56 years ago today in Boston Bruins history
The Boston Bruins have a long and rich history, and for basically its entire existence has had a polarizing figure on the blueline. And not only the most polarizing defenseman in Bruins history but the entire NHL, made his debut 56 years ago today.
An 18-year-old Bobby Orr made his NHL debut on October 19th, 1966, against the Detroit Red Wings and registered one assist. Three days later, Orr would record his first career goal against the Montreal Canadiens. Orr finished with 13 goals and 28 assists, and at the time, was one of the best rookie seasons in NHL history by a defenceman.
The Bruins struggled to a last-place finish with a record of 17–43–10, leaving the However, Orr's impact was immediately evident as attendance at Boston Garden increased by forty-one thousand fans from the season before.
Orr would finish his Bruins career with 264 goals and 624 assists for a total of 888 points in 632 games.
NBC Sports Boston said it best:
''He never played a full season in the NHL after the age of 26 years old and it was a crime he needed to finish his career with two injury-riddled seasons for the Chicago Blackhawks, but nobody made the game look as beautiful as Bobby Orr did in the late 1960's and early 1970's for the Bruins.''
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