Greatest (International) Hockey Ever?

[Bartdude]

So given today's exciting Olympic win for Canada - does it rank as the best ever?

 

[old pooner]

I think this poll will probably follow age grouping. Anyone under 50 couldn't possibly comprehend the termendous tension that developed during the '72 Summit Series.

 

[uncleg]

It has to be 87. Look at all the hall of famers in that tourney.

It ain't the Hall of Famers that makes the game. I go for the Summit Series of '72. Not only was it hockey, between the best both countries could put on the ice, it was also a clash of ideologies, the Free West against the Communist East.

 

[racer boy]

I'd rather eat only salads (!!) for the rest of my life (!!) than watch hockey. And I don't eat salads.

If you hate it so much why don't you just STFU and go do something else. Your like a fucking 5 year old who just keeps fucking bitching and bitching. If you don't like it don't fucking look, are you to fucking stupid to grasp that.




P.S. Voted for 72

 

[jack13]

It has to be 87. Look at all the hall of famers in that tourney.

I think the 1984 Canada Cup was better and more exciting. Who can forget Mike Bossy deflecting Paul Coffey's shot in the semi-finals in overtime.

 

[sonoman]

Anyone under 50 couldn't possibly comprehend the termendous tension that developed during the '72 Summit Series.

Or the Miracle On Ice (1980). I was just learning to read then.

 

[uncleg]

I'd rather eat only salads (!!) for the rest of my life (!!) than watch hockey. And I don't eat salads.

Considering your repeated negative comments in regards to hockey in this and other threads, I assume that either, a hockey player stole your girlfriend, or you tried out for a hockey team and were told you were only big enough to play midget hockey.

 

[zaig]

I'd rather eat only salads (!!) for the rest of my life (!!) than watch hockey. And I don't eat salads.

One question. What is your problem?

I went with 72, for the same reasons uncleg stated, and I did expand on it in another thread.

I think racer boy stated it quite plainly. Grow up.

 

[August West]

I voted for the 87 Canada Cup, Gretzky/Lemieux two best players ever on the same line...

I think this poll will probably follow age grouping. Anyone under 50 couldn't possibly comprehend the termendous tension that developed during the '72 Summit Series.

The reason I didn't vote for 72 is not because I am unable to comprehend the tension but because if Ferguson didn't send Clarke out to break Kharlamov's Ankle in game 6 which caused him to miss game 7 and be non-existent in game 8 the out come could have been very much different... Kharlamov was there best player by far, perhaps one of the top 5 all time skilled players...

 

[wilde]

I'd rather eat only salads (!!) for the rest of my life (!!) than watch hockey. And I don't eat salads.

Are you on lun 9 or what?




Hands down, 1987 Canada cup for moi.

 

[Big Dog Striker]

Miracle On Ice

A group of amateur and talented college kids beating the mighty Russian team in 1980. Enough to have a Disney movie. I love the last 10 seconds of this game, " Do You Believe in Miracle, YES!!! ".

 

[zaig]

I don't like hockey.

I think almost everyone on this board is aware of your dislike for hockey. You have made this point abundantly clear. But why oh why do you keep posting on threads you have no interest in?

Just judging from the threads you have started, you need help. Seriously. You need help, and I hope you are seeking the help you need.

Your behaviour on all these topics that you have no interest in is actually mind numming, unless all you want is a little attention. If in fact this is the case, then please refer to the line above, Go get help.

I actually feel sorry for you. Donairs and death seem to be two very important concepts in your life. Go seek professional guidance.

 

[Bartdude]

There's no need to get personal.

I just don't like hockey. Can't I say that?

Oh come on, Spermie.

You deliberately come on a hockey thread and bash hockey - and you're surprised at the negative response?

OT - interesting results so far. I think even those too young to have lived through 1972 realize its significance. But for sheer hockey skill, excitement, and drama - 1987 gets my vote hands down.

 

[visiting]

The numbers.. USA 27.6 million average, and 16.6 million in Canada

http://puckthemedia.wordpress.com/2010/03/01/breaking-27-6-million-watch-the-gold-medal-game/ (USA)


http://puckthemedia.wordpress.com/2...-ctv-most-watched-program-in-nations-history/ Canada


Below is a list of the highest-rated and most watched hockey broadcasts of all time broken down by: Household Rating/Share, Average audience (people 2+) and Total Audience:

GAME Avg. Viewers Total Viewers RTG/SH
USA/Russia, 1980 (Miracle on Ice) 34.2 million 51.9 million 23.9/37
**** (was not aired live, was delayed a few hours)
USA/Finland, 1980 (gold medal) 32.8 million 55.6 million 23.2/61
USA/Canada, 2010 (gold medal) 27.6 million n/a 15.2/30
USA/Canada, 2002 (gold medal) 17.1 million 38 million 10.7/24
Unified/USA, 1992 (semifinal) 11.7 million 25 million 9.3/32

