The Forgotten Hockey Players OF Broadway Podcast- 1972 Stanley Cup Finals- Boston Bruins vs NY Rangers- Episode #31

The Forgotten Hockey Players of Broadway Podcast

A nostalgic look back at our favorite heroes and legends who wore the red, white and blue for the rangers during the 60's,70's and 80's.

In Episode # 31 we look back on the 1972 Stanley Cup finals between the NY Rangers and their hated rivals the Boston Bruins.

* First Stanley Cup final's meeting between these two clubs since 1929.

* Rangers defeated the defending Stanley Cup Champion Canadiens and the Chicago Blackhawks while the Bruins defeated the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Blues to reach the Finals

* Bruins finished first in the league in points and were led by Superstars Phil Esposito and Bobby Orr and an incredible lineup of tough and skilled players that excelled in penalty killing and the power play.

* The Rangers finished with the second most points and were led by Superstar Brad Park, the GAG line of Hadfield ,Ratelle and Gilbert (although Ratelle sustained a devastating ankle injury earlier in the season and just started playing again in the finals) as well as Star Goaltender Edie Giacomin who was also playing with a knee injury.

* The Bruins defeated the Rangers in six games for their second Cup in three seasons.

* The Bruins devastated the Rangers while shorthanded scoring three shorthanded goals in the series ( Derek Sanderson and Eddie Westfall were brilliant). Both teams tallied six power play goals

* Bruins Goaltending was the difference in the series as Eddie Johnston was outstanding and Gerry Cheevers (who went undefeated in 33 straight games during the season) pitched a shutout in the Cup clinching game six at MSG.

* The Bruins size, strength and physicality especially down low ( where the Bruin forwards always seemed to outnumber the Rangers) caused the Rangers all sorts of problems in the series. Bruins forwards Wayne Cashman and Ken Hodge were particularly dominant.