The greatest goals scored by the Green Unit

[Batis]

While working on the Green Unit penalty killing study I also collected the links to the greatest goals scored by the Green Unit. First I will post the greatest passing play/ team goals scored by the unit and later on I will post the greatest individual effort goals. Now some of the goals here were scored by other players like Bykov, Kamensky and Konstantinov but what all of the goals have in common is that at least 2 members of the Green Unit were involved in each of them. And in my opinion the following links has some of the greatest goals ever scored.

Absolutely brilliant goal from the KLM line against Finland at the 1986 WHC. Krutovs move at the offensive blue line really is something else.


Brilliant passing play and goal from Krutov-Tyumenev-Makarov against Edmonton at the 85/86 Super Series.


Incredible passing leading up to this goal against Canada at the 1986 WHC. The crowd reaction at 10:54 really says it all.


Absolutely brilliant passing play and goal from the KLM-line against Sweden. CCCP Hockey - Part 1/5 (Swedish)

Another amazing goal from the KLM-line against Sweden. CCCP Hockey - Part 2/5 (Swedish) And here it is at full speed. SVT Dokumentär om den ryska superfemman, CCCP Hockey.

Beautiful goal against Finland at the 1986 WHC. Look at this passing play. Incredible. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Finland, 8-0

Another great goal against Finland at the 1986 WHC. This time the entire Green Unit touches the puck during the brilliant passing play leading up to the goal. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Finland, 8-0

Very pretty passing play and goal from Krutov-Bykov-Makarov at Canada Cup 1987. Canada Cup 1987, USSR-Finland, 7-4

First some nice passing and then Makarov finishes it off with a nice rush and goal (beating Potvin). Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Canada, 7-4

Another really great goal after some beautiful puck movement from the unit. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Finland, 4-0

Great combination between Fetisov and Makarov before Fetisov scores against Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup. Кубок Канады 1987 Финал: USSR - Canada [ game 3 ]

Great passing play at the end of which Kasatonov scores against USA at the 1988 Olympics. 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics - Ice Hockey & Skiing - 2/17/1988

Incredible goal from the unit. Look at Makarovs final pass to Kasatonov. Really amazing. SVT Dokumentär om den ryska superfemman, CCCP Hockey. Here you can get a closer look at the pass. CCCP Hockey - Part 2/5 (Swedish)

Fetisov scores another great goal against USA at the 1988 Olympics after a great passing play from the unit. OG-1988 , Calgary , USA-USSR (2)

Brilliant combination from Makarov and Krutov who scores against Tony Esposito at the 1981 Canada Cup. Canada Cup 1981, USSR-USA, 4-1

Makarov and Krutov completely fools Tom Barrasso at the 1984 Canada Cup. What a goal. Canada Cup 1984, USSR-USA, 2-1

Beautiful passing plays leading up to Krutovs goal. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Great goal against Czechoslovakia at the 1986 WHC. Makarovs final pass to Larionov really is pretty special. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Czechoslovakia, 4-2

Great passing play finished off by Krutov against Canada at the 1988 Olympics. Olympic games 1988, Calgary, hockey, final round for places 1-6, USSR-Canada, 5-0

Makarov scores after some nice team-play. Ice Hockey World Championships 1989, Sweden, USSR-Sweden, 5-1

Beautiful passing play finished off by Krutov against Sweden. Look at the speed of the breakout pass from Fetisov. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Beautiful powerplay goal from Larionov after some very impressive passing. 1983 - 06 Jan. Superseries - Philadelphia Flyers - USSR

Great goal scored by the KLM-line against Czechoslovakia. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Fetisov scores assisted by Krutov and Makarov against Finland at the 1986 WHC. Look at Makarovs rush up the ice. The way he moves past the opponent just looks so effortless. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Finland, 8-0

Krutov scores a great goal assisted by Fetisov and Makarov. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Another great goal by Krutov setup by Makarov. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Beautiful setup from Makarov to Krutov who beats Hasek at the 1986 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Czechoslovakia, 4-2

If someone still believes that Krutov was all about strenght they should really watch this shift. Look at those hands on a couple of different occasions. Then Larionov scores assisted by Makarov. 1982 WC USSR-Canada

Beautiful goal from the KLM-line at the 1987 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-USA, 11-2

A dominant shift ends with that Makarov finds Krutov who scores against Sweden at the 1981 WHC. Ice hockey world championship 1981, Sweden , team USSR-Sweden, 13-1

Petrov scores assisted by Makarov and Krutov. Very nice goal. Ice Hockey World Championships 1981, Sweden , USSR-Canada, 4-4

Larionov scores a great goal after some nice plays from the unit against Czechoslovakia at the 1988 Olympics. Olympic Games 1988: Group A - USSR vs ChSSR

Larionov makes a great move before Krutov scores here. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Canada, 3-2

Makarov and Larionov makes some great plays to setup Nemshinov for a goal against Hartford Whalers. Hartford Whalers vs Central Red Army 1988 8 01 Title 01

