No contest in the Hub
Orr bests Gretzky on list of NHL greats
One player defined a generation, altered the way the game of hockey — and his position — was played, and inspired generations of hockey fans across the region, and North America.
The other was Wayne Gretzky.
The hockey conversation in New England often begins and ends with Robert Gordon Orr, a generational talent and widely considered among the top three hockey players of all time. Where among the top three always stirs debate — everywhere but Boston.
He changed the way the position was played. He paved the way for players like Rob Blake and Drew Doughty to ply their trade as two-way defensemen. And he did so with an unabashed toughness and grit that defines the Boston fan base.
Gretzky called Los AngeThey les home for a handful of years, of course, but somehow, Boston’s greatest rival made sure in 1993 that the Great One would go wanting in a Stanley Cup Final for the only time in his career. Seriously, how did Montreal ever win that series?
The Kings did help pave the way for expansion.
proved that hockey could survive in warmer climes, and they even hold the distinction of playing the first officially sanctioned outdoor game — a preseason tilt at Caesar’s Palace in 1991.
And yes, to be fair, the Kings have also won the Stanley Cup two times since the Bruins won their most recent title. But historically speaking, the Kings’ cupboard is far less cluttered.
Two playoff series between the teams — a generation or two ago — is hardly enough to have stoked the competitive fire lately. But a race to be competitive in a league enamored with — and succeeding in establishing — parity is motivation enough for these two proud organizations.
The most recent 10-year tally? L.A. 2, Boston 1. For now.