The TD Garden, an iconic arena at the heart of a city steeped in sports history, stands surrounded by the legendary tales of the Boston Bruins and Celtics. Inside the Garden, Boston’s proud sports history is displayed through a distinguished collection of retired jersey numbers, each honoring the remarkable careers of some of the greatest players in Bruins history.
![orr](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2023/08/GettyImages-1148099716-300x205.jpg)
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MAY 09: Hockey Hall of Famer and former Boston Bruins player Bobby Orr attends Game One of the Eastern Conference Final between the Carolina Hurricanes and the Boston Bruins during the 2019 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at TD Garden on May 09, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
Among these legends, Eddie Shore’s number 2 stands as a testament to his status as the inaugural NHL superstar. Shore’s dominance on the ice, with 8 All-Star appearances, 4 Hart Trophies, and 2 Stanley Cup Championships, solidified his legacy, further cemented by his induction into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame in 1945.
These retired jersey numbers exemplify excellence in the NHL. Bobby Orr’s number 4 symbolizes his greatness as the greatest defenseman, boasting numerous accolades, including 3 Hart Trophies, 2 Art Ross Trophies, and 8 consecutive Norris Trophies. Phil Esposito’s number 7 pays tribute to his scoring prowess, highlighted by six 100-point seasons, 2 Hart Trophies, 5 Art Ross Trophies, and 2 Stanley Cups. Cam Neely’s number 8 celebrates his role as a power forward, achieving 4 All-Star appearances and three 50-goal seasons. Bucyk’s number 9 signifies his leadership as the Bruins’ all-time leading goal scorer, earning 2 Stanley Cups and 2 Lady Byng trophies. Terry O’Reilly’s number 24 showcases his commanding presence on the ice, leading the team in points and penalty minutes while guiding them to the Stanley Cup finals as captain and coach. Lastly, Ray Bourque’s number 77 immortalizes his exceptional career as the greatest defenseman, with 5 Norris Trophies and the all-time leading scorer among defensemen in NHL history.
These retired jersey numbers, hanging in TD Garden, serve as a lasting testament to the indelible mark left by these exceptional players on the sport of hockey and the Boston Bruins franchise. Their contributions to the game and their impact on and off the ice will be forever cherished by fans and future generations.