May 10, 1970: Frozen in time

BOSTON - People who have seen the photo before will instantly recognize it: the hall-of-famer soaring through the air, arms stretched above him, parallel to the ice surface. Behind him is the defenseman who had tripped him just a second too late; behind him are the fans, celebrating Boston's first Stanley Cup victory in 29 years.

It's arguably the most famous action photograph in hockey history, perhaps in sports history. It captures Bobby Orr at the absolute pinnacle of his career, having just scored the Stanley Cup-winning goal.

Normally, this series would have been nothing more than a footnote in NHL history - a four-game sweep with only the last game having any semblance of drama. In most instances, this goal would have been mentioned in bullet points among Orr's career highlights - 1970: Scored Stanley-Cup winning goal in overtime of Game 4.

But with this picture, the game and the goal become something more, something iconic. Most hockey fans recognize the picture and situation instantly; it's hard to forget it once you've seen it. But you don't have to know anything about hockey - or anything about sports, for that matter - to recognize the jubilation. It's etched in Orr's face, in his posture, in the fans' reaction. You don't have to be a sports fan to see the dejection in the face of Noel Picard, the Blues defenseman who upended Orr just a moment too late.

Helped by his Cup-winning goal, Orr was named playoff MVP in 1970. The Bruins were even better in 1971, but lost in the Stanley Cup final, marring Orr's record-setting offensive year for a defenseman. But Orr was even better in 1972, and the Bruins won the Cup again, with Orr again scoring the Cup-clinching goal. He is widely regarded as one of the best defensemen ever to play in the NHL.

But it's because of one photograph, taken 40 years ago, that Bobby Orr will be remembered forever. The subject and the cause of one of the most famous sports photos ever.