On May 10, 1970, Bobby Orr of the Boston Bruins scored one of the most iconic goals in NHL history, leading his team to a 4-3 overtime victory against the St. Louis Blues in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Finals. This goal sealed the series sweep for the Bruins and earned them their first Stanley Cup championship in 29 years.
What made this moment truly unforgettable was the manner in which Orr scored the winning goal. Forty seconds into overtime, Orr received a pass from teammate Derek Sanderson and skated towards the Blues' net. As he approached the goal, Orr was tripped by Blues defenseman Noel Picard, sending him flying through the air. Despite being airborne, Orr managed to slide the puck past Blues goaltender Glenn Hall, scoring the championship-clinching goal.
The image of Bobby Orr flying through the air, his arms raised in celebration, has become one of the most iconic photographs in sports history. Captured by photographer Ray Lussier, the picture perfectly encapsulates the excitement and athleticism of the moment.
Orr's incredible performance throughout the playoffs earned him the Conn Smythe Trophy as the most valuable player in the postseason. He finished the playoffs with nine goals and 11 assists in 14 games, showcasing his exceptional skills as a defenseman and his ability to impact the game at both ends of the ice.
The goal and the Stanley Cup victory capped off a remarkable season for Bobby Orr, who had already won the Art Ross Trophy as the league's leading scorer and the Norris Trophy as the best defenseman. His dominance on the ice and his championship-winning goal on May 10, 1970, have solidified his place as one of the greatest players in hockey history, and that moment will forever be remembered as a defining one in the annals of sports.
