Soviet 1980 kockey team against today's Stanley Cup finalists?

Question

1980 Soviets, led by Boris Mikhailov, goaltender Vladislav Tretiak, Alexander Maltsev, Vladimir Petrov, Vasili Vasiliev, and Valeri Kharlamov were all members of the Soviet team that had played against the NHL All-Stars in the 1972 Summit Series. They were considered hockey legends and as well we know their role in the Miracle on Ice. As I watch the Pens -Red Wings, I wonder how this Russian team would do against the Pens or red Wings of today; always a difficult scenario to formulate, matching teams across ages, but still fun. Thoughts?

Answer 1

i would place all my money on the russian team

Answer 2

I agree with RussTik's comments. Don't get me wrong playing against Bobby Clarke was a thrill and while he may have been playing at half-speed .. in comparasion the last few weeks a former Central Hockey League player who's got a tryout coming up with the Blue Jackets has played hockey with us, and his speed is out of this world.

Answer 3

Sorry, but it wouldn't be close.  Today's athlete is simply much bigger, faster, stronger and far more practiced at their games than they were even in 1980 (only 28 years ago).  Team comparisons from different eras will always favour the more current team because of this.  In another 28 years, that Stanley Cup champion would whip this year's winner.

  Don't devalue current players because they haven't had time to ferment into legendary status.

  I played Jr B 20 years ago.  My nephew plays Jr C now - he is a bigger, stronger, faster player than I ever was... but don't let him or my Brother (his Dad) ever know I said this!  And this is an example of lower-tier players... the Pro's simply have made awesome skill increases and skating increases over the past 2 decades.

;-)

Answer 4

The players are bigger and faster now. The Wings and Pens play Russian-style hockey. Those comparatively tiny Russians wouldn't stand a chance.

But man, what a great team for their time. I loved watching them play, even when they'd beat Team Canada or Team USA, or the time in the 1979 Challenge Cup when game 3 turned into an embarrassing clinic, final USSR 6, NHL All Stars 0.

Answer 5

why dont u play the game out at "whatifsport.com"

Answer 6

while i agree with Russ' comments, it's also worth mentioning that the NHL in the 70s and early 80s was a MUCH more physical game than today's game.  I don't necessarily think one is better than the other, but i'd love to see the styles clash.

With that being said, i'd give it to today's finalists, 4 - 0