1972 Summit Series: Game 2

Tonight is the 40th anniversary of Game 2 of the 1972 Canada - USSR series played in Maple Leaf Gardens. Game 1 had tons of hype and the game was played on a Saturday night. Game 2 was a more subdued, the cockiness was gone. I watched it alone at home rather than with a crowd of friends.

As it turns out Canada redeemed themselves in Game 2, thanks largely to two sets of brothers as well as a much better game plan. After the Game 1 blowout Game 2 took on incredible importance.

Canada held the upper hand on the Soviets most of the night, but had significant trouble beating Vladislav Tretiak.

After a scoreless first period, Phil Esposito, who was quickly establishing himself as the undisputed leader of Team Canada, opened the scoring in the second period. Yvan Cournoyer used his blazing speed to beat the Russian defense on an early power-play in the third period, but Alexander Yakushev, pulled the Soviets to within one just 4 minutes later on the feared Russian power-play unit.

Yakushev's goal was the only one that would get by Chicago Blackhawks goalie Tony Esposito. Phil's brother had replaced Ken Dryden in the Canadian nets for this game. It was a good move as Esposito played well and adapted better to the Soviet's criss-crossing offense.

On the same power play, Pete Mahovlich scored on what was perhaps the most remarkable individual effort of the series. With Canada killing a penalty, Pete picked up a Phil Esposito clearing attempt just inside the center line. Faking his patented slapshot, Mahovlich deked a Soviet defender and drove in alone on Tretiak. He faked a forehand shot, went to his backhand, and while falling on top of Tretiak managed to slip the puck into the net by using his impressive long reach.

Big brother Frank Mahovlich teamed up with Stan Mikita a little more than two minutes later to cement the win. Mikita stole the puck behind the goal and centered to the unchecked Big M, who one-timed a shot off of the post and behind Tretiak.

Canada's successful came from a simplified game plan, one they would utilize again and again in international games. They dressed a more physical lineup and focused on a fierce forechecking game as well as a tight defensive game.

Canada outshot USSR 36-21 and Tretiak was selected the game MVP for Russia while the Esposito brothers were the Canadian MVPs.