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1980: Soviet Union vs. USA, “The Miracle on Ice”

You can't discuss USA hockey without reliving the 1980 Winter Olympics. “The Miracle on Ice” pitted an underdog team of amateur American college players against the powerful Soviet Big Red Machine in Lake Placid, NY. It also happened during the height of the Cold War, two enemies whose feud went far beyond the ice.

The Soviets were heavily favored to win due to their dominant record—they had won four consecutive gold medals and went undefeated in over 30 matches at previous Olympics. At the time, they were also the strongest team in international hockey, capable of taking on even the most formidable NHL clubs. Before the Olympics, they first embarrassed the NHL All-Stars 6-0 at Madison Square Garden. Then they beat Team USA in an exhibition 10-3 three days before the Opening Ceremonies.

But on February 22, 1980, coach Herb Brooks led his group of college players that went toe-to-toe with the Soviets, despite being outplayed. Trailing 3-2 in the third period and with 11:21 to play, USA's Mark Johnson slid the puck past Soviet goalie Vladamir Myshkin to tie the game at 3. Then just a little more than one minute later, Mike Eruzione found the puck sliding toward him in the Soviet zone. He grabbed the puck, turned, and fired a slapshot at the net. A screened Myshkin reacted too late, and the puck flew past him for a goal, putting the U.S. ahead 4-3. The crowd went crazy.

Over the final 10 minutes, the Soviets fired shot after shot at Jim Craig, but the U.S. goalie was like a wall. The Soviet players admitted after the game they were panicking, firing shots from everywhere. The Soviet coach, not used to losing, never took his goalie out for an extra attacker in the final minute. As the clock winded to zero and with the crowd chanting, “USA! USA!,” broadcaster Al Michaels made one of the most memorable calls in history when he said, "Do you believe in miracles? Yes!"

The Americans stunned the Soviets, 4-3. Despite facing incredible odds with no one giving them a chance, Team USA's grit and determination allowed them to prevail. They illustrated that chemistry and teamwork can propel over individual talent. The Americans went on to beat Finland in the final game to secure the gold medal.

To this day, “The Miracle on Ice” remains one of hockey's most iconic games ever played, inspiring generations of athletes from across the globe. It also continues to create heated discussions among bettors placing NHL betting odds on future international contests, proving that even today, its legacy still stands strong decades after it first occurred!

1972: Canada vs. Soviet Union

The 1972 Summit Series was one of the most important events in international hockey history for several reasons. First, there were the political implications of Soviet communism against North American diplomacy. Also, two superior hockey nations were trying to establish dominance and show the other they were the best. Canada had a rich history dating back decades, but the Soviet Union was becoming a more dominant force in the 1960s and 1970s.

The Summit Series went back and forth between Canada and the Soviet Union, being played over eight games. The Soviet Union set the tone in Game 1, shocking and embarrassing Team Canada in front of their home fans. But Team Canada bounced back, returning the favor in Moscow. The series came down to a pivotal final game, the Series tied.

Time winded down, and it appeared like the two were heading toward a draw. Just then, however, Paul Henderson fired a missile past the Soviet goalie with just 34 seconds left, scoring what is known as "The Goal." Henderson won the game for Canada, giving them an incredible 4-3-1 series victory over their fiercest hockey rival.

This moment has defined Canadian hockey ever since, as it provided a thrilling showing of national pride and triumph over a rising power. However, it was also a massive victory for international hockey, and it expanded the National Hockey League to include more European players. Russian players began migrating over to play in the NHL in bigger numbers after the Summit Series.

1987: Canada vs. Soviet Union

The 1987 Canada Cup Final between Canada and the Soviet Union was an incredibly intense battle that captivated fans. It was a best-of-three series that saw each team win one game, setting up a decisive third match with everything on the line.

Heading into the third game, it seemed as if the Soviet Union had a slight advantage due to their superior offensive skill and unparalleled defensive play. However, this all changed when Canada's head coach Mike Keenan made an ingenious move in the second period by placing Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux in a two-on-one attack formation. This decision quickly paid off as Lemieux scored on a pass from Gretzky with just 90 seconds to go in regulation time, giving Canada an unforgettable 6–5 victory over their rival.

This moment of national joy will forever be etched in hockey history as one of the sport's most memorable games. It was proof of how great Gretzky and Lemieux were individually and how they could combine their formidable talents to create something truly special on such a grand stage. The talented duo's creativity and skill propelled Team Canada to victory and gave fans nationwide an incredible sense of pride and unity.

1976: Canada vs. Czechoslovakia

The 1976 Canada Cup Final between Canada and Czechoslovakia was among the most exciting and memorable hockey games ever. Held in Montreal, the crowd of over 17,000 were enthralled as Team Canada fought to win their first-ever victory in the tournament. Like with the Soviet Union, this too had political implications given Czechoslovakia’s communist government.

With a stacked lineup that included legends like Bobby Orr, Bobby Hull, Darryl Sittler, and Ken Dryden, it seemed like a victory was inevitable for Canada. However, Czechoslovakia proved a formidable opponent and held its ground. Despite many chances for both sides to take the lead, neither could break away from the other.

But then, in what can only be referred to as a moment of brilliance, assistant coach Don Cherry advised Sittler to fake a shot on Czechoslovakian goalie Jiri Holecek to open up an opportunity for a goal. Considering his advice, Sittler pulled off his trick perfectly and scored his now-famous goal with just 32 seconds left. This legendary moment gave Canadians incredible pride and national triumph over their European rivals.