AUDIENCE FOR GOLD MEDAL GAME SURPASSES TOP EVENTS:

The 27.6 million average viewers for the USA-Canada Gold Medal hockey game surpassed the following during the 2009-2010 seasons:

2010 Grammy Awards 25.9 million
2010 Rose Bowl 24.0 million
2009 World Series 4 22.8 million (Gm. 4 was most watched)
2009 NCAA Basketball Championship 17.6 million
2009 NBA Finals - Game 4 16.0 million (Gm. 4 was most watched)
2010 Daytona 500 16.0 million
2009 Masters Golf - Sunday 14.3 million


Can't find stats for other countries...

 

[Big Dog Striker]

The recent Superbowl 44 in Miami last Feb 7 just became the most watched television program in US history with 106.5 Million American viewers and an estimated total viewership of a 153 Million. The American Dream story of the New Orleans Saints did contribute to the ratings.

 

[Shakerod]

I was still in high school during the 1972 Summit series. I remember watching at least one game in the classroom, it was not only the excitement, but it was the mystique of a Russian team that North America knew nothing about. Before the series started everyone thought that Canada was going to embarrass the Russians, that it would be no contest. By the time they left for Russia to play the last four games most Canadians thought we were going to lose. It was exciting because we had to overcome a lot of adversity and win the last three games to take a series that everyone in Canada thought was a slam dunk in the beginning.

 

[oldguy49]

If your just talkin hockey, and not all the political stuff, it has to be the Canada cup final in 1987. IMHO the 3 best hockey games ever played.

 

[zaig]

If your just talkin hockey, and not all the political stuff, it has to be the Canada cup final in 1987. IMHO the 3 best hockey games ever played.

Even though I voted for 72, I couldn't agree with you more about the 87 series. 3 games all 6-5, and all nail biters. The susstained action between those 2 teams for 3 games might never be matched again.

As far as the 72 series is concerned, anyone who is old enough to remember will say 72 because most Canadians at the time, me included didn't think the Russians could play with the Canadian team. Even though we didn't have the best player ever (my opinion) Bobby Orr, we were sure to wallop those commie bastards.

Again, don't know if anyone will remember this, but in 1969 the Montreal Jr. Canadians, (back to back Memorial Cups, and possible the best non allstar Jr. team) with a few aging NHLers such as Doug Harvey on defence and Jaques Plante in net, and a couple other players that I can't recall, beat essentially the same CCCP team 9-3 in Montreal.

We thought we would just run them over. After the first game, and then after the game in Vancouver which we also lost, we knew we were in a series, and the importance of winning the series increased tenfold. Then after we lost the first game in Russia by blowing a 4-1 lead in the third period and losing 5-4, the situation became dire. We would have to run the table to win the series. Well again boys and girls, we won the next 2, tied the series and went into game 8 quite optimistic. But by the end of the second period we were trailing 5-3, and it didn't look good. Well, the Road Runner tied the game late in the third and we all know Henderson scored with 34 seconds left to win it.

I feel that because of the Political ramifications, the ordeal that the team had to put up with, (lots of commie tricks like phone calls to the players rooms in the middle of the night to disrupt their sleep and others as well) and to overcome a 2 goal deficit not just on an opponent ice, but in a country half way across the world, well I think all the ingredients are there for the #1 ranking as far as the importance of any 1 goal in Canadian hockey history.

Now don't get me wrong. I am a sports junkie, and I love most sports, but this is what makes hockey (again my opinion) the best game in the world.

Now for all you posters out there that are thinking that I am an arrogant asshole because I am so opinionated on certain things, well, too bad.

 

[sonoman]

anyone who is old enough to remember will say '72

Now for all you posters out there that are thinking that I am an arrogant asshole because I am so opinionated on certain things, well, too bad.

I wasn't even born and I agree.

 

[Bartdude]

I feel that because of the Political ramifications, the ordeal that the team had to put up with, (lots of commie tricks like phone calls to the players rooms in the middle of the night to disrupt their sleep and others as well) and to overcome a 2 goal deficit not just on an opponent ice, but in a country half way across the world, well I think all the ingredients are there for the #1 ranking as far as the importance of any 1 goal in Canadian hockey history.

For the whole national experience, political implications, and global context - I agree wholeheartedly.

My original question was geared more towards just the hockey aspect of it, the excitement, drama, etc.

But nobody could vote 1972 and be wrong.