So in September they're out of shape (e.g. 1972 Summit series), but the mid-season is no good either? What would've been the best time for these games then?
Cut the crap. The 1979 Challenge Cup wasn't an 'all-star game'. It was USSR vs. Canada in all but name (--> See if you can find Larry Robinson's interview during game 3). Of course it was far from perfect (it was NOT "the Series of the Century") and a little unfair to the Canadians, but blame Alan Eagleson for thinking that the 'NHL All-Stars' could still pull it through. Still, it is a little lame to totally dismiss the series years afterwards - especially since the games were good quality hockey.
The '72 team was out of shape physically as well as out of hockey shape. They were in no way mentally prepared to play a team as good as the Soviets were. Aside from the fact that your buddy Mr. Eagleson who wanted the team named Team NHL ensured that his clients played while Bobby Hull, Gerry Cheevers, J.C Tremblay and Dave Keon were left at home. Remember that the man was a crook. Jacques Lapierrierre and Dallas Smith turned down invites and all taking part were promised at least one game. Bobby Orr of course was injured at the time unfortunately.
It wasn't the time of year that factored into the closeness of the series most of it had to do with attitude. The players themselves admitted that "we were in trouble" in the very 1st game before it got out of hand. They realized that the Russians were pretty good hockey players and were going to kick their ass.
In all honesty knowing all of this and I still believe that the Canadians would do no worse than win 7 of the 8. That means a real and prepared Team Canada. I know, I know you're going to say ******** Canadians. We'll never really know of course.
Sometimes these things happen for a reason, imagine how far back it would have put international hockey had Canada run away with the series. In a way we all won.
