1980 MIRACLE ON ICE
I think everyone who has grown up playing ice hockey in the U.S. remembers this fateful day. A team of young, but skilled American hockey players doing what nobody thought they could. The heavy underdog, the U.S. squad was wrecked by the Soviets 10-3 just 13 days before their most eventful meeting.
All eyes were on the Canadians, the super power of North America. This is where the Western world turned for great hockey. The U.S. team only ranked 7th in the 12 team tournament. It might of been this lack of respect which kept the pressure off the U.S. players, allowing them to play their game.
Faltering in the first period, Mark Johnson scored goal 2 to tie the game before the end of the first period. A little concerned, Soviet coach Viktor Tikhonov, pulled his number one goalie Vladislav Tretiak, and replaced him with the inexperienced rookie Vladimir Myshkin. It seemed to work as the Soviets carried a 3-2 lead into the third period. Once again, Johnson scored to tie the game. With a 3-3 tie the tension was unbearable. Jim Craig standing on his head was able to hold the Soviets to three goals. Team captain Mike Eruzione fulfilled his role, and scored the game winning goal later in the third period. Representing a truly great moment in U.S., and worldwide hockey history.
Medal Round
|
|
|
Gm |
W-L-T | Pts | GF |
GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
USA (6-0-1) |
3 |
2-0-1 |
5 |
10 |
7 |
|
2 |
USSR (6-1-0) |
3 |
2-1-0 |
4 |
16 |
8 |
|
3 |
Sweden (4-1-2) |
3 |
0-1-2 |
2 |
7 |
14 |
|
4 |
Finland (3-3-1) |
3 |
0-2-1 |
1 |
7 |
11 |
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