What was the Greatest Hockey Game ever played ?
Depending on who you are, and where you are, or maybe on where you were when….the answer will different from fan to fan.
Of late, a new book by Todd Denault revived some great memories of a hockey game on New Year’s Eve 1975.
In his book, ” The Greatest Game “, Denault researches the history and replays the action of that game between the Soviet Red Army & the Montreal Canadiens at the Forum.
The Red Army were the perennial champions of Russia, a stacked team that was essentially their National team.
The Canadiens were on their way to winning their first of 4 Stanley Cups that season and had a roster that could line a wall of the Hockey Hall of Fame.
On New Year’s Eve 1975, the Canadiens & Red Army played to a 3-3 tie in a game that Montreal absolutely dominated.
I remember, somewhat vaguely, how Peter Mahovlich was selected as the 2nd star in that game and how he spent the post game interview apologizing to Canadiens’ and hockey fans for not winning the game.
I’d almost forgotten that game, buried somewhere below Game 8 of the Summit Series, the 87 Canada Cup, the Miracle on Ice and other storied hockey games, likely because the New Year’s Eve game was in fact, an exhibition game.
But in the eyes of author Todd Denault, the 3-3 tie between Red Army & the Canadiens 35 years ago was The Greatest Game ever.
I’m Fred Wallace