.
Only seeing those footages here makes my heart smiling.
What a dominant beast on skates.
If you consider the position he played on Bobby Orr is probably the most influential Hockey player of all time.
And in my opinion the very best.
I wished I could have seen him live.
Two goals that just ...omg...leave me laughing. The one against the Blues...literally skates into the left side of the slot, pulls a near U-turn on the goalie, and literally slides it past the goalie like a hot knife through butter.
And the last one....I remember watching that game...literally pulls the entire Atlanta Flames team...to the right wing...just frying them in his zephyr, going around the net, and making a highlight reel goal as one Atlanta Flame player literally head first into the net...with a shot under him...
So many.........and I was blessed to see these games as they happened. Never will be another total package of stick handling, skating ability and game smarts. Only one #4...Bobby Orr...
+openmind1966 Yeah love playing those expansion teams with the AHL players and over 40 goalies............
I’m mid 60 best part of my youth growing up watching Mr. Orr. To me he is “The Great One”
ONE OF MY IDOLS AND HEROES..
Now I remember why I am a Bruin fan. Great player and very humble. If an athlete can be a role model, he is.
some of these plays are ridiculous, dominating some of the greatest players ever. If Orr was a forward and didn't have to go back, he's scoring 80-100 goals on a regular basis.
Oh Hell YES!!! This song and the WSBK graphics bring back so many great memories of watching the Bruins on a black and white TV at my childhood house in Wayland, Mass.
The debate is useless. Each Legend brought something to the game that made him what he was. Gretzkys passes, Orrs game control, Lemieuxs pure size and finesse, Brett Hulls one timers. All these greats will admit they could'nt do things the others could. Its theyre humility that made them great.
I agree! What makes hockey interesting is the unique ways each player can move and do things. Who cares who the "greatest" was unless you are a fanboy? My favorite ever was Peter Forsberg who did a lot of things that none of those players you list could do. But it is fun to watch other players who have unique abilities too -- even if they are not even close to being considered "the greatest."
Ive watched a lot of Peter Forsberg but he didn't define his era. He could hit no doubt, but his numbers were on par with more than a dozen or so players of his time. Peter makes the top 100 of all time but doesn't compare with Orr, Lemieux or Gretzkys superstar status.
Budd Ha Clearly you are an elitist unable to grasp the point I was making, so carry on.
Instead of saying one way or another, I'll just tell you I'd have Gretzky at center, Orr as one of my defensemen, Roy or LaPlante in net, and I'd try to coax Richard and Howe into playing wings. Need one more defenseman and I might suggest Bourque, but is someone else wants to suggest my last player for my all time first shift, speak up.
John Smith Couldn't go wrong with any of the following: Robinson, Coffey, Potvin, Bourque, D. Harvey
That's the game Tom Johnson put Ed Johnston in nets instead of Cheevers. I was 11 then and remember that game. I never thought I would see another comeback like that in my life, but they did it again a couple of weeks ago. I was and still am a big Habs fan, but in retrospect, it must have been heartbreaking for the Bruins fans in 1971. At least, they won in 70 and 72. Btw Bobby Orr was THE greatest hockey player. He didn't change the way to play the game, he changed THE game.
Several commentators one of whom watched the greatest for 50 years said the strangest thing about Orr was his moving where the action WASN'T and the puck ending up there. Anatoly Tarasov the great Russian coach of Orr's era (and others) said that as a JUNIOR, Orr was the best player he'd ever seen anywhere in the world including Russia professionals and players in the NHL.
Were his knees genetically terrible, or were they 'unlucky' ...and the hack artists of his day (Bobby Clarke et al) made them 'terrible?''
Hack artists, I'm afraid. It was a sad day when he retired.
He seems to pick up speed without putting any effort into it after he's already going pretty fast, and that seems to catch a lot of guys of guard. Plus his stick handling, passing and shooting are top notch. Ability to turn on a dime, superb defensive play, hockey sense. Man, this guy would be the best in the league today without a doubt.
He's the only player in the NHL where you'd have to say he deserved to be sent up to the next level, only there was no higher level!
I would include Wayne and Mario in that category
***** Just by doing math, Lemieux if he had been able to play the same amount of matches Gretzky did, he'd have over 1000 goals in the NHL. But he'd still trail Gretzky in total points. And for laughs, Mike Bossy would be doing over 1000 goals with the amount of matches Gretzky played.
