1972 Summit Series Game 8
The final game was won in dramatic fashion, with the Canadians overcoming a two-goal Soviet lead after two periods, scoring three times in the third, the final goal with 34 seconds left by Paul Henderson.
The 1972 Summit Series was an eight-game ice hockey series between the Soviet Union and Canada, held in September 1972. It was the first competition between the Soviet national team and a Canadian team represented by professional players of the National Hockey League (NHL), known as Team Canada.
- Key Bruins Alumni Involved
- Phil Esposito
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 games 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, the first NHL and professional all-star team formed for international play, 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.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Montreal Forum was thick with anticipation and the smell of popcorn and sweat. As the clock ticked down to the final minute of regulation, the crowd rose as one, a sea of red and white jerseys. Bobby Orr skated near the blue line, his eyes scanning for an opening, while Phil Esposito drove hard against the Soviet defense. The tension was palpable; every pass, every check felt heavier than before. When Henderson finally buried the puck past Vladislav Tretiak, the roar that followed shook the very foundations of the building, a sound that would echo through generations of hockey fans.
Reader's Guide
The first four games of the series were held in Canada and the final four in Moscow. The Soviet Union surprised the Canadian team with an opening game victory, 7–3. Canada won the next game 4–1; the third game was a tie. Canada lost the fourth game in Vancouver. The series resumed two weeks later in Moscow. The Soviets won the fifth game to take a two-game lead. The Canadians then won the final three games in Moscow to win the series four games to three, with one tie.
Did You Know?
- Paul Henderson scored the winning goal in the final game with 34 seconds left in regulation, not in overtime.
- The first two games of the series were played in Canada, not in Moscow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Boston Bruins players participate in Game 8 of the 1972 Summit Series?
Yes, Phil Esposito represented Team Canada while he was still an active member of the Bruins roster. His involvement connects this historic international match directly to Boston's franchise history during that era.
What role did Phil Esposito play in the decisive eighth game?
The future Hall of Famer recorded two assists, helping Canada force overtime against the Soviet Union. He was instrumental in neutralizing the opposing defense before Paul Henderson scored the winner.
Why do Bruins fans consider Game 8 of the Summit Series important?
It highlighted Esposito's elite status on a global stage before he returned to lead Boston to multiple Stanley Cups. The victory is often cited as proof that Canadian professionals could dominate international competition.
Who won the final game of the 1972 Summit Series?
Team Canada secured the series with an overtime victory in Montreal during Game 8. This dramatic win ended a tense Cold War rivalry and restored pride for North American hockey fans.
How does this event fit into Boston Bruins lore?
Although the team did not play, Esposito's performance is celebrated as part of his legendary career with the organization. It remains a key chapter in understanding the global impact of Bruins stars during the 1970s.
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