The 1980’s Winter Olympics

Miracle on Ice

    The 1980’s Winter Olympics is where one of the most electrifying moments in American sports history, it could very well be said to be one of the greatest moments in sports history. It took place on February 22nd in Lake Placid, NY, where United States faced off against the Mighty Red Machine of The USSR, not to mention the Cold war was taking place during this time. The US team was composed of amateurs and college athletes, while the Soviet Union national had a very fearsome line up that consisted of veterans considerably still at their peak and younger players who were stars of there on. The Soviet Nation teams won six of the past seven titles and were destined to win it all again this time around. It was inevitable to some that the US would be crushed, considering the fact that they lost to them 10-3 during exhibition games. With tensions high between the US and USSR and the US being the underdogs in the game, it’s safe to say the hopes were low. But that all changed once the US scored twice in the 3rd period.

    It was said that the Soviets deciding victory over the US caused them to underestimate the underdogs even more, but who could blame them, in all actuality they were supposed win. However, the US head coach formed a team that was possible to take any opportunities when they were available since he knew luck counts in short tournaments. And it paid off with the first period ending in an tying goal from the US in the final seconds. But the Soviets dominated the second and took the lead again making it 3-2. In the final 27 minutes of the game the Soviet Union coach relied on his veterans heavily, which favored the American team because they seemed to be faster than the older USSR veterans. The US team tied the game on a power play and only a couple of shifts later the US scored again on what was an assist to a player who was undefended in the high slot and fired a shot that went