The 4 Nations Face-Off has reignited hockey’s passion for high-stakes international competition, following last week’s fiery U.S.-Canada brawl in Montreal. As these rivals prepare for Thursday’s Boston rematch, we revisit iconic moments that shaped international hockey history – from Cold War-era battles to Olympic immortality.
Canada’s 1972 Summit Series victory remains etched in lore. Trailing 5-3 against the Soviet Union in Game 8, Phil Esposito and Paul Henderson staged a last-minute comeback.
'Henderson’s goal didn’t just win a game – it defined a nation’s identity,' says Hockey Hall of Fame curator Craig Campbell.
Twenty years later, college underdogs stunned the world at Lake Placid. Mike Eruzione’s 1980 Miracle on Ice goal against Soviet pros transcended sport, symbolizing hope during geopolitical turmoil. ESPN’s ‘30 for 30’ series notes this upset remains America’s greatest sports moment.
Canada-Soviet tensions peaked in the 1987 Canada Cup. Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux combined for a legendary OT winner, a play NHL Network ranks as hockey’s greatest partnership moment. 'Every game was edge-of-seat drama,' recalls coach Jon Cooper.
Modern classics include:
- Sidney Crosby’s 2010 'Golden Goal' against Ryan Miller
- Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson’s 2018 shootout winner ending Canada’s Olympic reign
- T.J. Oshie’s 2014 Sochi shootout duel with Putin watching
With NHL stars like Auston Matthews and Connor McDavid driving today’s 4 Nations rivalry, this tournament could produce hockey’s next iconic chapter. As sports analyst Pierre LeBrun observes: 'When national pride collides with raw skill, magic happens.'
