30 Years Ago Today: Do you believe in miracles?
- Thread starter Baill Inneraora
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PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
The problem with having the miracle thirty years ago is that nothing really can stand next to it. In a way, it is the definite sports moment, and its something that just can't be repeated.
This was back before professionals played. A professional was defined as playing for a team, so back then all the best players in the US and Canada played in the NHL and were not eligible for the Olympics. The United States team was comprised of college kids mostly from Minnesota and Boston and were just pieced together a few months before.
On the contrary, the best players in the Eastern Block played for their national team and were eligible for the Olympics. The Soviet team was by far the best team in the world. They had played together for years. They had not lost an Olympic game since 1968 and had won gold in 8 out of 9 Olympic Games. They had blown out the US team 10-3 just 10 days prior. (It wasn’t even really that close) They had whipped NHL teams every time they played in an exhibition. They were unbeatable.
its a "miracle" b/c it was a major upset it would be like if george mason had actually won the national title that year they went to the final four. but the whole thing is just another upset in the eyes of all other countries and it shouldn't be as a big of a deal in the minds of americans either. its not like the game actually stopped the cold war.
PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
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.
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:
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.
PlasmaTwa2
The Second-Hottest Man in my Mother's Basement
I'm not denying the fact that the Soviet teams were dominant, but they did lose. In that Super Series, they also lost to the Vancouver Canucks, Montreal Canadiens, and Buffalo Sabres.
roronoa3000
Banned
The episode of "American Dad" was hilarious last night.
Miracle on Ice + Lord of the Rings + Rastafarian koala bear= WIN
Miracle on Ice + Lord of the Rings + Rastafarian koala bear= WIN
Ace Bandage
The one and only.
I know who won the 1913 Indianapolis 500. Can I get a hug or a handjob or something?
:nono:
There are eight million variations on this theme. I chose the road less traveled. It has made all the difference.
There are eight million variations on this theme. I chose the road less traveled. It has made all the difference.
Go ahead and believe. After last night, Canada's team was proved to be weak on every front. I still can't believe Brodeur.
:yesyes: :yesyes:
