The Game That Saved the NHL: The Broad Street Bullies, the Soviet Red Machine, and Super Series '76

At the height of the Cold War, the Soviet Union's top national hockey teams traveled to North America to play an eight-game series against the best teams in the National Hockey League. The series was dubbed the "Super Series" and the climax was a game between HC CSKA Moscow and the Philadelphia Flyers. The Flyers were determined to end the Red Army team's winning streak, and the game was significant because it could have determined the NHL's credibility. The book "The Super Series" by Ed Gruver describes the game and series and how they affected the styles of both Russian and NHL teams.

Format: Board book
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 07 November 2023
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

In the late 1970s, during the height of the Cold War, two of the Soviet Union's long-dominant national hockey teams embarked on a historic journey to North America. Their mission? To challenge the best teams in the National Hockey League in an eight-game series known as the "Super Series." The culmination of this epic series was a thrilling faceoff between HC CSKA Moscow and the reigning champion Flyers in Philadelphia on January 11, 1976.

The "Red Army Club," as HC CSKA was known, had an incredible winning streak in the series, not losing a single game. On the other hand, the Flyers, known as the "Broad Street Bullies," were determined to end the Red Army's streak and reclaim their dominance in professional hockey.

Ed Gruver's book, based on extensive interviews, delves into the story of this historic game and series. It explores the immense stakes involved: the credibility of the NHL. If the Red Army team had managed to sweep the Flyers and complete a series sweep, it would have challenged the NHL's claim to supremacy in professional-level hockey. Gruver also provides insights into how the game and series impacted the styles of both Russian and NHL teams. The Soviets adopted a more physical brand of hockey, while the NHL shifted its focus towards passing and speed.

The "Super Series" was not only a clash of hockey talent but also a symbol of the Cold War tensions between the United States and the Soviet Union. It showcased the intense competition and rivalry that existed between these two superpowers, even in the realm of sports. The series was a testament to the determination and skill of the athletes involved, and it left a lasting impact on the history of hockey and international relations.

In conclusion, the "Super Series" between HC CSKA Moscow and the Flyers in 1976 was a historic event that marked a turning point in the history of hockey. It showcased the talent and determination of the athletes, as well as the political and cultural tensions of the era. Ed Gruver's book provides a captivating account of this epic series, shedding light on the stakes involved and the lasting impact it had on the sport.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781493074976