Summit Series Game 8 1972

Lore & Background

The series was played during the Cold War, and intense feelings of nationalism were aroused in fans in both Canada and the Soviet Union and players on the ice. The Soviet Union surprised the Canadian team and most of the Canadian hockey media with an opening game victory, 7–3. Canada won the final three games in Moscow to win the series four games to three, with one tie. The final game was won in dramatic fashion, with the Canadians overcoming a two-goal Soviet lead after two periods. The Canadians scored three times in the third, the final goal with 34 seconds left by Paul Henderson.

Reader's Guide

The first four games of the series were held in Canada and the final four in Moscow. The series was organized with the intention to create a true best-against-best competition in the sport of ice hockey. The Soviets had become the dominant team in international competitions, in which the Canadian professionals were ineligible to play.

Did You Know?

• The series introduced several talented Soviet players to North America, such as Hockey Hall of Fame inductees Alexander Yakushev, Valeri Kharlamov and goaltender Vladislav Tretiak.
• Team Canada was led by Phil Esposito, who led the series in scoring.
• The Canadian line of Bobby Clarke, Ron Ellis and Henderson played a surprisingly large role in the Canadian victory, with Henderson scoring the game-winning goal in each of the final three games.
• The series was filled with controversy, including disputes over officiating, and dirty play highlighted by the deliberate slash of Kharlamov by Clarke in game six.