TOURNAMENT OVERVIEW

The 1981 Canada Cup marked a changing of the guard on both sides of the Atlantic.

The Soviets were rebuilding following their shocking loss to the United States at the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics. Only half of the Soviet team that so convincingly defeated Team NHL at the 1979 Challenge Cup returned for the Canada Cup. The Soviets found suitable replacements by introducing the KLM line with Vladimir Krutov, Igor Larionov, and Sergei Makarov at forward and Alexei Kasatonov and Viacheslav Fetisov on defense. The unit would become the key to Soviet hockey throughout the 1980’s, and especially the 1981 Canada Cup.

Canada went with a young line-up for the 1981 Canada Cup, most notably featuring a young Wayne Gretzky and a very young defense including two-year pro Ray Bourque. Czechoslovakia also introduced many young players, but without the desired results.

Much was expected from the Swedes, but a lacklustre showing did not impress a relentless Swedish press. The Finns and Americans iced improved teams, but were still not quite in the class of the other nations.

Canada would prove to be the best team in the round robin. Backed by the high scoring "Dream Line" of Gretzky, Guy Lafleur and Gilbert Perreault, the Canadians had an unparalleled offense. Team Canada went 4-0-1 to take first place and face Bob Johnson’s Team USA in the semi final playoffs. Meanwhile, the Soviets finished second in the round robin, which earned them a first round showdown with their archrivals from Czechoslovakia.
Relatively easy victories for Canada and the Soviet Union set up the much-anticipated showdown between Canada and the Soviet Union. Not since the 1972 Summit Series had these two nations faced off on a scale of such magnitude. While many of the names had changed, the rivalry only heightened.

One name that had not changed was Vladislav Tretiak. The ultimate Canadian nemesis shut down Canada in the winner-takes-all one game finale, as the Soviets handed Canada its worst defeat in Canadian hockey history. Canada, having handled the USSR 7-3 in the round robin, was clearly over confident. Gretzky’s line, minus an injured Perreault, was frustrated and held off of the score sheet. Meanwhile Sergei Shepelev (3 goals) and Larionov (2 goals) led the way for the Russians, solving goalie Mike Liut en route to an 8-1 victory, capturing the 1981 Canada Cup.

Mike Bossy (CAN)
Gilbert Perreault (CAN)
Sergei Shepelev (USSR)

5

4

0

1

32

13

9

5

3

1

1

20

13

7

5

2

1

2

21

13

6

5

2

2

1

17

19

5

5

1

4

0

13

20

2

5

0

4

1

6

31

1