Bobby Orr’s 1970 Stanley Cup-winning goal squares off against Tedy Bruschi’s return from a stroke in the first round of Boston’s Greatest Sports Moment tournament.
Bobby Orr may have all the characteristics of a red-blooded human being, but the Bruins defenseman looked like an angel of the ice when he flew through the air after scoring “The Goal” to win the 1970 Stanley Cup. In that moment at the Boston Garden, with thousands of Bruins fans watching in anticipation, he was a gift bestowed upon all of Boston by the hockey gods themselves. Indeed, no single NHL moment is frozen in time more than Orr taking flight like Superman. The vision occurred 40 seconds into overtime as Orr put the puck past goaltender Glenn Hall to win Game 4 — and complete the sweep — against the St. Louis Blues. The iconic moment has never thawed. It is perfect.
Tedy Bruschi earned his way into the hearts of Patriots fans with his leadership, determination and work ethic throughout his entire career. But not long after his first Pro Bowl appearance in February 2005, Bruschi suffered a stroke and was admitted to the hospital. Bruschi had a hole in his heart, and his football career was in jeopardy. For any other football player, the end might have been the case. But Tedy Bruschi is one of the hardest-working, mentally tough players in NFL history. Instead of allowing his condition to force him into an early retirement, the linebacker fought his way back and returned to the NFL. On Oct. 30, 2005, Bruschi once again found himself at Gillette Stadium, starting against the Buffalo Bills. Backed by Bruschi’s leadership and seven tackles, the Patriots came back from a 16-7 deficit to beat the Bills, 21-16.
« 2. Bruins win ’11 Cup vs. 15. Bird 3-point show | 8. Pap closes 2007 WS vs. 9. Horton GWG Tampa »
Share your thoughts about Boston’s Greatest Sports Moment on Twitter at @NESN. Include #BGSM in your tweet.
