The first Canada Cup was played in 1976, the tournament had been held every four years with the top hockey nations competing. Canada won in 1976 and 1984, while the Soviet Union won in 1980. Expectations were high for the 1987 Canada Cup. 🧵 2/14
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Canada's roster was, simply put, loaded with talent. The team consisted of 12 future Hall of Fame players. The Edmonton Oilers were well-represented on the team with five players, all future Hall of Famers, on the roster. 🧵 3/14
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While some games were played in Hartford, Connecticut, most games were played in Canada in Calgary, Hamilton, Regina, Halifax, Sydney NS and Montreal. Canada breezed through the Round Robin tournament and took top spot with a record of 3-0-2. 🧵 4/14
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In the Semi-Final, the Soviet Union defeated Sweden 4-2, while Canada took out Czechoslovakia 5-3. Both teams, considered the best hockey nations in the world, would play in a best-of-three final series. 🧵 5/14
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The final series between Canada and the Soviet Union is considered to be one of the greatest series of international hockey games every played. Game One was played on Sept. 11, 1987 at the Montreal Forum in front a packed house. 🧵 6/14
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Canada fell behind 4-1 by the second period but fought back to send the game to overtime with a 5-5 tie. At 5:33 in overtime, the Soviet's Alexander Semak scored the winning goal to give the Soviets the first win of the Final Series. 🧵 7/14
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Game Two is considered by some to be the greatest hockey game ever played. Canada led 3-1 after the first period, but by the end of the second it was 3-3. While Canada got ahead 5-4, the Soviets scored with 1:04 left in the game to send it to overtime. 🧵 8/14
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In the second overtime, Wayne Gretzky assisted on a goal by Mario Lemieux to give Canada a 6-5 victory. It was the fifth assist of the night for Gretzky and a hat trick for Lemieux. Game Three would be played on Sept. 15 in Hamilton. 🧵 9/14
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The Soviets led 3-0 after only eight minutes but Canada was able to pull ahead 5-4 by the end of the second period. The Soviets tied the game 5-5 late in the third period. Coach Mike Keenan then sent out Gretzky, Lemieux and Larry Murphy with 1:30 remaining in the game. 🧵 10/14
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With 1:26 remaining in the game, Gretzky, Lemieux and Murphy went up the ice with the puck. Gretzky dropped it to Lemieux who sent it into the net and Canada won the game and series. The goal is considered one of the most famous goals in Canadian history. 🧵 11/14
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I know Russians who are STILL salty that Dale Hawerchuk didn’t get called for a hook that set up the 3-on-1. Suck it…. 😈
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Wayne Gretzky led all players with 21 points in nine games, while Mario Lemieux led in goals with 11 in nine games. Grant Fuhr had six wins, one loss and two ties in the series. Wayne Gretzky was awarded the Tournament MVP. 🧵 12/14
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Soviet Union won in 1981.
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Yep was a typo I didn’t catch until I posted
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Gotta love typos
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