***** And the funny thing is. Sidney Crosby of all the people, is at the moment 4th in points per game average. AHEAD of Orr, just behind Bossy, Lemieux and Gretzky.
Red Army team?
Yup, and that’s the way it was. I grew up in the 60s and 70s watching the bruins, I ate, slept and breathed it. I can tell you it was awesome.
How can anyone ever think Gretzky was better than Orr? Not even close!
Those where the good old days Orr , Espo , Hodge, Cashmen ,Johnny Buyck
Orr's natural talent is even more remarkable when you consider he played at a time when there were less than half the NHL teams there are now--in other words there wasn't this "dilution" of talent that is around now--Orr was up against higher skilled players since only the best players made it to the NHL at that time
People thought it was diluted then, and now I think back and say, "Gee it was way better back in my day!" (I was in my twenties at the time when Bobby was at his peak.
david graham true but hockey players are better now then they've ever been
Umm. The early 70 s the NHL was diluted to the max . It expanded more than twice the size it was when Orr arrived. Then there was the WHA. so yeah , its safe to say it WAS diluted ,
The 14 teams League wasn't that bad, the 16 team league was a bit Diluted. But today it isn't much better the speed is there but they don't play with skates that weigh two pounds each.
YOU ARE RIGHT
I saw Bobby Orr in his prime. He dominated my home team, a second six expansion team loaded with fringe NHL players. Imagine Sandy Koufax pitching against a good high school team. I loved watching Orr skate, so effortless and powerful. I am eternally grateful for being in the arena several times when Bobby Orr and the Bruins came to our barn.
The last goal was short handed. I watched it live on tv.
DAN bouchard the goalie. I watched it too
Sweet. Long time ago!!!
Thank you for this tremendous gift...the music was great and Bobby Orr is/was the greatest of all time...its not even close.
regards Joe.
Too bad Orr played in an era and a sport that allowed players to intentionally injure a guy they couldn't beat fairly.
Mike M
And Orr STILL kicked their asses!
Excellent video 85highlander...it is such a pleasure to watch Bobby Orr on the ice..he is the high water mark for all players to aspire to..on and off the ice. Classiest guy to ever play the game.
1:38 "You're never gonna catch me!"
LOVED reading the comments here, saw him play when I was 15 years old, I love hockey, watching him play took my breath away, it was magic to me. As a kid playing hockey, I never wore the "4", it was just too much pressure to wear, if you wear it, you better be good and I was not good, lol.
Best ever.
Awesome stuff, thanks!
What memories, TV-38 and the B's-that WAS a great night! That intro music I can still remember it!
Bobby Orr the Best Ever!
Completely changed the sport. Incredible combination of skill, speed, strength and toughness. One thing w/ Orr was that he was a psychotic fighter. He'd never stop throwing punches when the officials were breaking up a fight. Landed a whole lot of cheap shots.
An already incredible career cut too short
Heck, I was fidgeting around with my own TV antenna in NJ in order to see Bobby Orr. We in NJ did not have a team but I hoped to see Bobby as a NJ native. He remains the best hockey player!
atiboyful being from RI, you bet, constantly moving the rabbit ears trying to get uhf channel 38 to bleed in Boston Bruins at nite. Damn it was work
Some people seem to forget that today the goalies wear much bigger pads and they have better training methods for all hockey players then they did in Orr's day. And better doctors if they get injured and the players have much lighter, better skates and lighter graphite hockey sticks. Picture Bobby Orr in his prime with the lightweight skates they have today and the lightweight hockey sticks they have today before you say he wouldn't be able to score goals like back then. And imagine if they had micro-surgery back then so they didn't have to rip his knees to shreds on the operating table like back then. And what if Bobby Orr trained like the athletes do today? Think of all of those things before you say he wouldn't be good if he played today in his prime. The athletes have many advantages today that Orr did not have back then, including everything I mentioned and also better athletic supplements and nutrition now. They know so much more today when it comes to athletes then back then. You can't compare the eras. It's not fair.
