1972 Stanley Cup Championship
The Bruins defeated the Rangers in six games to win their second Stanley Cup in three years.
The 1972 Stanley Cup Final was the championship series of the National Hockey League's (NHL) 1971–72 season, and the culmination of the 1972 Stanley Cup playoffs. It was contested between the Boston Bruins and the New York Rangers. The Bruins defeated the Rangers in six games to win their second Stanley Cup in three years.
Quick Facts
- Series result
- 4-2
- Coach
- Tom Johnson
- Key leader
- Bobby Orr
Lore & Background
This was the Rangers' first appearance in the finals since 1950. The Bruins were making their first appearance since their victory in the 1970 Finals. It was the second Boston-New York Final series, the other being the 1929 Finals. This was the last time the Bruins won the Stanley Cup until 2011.
Reader's Guide
Bobby Orr, who tallied 4 goals and 4 assists in the series, won the Conn Smythe Trophy for the second time. Phil Esposito had 41 shots in the series but was held without a goal. As of 2025, the 1972 Bruins are the most recent team to have won the Cup without a formal captain. John Bucyk, as the team's senior alternate captain, accepted the Cup and circled the rink in the ceremonial skate.
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