|
The second Canada Cup
was to have been played in 1980, but it was delayed one year because
of the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. The extra year allowed
the Soviet Union to prepare a young new regime to replace the old
bloc. In were names like Tikhonov, Fetisov, Makarov, Kasatonov and
Krutov, with Larionov not far behind. The Soviets brought over a lot
of inexperienced yet potent youngsters to combat the world's best,
however one mainstay was still seen on the Russian bench - Vladislav
Tretiak. After failing to impress in the 1976 Canada Cup, there was
no alternative for the Soviets than winning in 1981.
Canada would prove to be
the best team in the round robin. Backed by a young Wayne Gretzky
and established superstars like Mike Bossy, Bryan Trottier and Guy
Lafleur, the Canadians had an unparalleled offense. Team Canada went
4-0-1 to take first place and would face Team USA in the round
robin.
The Soviets finished
second best in the round robin which earned them a first round
showdown with the Czechoslovakians. For the USSR it was payback
time, as it was the CSSR that had bounced the Soviets from advancing
in the 1976 Cup. The Soviets won 4-1.
That set up the much anticipated showdown between Canada and the
Soviet Union. Not since the 1972 Summit Series had these two nations
faced off on a scale of such magnitude. While many of the names had
changed, the rivalry still existed.
However the 1981
tournament would have a decidedly different ending with the Soviets
handing Canada its worst defeat in Canadian hockey history. The 1981
tournament, unlike all other Canada Cups, was a one game showdown -
something which Canada obviously did not favour. The Canadians came
into the game over confident has they had handled the USSR 7-3 in
the round robin. It is speculated that Victor Tikhonov was playing
possum with the Canadians in the 7-3 loss, as he was hiding what his
team was truly capable of.
The final game was due
largely in part to scoring hero Sergei Shepelev and goalie Vladislav
Tretiak, both tournament all stars. Also named to the all star squad
was Alexei Kasatonov of USSR, Arnold Kadlec of the CSSR and Gil
Perreault and Mike Bossy of Canada.
In
The Book:
Game By Game Details with
Complete Boxscores
Complete Team by Team Rosters and Stats
Scoring Leaders and Goalie Leaders
Tournament Overviews and Summaries
Tournament Award Winners
|
