1971 Stanley Cup playoffs quarter-final hilites Ken Dryden, Canadiens stun Bruins NEW: Adds G1 + 3!

This video is highlights from the 1971 Stanley Cup playoffs quarter-finals series between the Montreal Canadiens and the Boston Bruins, won by the Habs, 4 games to 3. Having seen a lot of these highlights separately on YouTube, this was my attempt to cobble them together to get a better overall view of the series. UPDATE: As of Oct. 2, 2026 Game 1 is now complete (00:24) and Game 3 has been added (12:08)! If anybody knows of any more footage, especially Game 6, let me know! Thanks to Hockey Reference for the box score bumpers. The Bruins were loaded, sporting Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito and having set scoring records aplenty in the 1970-71 season. But they drew their archrival in the first round, and the Canadiens sprung lanky goalie Ken Dryden, fresh out of Cornell, on Boston. It did not go well for the defending champs. I will say that I believe the sting of this loss directly led the Bruins to their Cup win in 1972 when, as we all know, many expected more than two Cups from this Boston run. Imagine if they'd dropped that one! Notes: The Bruins played Cheevers in net in winning Game 1, then went with Ed Johnston in Game 2, coach Tom Johnson opting to stay with their usual rotation. Alas, Boston coughed up five goals in the third period and lost, 7-5. It wasn't all on EJ, although another stop or two might have made a difference, but he also had little chance on a couple of breakaways. But, hindsight being 20-20, I do believe Johnson should have pulled Johnston after the tying goal, if only to break Montreal's momentum. It was a devastating loss, especially because, down 5-1, Dryden supposedly was about the be pulled ... Usually steadily spectacular, Orr had an up-and-down series. He had a goal and assist in the Game 1 win but became incensed at referee John Ashley penalizing him in the third period and had to be restrained. The star defenseman was on the ice for six of the seven Montreal goals in Game 2. After Boston dropped Game 3 at the Forum, No. 4 had a brilliant hat trick in Game 4, a win that gave the Bruins their home ice advantage back. The teams split two routs, then the Canadiens took Game 7, with Orr's name not on the scoresheet. Ah well. An even-more-determined Orr then willed them to that 1972 Cup, and almost did the same in '74. ... Speaking of No. 4s, one of the best things about doing these old videos is having gotten to see Jean Beliveau. He had two goals and two assists in the Game 2 comeback, effectively killing Boston as he had in double overtime of Game 6 of Montreal's series vs. the Bruins in 1969. Not the fastest, he just kept getting to where he needed to be, looking regal but determined with every stride. Reminded me very much of Jean Ratelle and Patrice Bergeron ... Dryden won six Cups and five Vezinas. Not too shabby for someone Esposito called a "thieving giraffe". Copyright NHL or any other party. I don't claim the rights to, and don't profit from, this video. I just posted it for historical and educational purposes, and for those who will enjoy it as much as I did.