The Globe and Mail
NHL ALL STARS CAPTURE CHALLENGE CUP
Historic Victory in Moscow: NHL Defeats Soviet Union in Game Six
FINAL SCORE
NHL Wins Challenge Cup 4 Games to 2
MOSCOW - In a thrilling display of offensive firepower and determination, the NHL All Stars completed their mission behind the Iron Curtain with a hard-fought 6-3 victory over the Soviet Union at the imposing Luzhniki Ice Palace, clinching the 1979 Challenge Cup series 4 games to 2.
The victory marked the first time an NHL squad had defeated the mighty Soviet machine on home ice since the historic 1972 Summit Series, and did so in emphatic fashion before 14,000 stunned Moscow spectators who had expected their heroes to force a decisive Game 7.
Robinson Claims Series MVP Honors
Larry Robinson, the Montreal Canadiens' towering defenseman, capped off a dominant series performance with 1 goal and 1 assist in the decisive Game 6, earning him Series MVP honors. The 6'4" blue-liner from Marvelville, Ontario, finished the six-game series with an incredible 5 goals and 5 assists for 10 points, leading all players in scoring while playing his typically steady defensive game.
Robinson's physical play also showed he wasn't afraid to mix it up when necessary, embodying the perfect blend of skill and toughness that has made him a cornerstone of Montreal's recent Stanley Cup championships. His performance in Moscow established him as arguably the premier defenseman in world hockey.
Potvin's Steady Leadership
New York Islanders captain Denis Potvin, the dynamic 25-year-old from Hull, Quebec, finished as the series' second-leading scorer with 4 goals and 5 assists for 9 points. The former first overall draft pick demonstrated why many consider him the most complete defenseman in the NHL, combining offensive flair with rock-solid defensive play throughout the six games.
Potvin's crucial goal at 6:05 of the second period in Game 6 gave the NHL a commanding lead and showcased the offensive instincts that have revolutionized the defenseman position. His minus-1 rating for the series was misleading, as he was on the ice for many of the NHL's most dominant shifts.
The NHL's special teams proved decisive throughout the contest, with Bryan Trottier scoring on the power play in the first period tipping a point shot past Vladislav Tretiak in the opening frame after Vladimir Kovin evened the score 1-1. Guy Lapointe added another man-advantage goal in the third period burying a wicked one-timer from a beautiful setup from Clark Gilles to help seal the victory.
Zhluktov Leads Soviet Offense
For the Soviet Union, veteran center Valeri Zhluktov proved to be their most consistent offensive threat throughout the series, finishing with 5 goals and 2 assists for 7 points despite his team's defeat. The crafty playmaker's minus-4 rating reflected the overall struggles of the Soviet squad against the NHL's physical style.
Zhluktov, along with the speedy Valeri Kharmalov and the versatile Igor Petrov, provided glimpses of the skill and finesse that has made Soviet hockey famous worldwide, but ultimately couldn't match the depth and playoff experience of the NHL All Stars.
Dryden's Steady Performance
Between the pipes, Montreal Canadiens goaltender Ken Dryden provided the steady netminding that has become his trademark. The 31-year-old Cornell graduate, who revolutionized the position with his unorthodox style and towering 6'4" frame, made crucial saves throughout the contest to preserve the NHL's lead during several Soviet rallies.
Dryden, who had briefly retired from hockey to pursue his law career before returning to lead Montreal to multiple Stanley Cup championships, showed why he remains the premier goaltender in international competition. His calm presence in net allowed the NHL forwards to play with confidence and take the offensive risks that ultimately decided the series.
Conversely, Tretiak, the fabled Russian netminder, didn't have the answers for a relentless NHL offense and had no chance on two tip ins by Shutt and Trottier from the slot.
Historic Achievement
The Challenge Cup triumph represents a watershed moment for professional hockey, proving that the NHL's blend of skill, speed, and physicality can succeed against any opponent, anywhere in the world. For many observers, this victory validated the NHL's claim as the premier hockey league in the world and established a new standard for international competition that will influence the sport for years to come.
Complete series coverage and analysis continues on Sports Pages 2-5