The SBP Archives - Your less than frequent dose of SBP!

25 years have passed since the 8 game Canada-Russia series that had an ending only the best story tellers could have written. Previously tied contests actually made a game 8 the difference maker. Canada was playing in hostile enemy territory. A final goal scored in the dying minutes of play. The hatred between the two teams was seen and felt on the ice. Russian goalie Vladislav Tretiak, who was deep in the trenches during these battles, wants a new series to be played for a new generation of hockey fans. It would be nice if it could be recreated, but I simply don't think it's possible.

Forget the fact that there's still no player transfer agreement between the NHL and Russia. The Russians HATE the NHL right now, feeling they have not been fairly compensated for all their talent heading to North America. What if they could come to an agreement, even if it was tomorrow. Could the magic be recaptured?

The plan would be to play the series in August. First, NHL owners aren't terribly concerned about things such as a new Summit Series "for the good of the game". They fear their best players will be injured. They don't want them to miss training camp, and the players themselves won't likely give it their all, either. What if they don't have a contract? Would a broken leg in game 2 affect their chances of getting re-signed? Maybe it would.

Do they players real hate each other like they did in 1972? No, they don't. Sydney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin are buddies. Do you think Crosby will give a bruising check to Malkin if his head was down? I doubt it. It may turn into a glorified exhibition.

The players aren't in top game shape after having the summer off. Sure, the players constantly train and don't arrive to camp out of shape (well, at least if you're name isn't Tkachuk) but we're not getting them at their best. The 1972 series had this problem, but the raw emotion more than compensated.

Call me cynical, but I just don't think it's going to happen, and if it does, I think we'll be disappointed in the end result. Unless there's something in it for the players to motivate them to win...is good ol' patriotism enough for them to give us a good series?

I think they would just use it as a warm-up for the 2007-08 NHL season.