Bobby Orr found another way to make hockey history on April 11, 1971. Playing at the Montreal Forum in Game 4 of the Stanley Cup quarter-finals, the Boston Bruins defenseman scored three goals in a 5-2 victory over the Montreal Canadiens. It was the first playoff hat trick by a defenseman in nearly half a century, and it pulled Boston even at two games apiece in a series that would bring its remarkable season to an unexpectedly early end.
Highlights
Orr scored three goals at the Montreal Forum on April 11, 1971.
Boston defeated Montreal 5-2 in Game 4 of their quarter-final series.
The victory tied the series at two games apiece.
Mike Walton’s power-play goal gave Boston a 2-1 second-period lead.
Orr’s second goal, 37 seconds into the third period, was the winner.
His shorthanded empty-net goal completed the hat trick with three seconds remaining.
Esposito and Hodge each had three assists; Cheevers made 26 saves.
Montreal ultimately won the series in seven games and captured the Stanley Cup.
The Canadiens entered the game holding a 2-1 series lead, and Frank Mahovlich gave them another advantage by scoring the only goal of the first period. Montreal remained ahead beyond the halfway point of the game before Orr finally beat Ken Dryden at 11:01 of the second period. Wayne Cashman and Ken Hodge assisted on the tying goal, Orr’s third of the series. Mike Walton then scored on the power play at 18:26, sending Boston into the second intermission with a 2-1 lead.
Orr wasted little time extending that advantage. Just 37 seconds into the third period, he scored again, with Hodge and Phil Esposito drawing the assists. That goal gave Boston a 3-1 lead and ultimately stood as the winner. Yvan Cournoyer brought Montreal within one at 6:13, but Fred Stanfield restored the Bruins’ two-goal cushion at 17:21.
The Canadiens received a late opportunity when Boston defenseman Don Awrey took a hooking penalty at 18:25. Montreal pulled Dryden for an extra attacker, creating a six-on-four advantage, but Orr supplied the final blow. With just three seconds remaining, he scored into the empty net to complete his hat trick and seal the 5-2 victory. The shorthanded goal was his fifth of the series.
Orr led all players with seven shots on goal, while Esposito and Hodge each contributed three assists. Gerry Cheevers stopped 26 shots to help Boston reclaim some momentum. The Bruins would push the series to seven games, but Montreal prevailed and went on to win the Stanley Cup. For Boston, a brilliant regular season ended in the opening round. For Orr, Game 4 remained another memorable entry in a career filled with extraordinary achievements.
Bobby: My Story in Pictures
A visual celebration of Bobby Orr’s groundbreaking career — through photos and memorable moments.
Buy on Amazon
