In contrast to the style of hanging-back defensive play common in the later 1950s and 1960s, Orr was known for his fluid skating and end-to-end rushing. Orr's rushing enabled him to be where the puck was, allowing him not only to score effectively but also to defend when necessary. According to the Bruins' Phil Esposito, "No matter how fast an opponent was, Bobby could skate faster than him if he needed to do it in the framework of a play. If he was caught up-ice and the other team had an odd-man rush, that's when you saw his truly great speed. Very seldom did he not get back to have a hand in breaking up the play." Orr also benefited from playing most of his career in Boston Garden, which was shorter than the standard NHL rink. This suited his rushing style very well, as he was able to get from one end of the ice to the other faster than in a standard rink.
in contrast to the style of hanging-back defensive play common in the later 1950s and 1960s orr was known for his fluid skating and end-to-end rushing orr's rushing enabled him to be where the puck was allowing him not only to score effectively but also to defend when necessary according to the bruins' phil esposito "no matter how fast an opponent was bobby could skate faster than him if he needed to do it in the framework of a play if he was caught up-ice and the other team had an odd-man rush that's when you saw his truly great speed very seldom did he not get back to have a hand in breaking up the play" orr also benefited from playing most of his career in boston garden which was shorter than the standard nhl rink this suited his rushing style very well as he was able to get from one end of the ice to the other faster than in a standard rink