Being an outsider, may I ask why this was a "miracle", aren't the US one of the world leaders in field hockey on ice?
They had whipped NHL teams every time they played in an exhibition. They were unbeatable.
That's not exactly true. In the 1976 Super Series, the Red Army tied the Montreal Canadiens 3-3 in what was probably the best game of all time. On top of that, the Red Army was easily manhandled by the Philadelphia Flyers, while the lesser Soviet team (two teams took part in this Series), the Soviet Wings, got beat pretty badly by the Buffalo Sabres.
If you are looking for a good example of how good the Soviet team was, then I suggest mentioning the Summit Series. It was the first time Canada's best - the professionals who weren't allowed to play in the Olympics - faced the Soviets' best. Canada barely managed to win the series after being tossed around like rag dolls infront of home audiences, and only after injuring the Soviets' best player. If Canada's team - the world's best, a team made up of many players who are now considered legends - could barely defeat the Soviets, then really, the Americans stood no chance, especially because the American hockey program wasn't all that serious until after the Miracle.
That's not exactly true. In the 1976 Super Series, the Red Army tied the Montreal Canadiens 3-3 in what was probably the best game of all time. On top of that, the Red Army was easily manhandled by the Philadelphia Flyers, while the lesser Soviet team (two teams took part in this Series), the Soviet Wings, got beat pretty badly by the Buffalo Sabres.
If you are looking for a good example of how good the Soviet team was, then I suggest mentioning the Summit Series. It was the first time Canada's best - the professionals who weren't allowed to play in the Olympics - faced the Soviets' best. Canada barely managed to win the series after being tossed around like rag dolls infront of home audiences, and only after injuring the Soviets' best player. If Canada's team - the world's best, a team made up of many players who are now considered legends - could barely defeat the Soviets, then really, the Americans stood no chance, especially because the American hockey program wasn't all that serious until after the Miracle.
The Soviets had routed the NHL All Stars 6-0 in the Challenge Cup in ’79.
In the months leading up to the Olympics, in exhibitions that were called the “Super Series”, the Moscow teams beat the New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Quebec Nordiques, Winnpeg Jets, Edmonton Oilers and tied the Washington Capitols.
This post humbles me.
While I have a very good knowledge of hockey, I couldn't have pulled this info out of my butt like you just did. Nicely done. You're a hockey legend of your own sort.
:thumbsup:
I believe in miracles. . .since you came along, you sexy thing :shy:
:yesyes: :yesyes::nono:
:thumbsup: