bobby orr began as a defenseman with boston in 1966. after his rookie (first) season, he won the norris trophy as best defenseman in the nhl eight times in a row, and the bruins became a top team again. he joined with centers phil esposito and derek sanderson, bucyk and goalie gerry cheevers to lead the bruins to the stanley cup in 1970 and 1972. orr won the conn smythe trophy as mvp in the playoffs both years. he also won the hart trophy in 1970, 1971, and 1972; esposito won it in 1969 and 1974. esposito won five art ross trophies: 1969, 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1974. orr won it in 1970 and 1975, the only defenseman ever to win the scoring title. the bruins continued to be a strong team through the late 1970s, 1980s and early 1990s.