swflyers25
2-23-06, 11:35 PM
It's really no surprise which Olympic hockey moment is ranked No. 1:
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/tom_layberger/02/22/olympic.moments/p1_olymiracle.jpg
The Miracle on Ice isn't the only memorable event
Posted: Thursday February 23, 2006 11:45AM; Updated: Thursday February 23, 2006 6:32PM
There have been plenty of memorable moments in the history of men's Olympic ice hockey -- which started in 1920 as part of the Summer Games in Belgium. From stunning and unpredictable upsets to individuals shining on the brightest of international stages in pressure-packed situations, the emotional tugs-of-war have left millions celebrating or contemplating what went wrong.
The television age, rules changes and the inclusion of NHL players have influenced our perspective over the years. But regardless of the era and conditions, many of the Games' more memorable (or forgettable) moments will continue to be talked and written about decades from now. While it is difficult to list all of them, we reflect on the most exceptional, many of which reverberated beyond the sheet of ice.
1. Lake Placid, 1980: U.S. topples Soviet Union
For those old enough to remember, you likely recall where you were when you heard the news (the game was tape-delayed) that the Mike Eruzione-captained squad of college kids had upset the powerful Soviets 4-3. Fueling the drama were the political overtones of the Cold War era. Not only was it the "Miracle on Ice," but many consider it to be the greatest moment in U.S. sports history.
2. Lillehammer, 1994: Forsberg becomes national hero
A shootout for Olympic glory? That's what happened when 20-year-old Peter Forsberg of Sweden scored a scintillating sudden-death shootout goal against Canadian netminder Corey Hirsch. On the ensuing attempt, Canada's Paul Kariya was stopped by Tommy Salo, and the Swedes tasted gold for the first time. The Swedish government paid homage by portraying Forsberg's moment on a postage stamp.
3. Lake Placid, 1980: U.S. wins first gold in 20 years
With all the hysteria resulting from the defeat of the Soviets, there was still the not-so-small detail of Herb Brooks' squad having to play Finland for the gold medal. Three third-period goals and superb goaltending from Jim Craig lifted Team USA to a 4-2 verdict over the Finns. Craig searching for his father in the stands was priceless.
4. Nagano, 1998: Hasek foils Team Canada
With NHL players participating for the first time, Dominik Hasek's efforts in a shootout lifted the Czech Republic to a 2-1 victory. As Patrick Roy watched from the other end, Hasek thwarted all five Canadian shooters -- Theo Fleury, Ray Bourque, Joe Nieuwendyk, Eric Lindros and Brendan Shanahan -- propelling his team to the gold medal game, where it bested Russia.
5. Salt Lake City, 2002: Belarus stuns Sweden
In its second Olympics, Belarus had only one active NHL player (Ruslan Selei) and was outscored 22-6 in three final-round defeats. But all anybody will remember is Vladimir Kopat's shot from beyond the blue line eluding goalie Tommy Salo with 24 seconds remaining to give Belarus a 4-3 quarterfinal win against the top-seeded Swedes.
6. Squaw Valley, 1960: U.S. slips past Canada
Though the U.S. would have to win twice more en route to its first gold medal, a 2-1 win over heavily favored Canada early in medal-round play was the tournament's showstopper. Jack McCartan was spectacular in goal for the U.S., stopping 39 of 40 shots. Paul Johnson's second-period goal was the game-winner.
7. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 1936: Canada suffers first defeat
Many of Great Britain's players were Canada-born and trained, which drew pre-tournament protests from the Canadian delegation. Canada had outscored its opponents 209-8 while claiming the first four Olympic golds, and much the same was expected of this team -- until Britain posted a shocking 2-1 semifinal round victory.
8. Squaw Valley, 1960: U.S. wins first gold medal
Heavy underdogs to capture any medal, the U.S. rode wins over Canada and Russia to an 8 a.m. rematch against the Czechs. After falling behind 4-3 after two periods, Roger Christian's hat trick was part of a six-goal third-period explosion in the 9-4 U.S. gold medal victory.
9. Salt Lake City, 2002: Golden anniversary
Joe Sakic scored twice, including the game-winner in a 5-2 verdict over the U.S., as Canada won the gold and buried a half-century of agony. The victory came 50 years to the day after Canada's previous gold medal. Sakic's second-period goal snapped a 2-2 tie, and Martin Brodeur made it hold up at the other end.
10. Turin, 2006: Gerber, baby
The Swiss had never defeated Team Canada at any level of international play, but a hot goalie can steal a game against anybody. Canada dominated with a 49-18 shots advantage, including a hideous 24-1 in the third period. Alas, they could not get one past Martin Gerber and fell 2-0.
Honorable Mention
1948, St. Moritz: Canada and Czechoslovakia play to scoreless tie in the final game; Canada wins gold on basis of goal differential.
1956, Cortina d'Ampezzo: Soviets win first of five golds in a stretch of six Games when they down the U.S. 4-0.
1976, Innsbruck: Soviets rally to defeat Czechoslovakia 3-2 for fourth straight gold.
1992, Albertville: Coach Viktor Tikhonov and the Unified Team defeat Canada 3-1 in the gold medal game.
1998, Nagano: Russia's Pavel Bure scores five goals in a 7-4 semifinal win over Finland.
