Super Series 72 (USSR–Canada)

In 1972, the great hockey confrontation began in Montreal – the first game of the USSR–Canada super series, which became a sensation in the history of world sports.

The Canadians planned, quote, "to tear Russian amateurs to shreds." The famous Phil Esposito promised to take down his rivals with one left.

Moscow was also afraid of defeat from the best team in the world at that time. But the result of the first match, held on September 2, was stunning. After conceding two goals, the Soviet team mobilized and resolutely counterattacked.

Alexander Yakushev and Vladimir Petrov equalized the score. Valery Kharlamov showed a fantastic game. His second virtuoso goal has no equal in the history of hockey. The result is 7:3 in our favor.

A reporter for a Canadian newspaper who promised to eat his article if the Russians won at least one match fulfilled his promise on the steps of the Soviet consulate.

A total of 8 matches were played. In which the Canadian national team won 4 times, the USSR national team – 3 times and one meeting ended in a draw. In total, the USSR team scored 32 goals, Canada - 31.

These games can be called a triumph of world hockey and the whole sport.

Images: CBC Radio Canada