On November 14, 1971, the Boston Bruins delivered a ruthless performance at Boston Garden, overwhelming the Los Angeles Kings by a staggering 11-2 score. The Kings entered the matchup struggling, with just three wins in their first 16 games of the 1971-72 season and things only spiraled further once the puck dropped.
Key Highlights
- Bobby Orr records 6 points, including a hat trick
- Bruins score 11 unanswered goals after early deficit
- Phil Esposito posts 5-point night (2G, 3A)
- Ed Westfall adds 4 points (1G, 3A)
- Boston dominates with 35 shots on goal
- Kings struggle continues with lopsided loss
- Gary Edwards faces full game in net under heavy pressure
Los Angeles briefly held the lead after Eddie Joyal opened the scoring just over two minutes into the first period. But that early goal quickly became a footnote. Boston responded with relentless offense, turning the game into a one-sided showcase of firepower and precision.
At the center of it all was Bobby Orr, who delivered a masterclass performance with six points, two in each period. He began by assisting on Phil Esposito’s goal before scoring one of his own later in the first. Orr struck again early in the second period, then added another assist before closing out his night in style with a third-period hat trick goal.
The offensive explosion didn’t stop there. Esposito finished with five points (two goals, three assists), while Ed Westfall contributed four points with a goal and three assists. Mike Walton also found the scoresheet as Boston piled on. Orr was especially aggressive, leading all players with eight of the Bruins’ 35 shots on goal.
Despite facing a barrage all night, Kings goaltender Gary Edwards remained in net for the full 60 minutes, a tough assignment against one of the most dominant teams of the era. By the final horn, the Bruins had turned a brief early deficit into a commanding and unforgettable rout.
Bobby: My Story in Pictures
A visual celebration of Bobby Orr’s groundbreaking career — through photos and memorable moments.
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