CNNSI (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/tom_layberger/02/22/olympic.moments/1.html)
Now, I was pretty young when Miracle happened but every time I watch "Miracle" I can't help but cry at the end. I get chill bumps hearing Al Michaels say those infamous words..."Do you believe in Miracles? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2006/writers/tom_layberger/02/22/olympic.moments/p1_olymiracle.jpg
The Miracle on Ice isn't the only memorable event
Posted: Thursday February 23, 2006 11:45AM; Updated: Thursday February 23, 2006 6:32PM
There have been plenty of memorable moments in the history of men's Olympic ice hockey -- which started in 1920 as part of the Summer Games in Belgium. From stunning and unpredictable upsets to individuals shining on the brightest of international stages in pressure-packed situations, the emotional tugs-of-war have left millions celebrating or contemplating what went wrong.
The television age, rules changes and the inclusion of NHL players have influenced our perspective over the years. But regardless of the era and conditions, many of the Games' more memorable (or forgettable) moments will continue to be talked and written about decades from now. While it is difficult to list all of them, we reflect on the most exceptional, many of which reverberated beyond the sheet of ice.
1. Lake Placid, 1980: U.S. topples Soviet Union
For those old enough to remember, you likely recall where you were when you heard the news (the game was tape-delayed) that the Mike Eruzione-captained squad of college kids had upset the powerful Soviets 4-3. Fueling the drama were the political overtones of the Cold War era. Not only was it the "Miracle on Ice," but many consider it to be the greatest moment in U.S. sports history.
2. Lillehammer, 1994: Forsberg becomes national hero
A shootout for Olympic glory? That's what happened when 20-year-old Peter Forsberg of Sweden scored a scintillating sudden-death shootout goal against Canadian netminder Corey Hirsch. On the ensuing attempt, Canada's Paul Kariya was stopped by Tommy Salo, and the Swedes tasted gold for the first time. The Swedish government paid homage by portraying Forsberg's moment on a postage stamp.
3. Lake Placid, 1980: U.S. wins first gold in 20 years
With all the hysteria resulting from the defeat of the Soviets, there was still the not-so-small detail of Herb Brooks' squad having to play Finland for the gold medal. Three third-period goals and superb goaltending from Jim Craig lifted Team USA to a 4-2 verdict over the Finns. Craig searching for his father in the stands was priceless.
4. Nagano, 1998: Hasek foils Team Canada
With NHL players participating for the first time, Dominik Hasek's efforts in a shootout lifted the Czech Republic to a 2-1 victory. As Patrick Roy watched from the other end, Hasek thwarted all five Canadian shooters -- Theo Fleury, Ray Bourque, Joe Nieuwendyk, Eric Lindros and Brendan Shanahan -- propelling his team to the gold medal game, where it bested Russia.
5. Salt Lake City, 2002: Belarus stuns Sweden
In its second Olympics, Belarus had only one active NHL player (Ruslan Selei) and was outscored 22-6 in three final-round defeats. But all anybody will remember is Vladimir Kopat's shot from beyond the blue line eluding goalie Tommy Salo with 24 seconds remaining to give Belarus a 4-3 quarterfinal win against the top-seeded Swedes.
6. Squaw Valley, 1960: U.S. slips past Canada
Though the U.S. would have to win twice more en route to its first gold medal, a 2-1 win over heavily favored Canada early in medal-round play was the tournament's showstopper. Jack McCartan was spectacular in goal for the U.S., stopping 39 of 40 shots. Paul Johnson's second-period goal was the game-winner.
7. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, 1936: Canada suffers first defeat
Many of Great Britain's players were Canada-born and trained, which drew pre-tournament protests from the Canadian delegation. Canada had outscored its opponents 209-8 while claiming the first four Olympic golds, and much the same was expected of this team -- until Britain posted a shocking 2-1 semifinal round victory.
8. Squaw Valley, 1960: U.S. wins first gold medal
Heavy underdogs to capture any medal, the U.S. rode wins over Canada and Russia to an 8 a.m. rematch against the Czechs. After falling behind 4-3 after two periods, Roger Christian's hat trick was part of a six-goal third-period explosion in the 9-4 U.S. gold medal victory.
9. Salt Lake City, 2002: Golden anniversary
Joe Sakic scored twice, including the game-winner in a 5-2 verdict over the U.S., as Canada won the gold and buried a half-century of agony. The victory came 50 years to the day after Canada's previous gold medal. Sakic's second-period goal snapped a 2-2 tie, and Martin Brodeur made it hold up at the other end.
10. Turin, 2006: Gerber, baby
The Swiss had never defeated Team Canada at any level of international play, but a hot goalie can steal a game against anybody. Canada dominated with a 49-18 shots advantage, including a hideous 24-1 in the third period. Alas, they could not get one past Martin Gerber and fell 2-0.
Honorable Mention
1948, St. Moritz: Canada and Czechoslovakia play to scoreless tie in the final game; Canada wins gold on basis of goal differential.
1956, Cortina d'Ampezzo: Soviets win first of five golds in a stretch of six Games when they down the U.S. 4-0.
1976, Innsbruck: Soviets rally to defeat Czechoslovakia 3-2 for fourth straight gold.
1992, Albertville: Coach Viktor Tikhonov and the Unified Team defeat Canada 3-1 in the gold medal game.
1998, Nagano: Russia's Pavel Bure scores five goals in a 7-4 semifinal win over Finland.
CNNSI (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/tom_layberger/02/22/olympic.moments/1.html)
Now, I was pretty young when Miracle happened but every time I watch "Miracle" I can't help but cry at the end. I get chill bumps hearing Al Michaels say those infamous words..."Do you believe in Miracles? YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"