The Canadiens did it the right way. They didn't need to play dirty garbage head hunting bush league hockey like the Flyers did 4 years before to beat the Red Army. Say what you will about the two goals given up by Sevigny but he played better than Dryden did against the Red Army. Anytime you can shut down to only two goals the team with this time period's USSR Big 3 Kharlamov, Petrov, and Mikhailov like Sevigny, Edwards did for the Sabres and Craig did for USA less than 2 months later you have done your job against the most dangerous fastest team forwards in the World during this time period.
Ironically, these two meetings the Habs had with the Red Army happened JUST BEFORE (in 1975 meeting) their dynasty began, and JUST BEFORE it ended (in 1979 meeting). So, in other words, the Habs were NOT Champions yet in 1975, and did NOT end up Champions during the season of the 1979 meeting. I believe I've made the argument that the Flyers+Red Army were the "greatest" and the "top" in 1975, and the Islanders+Red Army in 1979. 🤣
Great intensity and a reminder of just how great the Montreal Canadians were during their historical run of greatness that culminated with them being one of the greatest sports teams of all time. Household names even till this day.
Wow! What a game. Lafleur,Gainey, Sevigny all huge standouts in this game especially in the 3rd period. One of most exciting games I've ever seen. Thank you for sharing.
My God...Lafleur must have played 40 minutes! Every time I looked up he was on the ice flying around. I was always amazed at his superhuman stamina considering the fact that he was a very heavy smoker. Just unbelievable.
Would have loved seeing Lemaire and Dryden stick around one more year to take a shot at a 5th straight Cup. This 79-80 team was a great one but age and injuries were starting to take it's toll. Plus Lafleur's knee injury in the playoffs that spring was impossible to overcome. He was never the same again.
Lafleur's injury was a killer but I think they would have had a much tougher battle at beating the Flyers or Islanders without Lemaire and Dryden even if they did get past the North Stars.
The only N.H.L . team that could compete with the the Soviets were ces Habitants. The reason? Both teams epitomized the best that hockey had to offer. Puck handling skill, tremendous skating ability, deft shooting of the puck, awareness of control of ice surface, and great defence and goaltending. May never see it again. Two wonderfully balanced teams.
You are absolutely correct. Indeed they were incredible blowouts by are great Sabres teams. The point that I was trying to make was the similarities that the Habs and Soviets had with each other., skating, shooting and goal tending. I do remember that the goon squad from Philly defeated the Russians. Not a truly memorable moment for the NHL.
This game, even more than the Olympic one, proves that spirit always did, always does, and always will trump mechanics! To me, it's the greatest game of all time!
Although they lost to Montreal and Buffalo, I believe the Soviets actually beat most of the NHL teams they faced in exhibition games in December, 1979 and January, 1980. Entering the 1980 Winter Olympics, the only question about the hockey tournament was: Would the Russians allow more than one goal in any of their games? Seven weeks later, the "unbeatable" Soviet Central Army team (there were a few players from other Russian clubs, but 75% of the national team was from the Red Army club) had been upset by the upstart Americans at the Olympics.
Tretiak said before he retired the first team in the NHL he always wanted to play goalie for if the USSR ever allowed their players to play in the NHL was the Montreal Canadiens because many of their forward players reminded him of the Soviet style forwards.
As a Canadian hockey fan I was embarrassed by the Flyers. If I were the Soviets, I would have stayed in the dressing room. For too long, pro hockey was held hostage by the Philly goon mentality. Even Shero must have been appalled.
Why don't you go and bomb a hospital or school or residential area in the Ukraine, you Soviet SCUM. Don't you know that YOU are THE most detested country & citizens on the face of the planet?
Say what you will about the two goals given up by Sevigny but he played better than Dryden did against the Red Army. Anytime you can shut down to only two goals the team with this time period's USSR Big 3 Kharlamov, Petrov, and Mikhailov like Sevigny, Edwards did for the Sabres and Craig did for USA less than 2 months later you have done your job against the most dangerous fastest team forwards in the World during this time period.
@@wassilijdreger2785 Canada beats Russians in 72, 84 CC .87 CC . 87 Izvestia cup(non NHL players)2010 Olympics Canada 7 Russia 3, Canada wins 2014 Olympics in Russia. .2015 WC Final Canada 6 Russia 1. Yes this was great game.
@@basilcarroll9729 You are very funny. And then all major tournaments Canada played at home with their fans and more than home refereeing. And at the same time he will manage to lose the final 1-8 at HOME!!! It's a shame 200 years ahead! Review and do not forget)))
@@wassilijdreger2785 You stated old game results even you cherry pic rare results.Yes 1974 team WHA. When best on best Canada even though not a regular team playing together all year rarely lose! That's why you posted those rare loses.
мне было 10 лет.....этот матч показывали ночью.......я помню проснулся и включил...наши вели 2-1......на следующий день повторяли или нет я не помню....
HC CSKA Moscow Team with Vladimir Petrov, Boris Mikhailov, Valeri Kharlamov and Others in their prime were so good during the 1970's if your team played them clean for 10 games (unlike Bobby Clarke's 1972 and Ed Van Impe's 1976 dirty tactics on Valeri Kharlamov) they would win 8 out of 10 of the games.
Come on. Montreal canadiens of the 70 s were better than cccp by far. . In a 7 game series canadiens would win every time. They dominated red army in 1975 and 1979. Look at the games. It clear.
At the time I would agree Dennis. NHL goalies never dealt with the odd angle shots/passing that the USSR posed...even the Czechs gave us a big challenge in 76 Canada Cup!
