By: Julia Simone | Follow me on Twitter / X @j_simone40
Today marks 100 years of Boston Bruins hockey, and a centennial birthday party will take place before the club’s 4:15 pm puck drop against the B’s longtime rival, the Montreal Canadiens.
It’s a full circle moment today as the Montreal Canadiens were the Bruins’ first-ever opponent. The Bruins won this game 2-1 at Boston Arena on December 1, 1924 – 100 years ago today!
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The spoked-B is a symbol that not only people in Boston know but also ice hockey fans worldwide. Bobby Orr, former Bruins defenseman, carved the way for greats in this sport. Orr scored 270 goals during his career with the black and gold and registered 645 assists. At the time of his retirement, he led defensemen in goals, assists, and points.
When you think of the Bruins, you think of Bobby Orr’s iconic goal in May of 1970. Orr’s goal lifted the Bruins past the St. Louis Blues in overtime and won the Stanley Cup. The Bruins had not won a Stanley Cup in 29 years, but that all changed after Orr scored that goal against St. Louis. Blue’s defenseman Noel Pickard’s stick got caught in Orr’s skates when he went flying in the air. Now, a statue of this quintessential moment is outside of TD Garden.
Other greats whose number is now in the rafters at the garden include Ray Bourque, Phil Esposito, and Johnny Bucyk – who will turn 90 years old in May! All these greats skated around Madison Square Garden in 1972 after the Bruins won the cup once again.
Another historic moment for the Bruins was back in 2011 when the cup returned to Boston. Patrice Bergeron and Brad Marchand led the Bruins, who were the underdogs in the Stanley Cup finals against the Vancouver Canucks, to a game-seven victory. Fans also cannot forget Tim Thomas and his highlight reel saves, as he was especially good with his stick. This was the first time in 39 years that the cup returned to Boston.
The Montreal Canadiens have always been an opponent that Bruins fans look forward to facing. Over 100 years, the two original six teams have faced each other over 900 times. This is the most that two teams in the history of the sport have ever played each other.
The Bruins recently unveiled a new poor bear statue by North Station and TD Garden to honor 100 years of Bruins hockey. Fans were able to see the statue as Bruins CEO and Alternate Governor Charlie Jacobs and Bruins Alum Johnny Bucyk were in attendance.
Bruins captain Brad Marchand had this to say about the connection between fans and the spokes-b ahead of today’s game, “I really do…the fans are very very passionate and they support us all the way through…it is special and you really grow to love being a part of the city.”
The Bruins will look to get their fourth win under intern head coach Joe Sacco. Sacco had this to say about the centennial game in Boston, “It’s going to be a lot of fun… two franchises with a lot of history, especially against each other, and we are looking forward to it tomorrow.”
It has been 100 years of blood, sweat, and tears for the Black and Gold. An original six-franchise that will continue to make history for years to come.
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