In those Days when i was in the Prime of my Life, I can only Compare one Goalie that Would be Successful as a Goalie today and that is Tony Esposito, he played a style way ahead of his time, he was one of the greatest of All time, and had he been with Montreal, instead of Chicago, he would have made Drydens Stats look like Chicken feed. today he still could Survive Regular Season, and Playoff Hockey, He was back then, great in both Seasons Regular and playoff. But also to say that they were all bad in the Conditioning and Diet Department is not fully true, Guys like Bobby Clarke and Red Kelly, were always in Shape and had their own Diets without the need of a Dietitian, its true that not all were in such good shape, but Goalies in that Era were still very, very Good, with the Size of Equipment they had on. I played in the early 1960's in Junior and I always watched my Diet.
Well put!
@@fentonhardy8176 I generally agree with your overall theme, but Tony Espo better than Ken Dryden?? The Bruins won 2 Cups in 3 years, and the ONLY reason they didn't win 3 Cups in a row (the middle year) was because Ken Dryden absolutely stood on his head, as the Habs upset the HEAVILY-favored Bruins team in the playoffs that year.
Don't get me wrong, Tony Espo is one of the all-time greats, but Dryden was absolutely phenomenal.
Mike S Mike I've seen goalies going back to the days of Terry Sawchuk in his prime, Sawchuk to me is still the greatest goalie ever. But remember Dryden wasn't always counted on. If you look at his stats from the summit series. You could see the Espo was the best goalie. Now I have a bit of a bias considering I saw Tony when he was coming up. Ken Dryden was a good goalie, but did he play on a lot of bad teams like say Espo did though the hawks weren't void of talent they were not the same team of the 60s.While Dryden's Canadiens were an excellent throughout most of the 70s, they had some less productive seasons but compared to the hawks of that era, they were superior. But durability wise Espo kills Dryden. I'm still sticking with Tony. But there are goalies I put above both of them, and that would 1 Terry Sawchuk, 2 Glenn Hall, and Jacques Plante. We can agree to disagree on who we hink is better but I think those 3 are solidly entrenched at the top.
That's why it makes no sense to transfer a player from one era to another era to credit or discredit a player.
Hey thanks for the invite! Yes, I did see the new video...The Big Bad Bruins were a little before my time but..if I had a way-back machine I can think of no place I would rather go back to...would give anything to have seen Bobby play back in his prime! And boy do I ever miss Fred, Johnny, Derek, Tom and the games from TV38. The 80's and early 90's were not all that bad looking back. --Thanks for the reply! :-)
For the next couple of days, if you feel up to it, post a holiday greeting for #4.
To Bobby and family: thanks for the tremendous memories and the way you carried yourself on and off the ice. You will forever be number one in the hearts of your fans!!
A Very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to the Orr family!!
Bobby vs. Everybody.---Bobby wins. Not even close. How many times did he skate by an entire team to score even when the goalie KNEW he was coming? The goalies reactions after the goals are priceless. A whole other level from the rest in the league. I am so proud, to this day, to call myself a fan of The Boston Bruins because of Bobby. So special.
THE GREAT ONE.
My wife and I are life-long Flyers fans but her description of when, as a youngster at a Flyers-Bruins game when Orr killed an entire Flyers powerplay by just ragging the puck the entire time still gives me chills. She said the Philadelphia crowd just all stood up as one and gave him a standing ovation.
No player like him before or since.
+denise gendreau T'as raison, Denise. Il etait merveilleux.
No other player in the history of the NHL has dominated the league in as many ways during his career as Bobby Orr.
Bobby Orr could skate for minutes (not an exaggeration) without being disturbed, shoot, rebound, pass, defend, play goal (when he had to), FIGHT (hear me, Gretzky promoters), lead, rag the puck, control the game, and score like nobody ever had, has, and (it’s likely) ever will.
Orr lacked no aspect needed to be a superstar.
BIG exception - he couldn’t last (not the way HE played). Brave to a fault, his tough, rugged, loyal style was bound to ground this angel of the game. That’s why each/every person who’s known him (Gretz’ included) will tell you the same - Bobby Orr IS ice hockey. He defines the game.
Jesus!, I’m rambling.
Great to hear you voice what is, too often, denied him - that Bobby Orr was/is a genuine pioneer! 👍
He looks like some twisted perversion of Datsyuk and Malkin... and he was a defenseman
imagine Bobby Orr today and he would still dominate in the same way as in his heyday ..because the essence of his genius was 7 speeds of overdrive which allowed him to not even have to bother with a head fake..literally just left all the human pylons behind in his wake..and then be able to utilize his other masterful skills like puckhandling shooting passing.....greatest ever
son-of-a-bitch puts a lump in my throat~E