The Boston Bruins are the oldest American NHL team and the third oldest NHL team, having been established way back in 1926. In that time the Bruins have had a lot of history; some history went their way, and a lot of history went against them. Having only won six championships in nearly 100 years, it is safe to say a lot has gone against them in this time. But when history was on their side, we saw some really great moments with some great teams. So let’s take a look at some of the Bruins best teams.
5. 2019-2020
I understand this is a bit preemptive, but the Bruins have been end-to-end the best team in hockey until the COVID-19 outbreak shut down the NHL. The Bruins had a six point cushion for first place in the entire NHL and didn’t seem to be slowing down. If this Bruins team gets the opportunity to compete for the Stanley Cup, they could be considered one of the greatest Bruins teams in history if they can win it.
4. 2013-2014
Quite possibly the most disappointing Bruins team in history when it came to the playoffs, but when it came to talent, this was one of the best Bruins teams in history. The Bruins lost Nathan Horton only to gain another offensive powerhouse in Jerome Iginla who scored 30 goals in his lone season with the Bruins. Tuukka Rask arguably had his best season with a large workload playing in 58 games while holding a .930 save percentage. The Bruins went on to win the President’s Trophy that season, but it seemed like the only thing that could stop them was their arch-rival, the Montreal Canadiens and that is exactly what happened, the Canadiens beat the Bruins in game seven on their own ice. Chalk this one up to the curse of the President’s Trophy.
3. 2012-2013
In what seemed like a team of destiny ended in a tragic way. The 2012-2013 Bruins were one of the most inspiring stories after coming back to beat the Leafs down 4–1 in the third period of game seven after the horrific Boston Marathon Bombing had just occurred a month prior. The Bruins found themselves up by one goal late against the Chicago Blackhawks ready to force game seven until the Blackhawks scored two quick goals in the final two minutes to win the Stanley Cup on Bruins ice.
2. 1969-1970
I know I have been neglecting the old time teams, so here is the most memorable one. The famous overtime goal by Bobby Orr against the St. Louis Blues to win the Stanley Cup will always be remembered as the greatest goal in both Bruins and NHL history. Gerry Cheevers, Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr are just a few of many big names on that team and that was one of the most stacked teams in NHL history, which is why they sit at the number two on my list.
1. 2010-2011
Essentially the modern day Big Bad Bruins. The 2010-2011 Bruins team has to be the most resilient team in Bruins history. Having to face a total of three game seven’s and to win them all is no easy feat. The most important part to me is that they were able to win the Stanley Cup and they were the first Bruins team to win the Cup in the 16 team playoff format and they did it while beating the opposition physically too.
It is safe to say I am a bit biased toward the Bruins teams that had to face a larger variety of teams rather than the 14 teams in the entire league in 1970. But it is true that this past decade the Bruins teams have been a lot better against much tougher competition. And most importantly, if the Bruins could have won against the Blackhawks and against the Blues this past year, we could be talking about a dynasty for the Bruins in the 2010s.