The KLM-line scores a nice goal against the Trio Grande at the 1981 Canada Cup. 1981 Canada Cup . Final. USSR-Canada 8-1 full (2)

Beautiful shorthanded goal from Makarov against USA at the 1985 WHC after some nice passes from Kasatonov and Larionov. Ice Hockey World Championships 1985, Prague, Soviet Union-USA, 11-1

Larionov scores a very nice powerplay goal assisted by Fetisov. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Germany, 7-0

Look at this deflection from Krutov. Pretty nice goal. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Great goal from Krutov-Tyumenev-Makarov against Montreal at the 85/86 Super Series. Superseries 1985-86 Montreal Canadiens-Red Army avi

Another great goal from Krutov-Tyumenev-Makarov against Montreal. Superseries 1985-86 Montreal Canadiens-Red Army avi

Great assist from Makarov to Fetisov who scores against Hasek at the 1986 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Czechoslovakia, 4-2

Krutov shows his great hand-eye coordination and scores assisted by Larionov and Makarov. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Switzerland, 13-5

Krutov scores against Czechoslovakia on a great assist from Larionov. Olympic Games 1988: Group A - USSR vs ChSSR

Another great goal from the unit against Czechoslovakia at the 1988 Olympics. Olympic Games 1988: Group A - USSR vs ChSSR

Bykov scores a great goal assisted by Krutov and Makarov. Olympic Games 1988: Group A - USSR vs ChSSR

Kamensky scores after a great assist from Makarov and Larionov. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Switzerland, 13-5

Krutov scores after a great assist from Larionov. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Great combination from Makarov and Krutov against Czechoslovakia at the 1985 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1985, Prague, Soviet Union-Czechoslovakia, 5-1

Another strong passing play from the unit. This time finished off by Larionov against Czechoslovakia at the 1987 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Czechoslovakia, 6-1

Krutov scores at the end of a dominating shift. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Bykov scores a great shorthanded goal assisted by Kasatonov and Makarov. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Germany, 7-0

Krutov scores after some nice puck movement from the unit. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-USA, 11-2

Makarov scores at the end of a very dominating shift. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Canada, 7-4

Great combination between Makarov and Larionov. Ice Hockey World Championships 1986, Moscow, USSR-Canada, 7-4

Another nice goal from the KLM-line. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Makarov and Krutov makes a great assist to Konstantinov at the 1989 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1989, Sweden, USSR-Finland, 4-1

Nice goal from the unit against New York Islanders. 19881229 SS88 89 RedArmy NewYorkIslanders

Nice goal from the unit at Rendezvous 1987. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Krutov scores after some nice passes from Fetisov, Makarov and Bykov. WHC 89 - group game - [ USSR vs CAN ]

Konstantinov scores assisted by Larionov and Makarov. 19890102 SS88 89 RedArmy NewJerseyDevils

Nice powerplay goal from Krutov-Larionov-Tyumenev. 1982 30 Dec Superseries '83 Quebec Nordiques USSR

Nice powerplay goal from Krutov. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Krutov scores against Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup assisted by Makarov and Stelnov. Canada Cup 1987, USSR-Canada, 3-3

Click to read more...

 

[Killion]

..... wow. nice work & thanks!.

 

[Batis]

Brilliant combination from Makarov and Krutov who scores against Tony Esposito at the 1981 Canada Cup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sVtzifQ1iDA&t=40m40s

Great goal scored by the KLM-line against Czechoslovakia. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQMg6fMSnXU&t=23m43s

Kamensky scores after a great assist from Makarov and Larionov. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Ke8oGZ0gM&t=18m16s

Great assist from Makarov to Fetisov who scores against Hasek at the 1986 WHC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uhS20-Yx7s&t=39m33s

I had never really thought about it before but beating the defenceman to the outside and then finding the open man in the middle seems to have been one of Makarovs trademark assists during his prime. In the quotes we have some great examples of this and here we have 2 more examples.

Makarov goes to the outside of the defenceman and assists on a goal by Golikov against Canada at the 1980 Olympics. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFVuseI7TmM&t=84m15s

Makarov once again goes to the outside and finds Krutov in the middle for a goal against Sweden at the 1987 WHC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9T9X0KfXesI&t=7m30s

 

[VMBM]

Absolutely brilliant goal from the KLM line against Finland at the 1986 WHC. Krutovs move at the offensive blue line really is something else. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2uzEWGh3OEQ&t=0m17s

Beautiful goal against Finland at the 1986 WHC. Look at this passing play. Incredible. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qMG75JtwwE&t=54m29s

Another great goal against Finland at the 1986 WHC. This time the entire Green Unit touches the puck during the brilliant passing play leading up to the goal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3qMG75JtwwE&t=48m33s

This is just exactly how it was with USSR vs Finland back in the 1980s, men vs little boys.

No wonder there's been conspiracy theories about Finland's victory over the Soviets at the 1988 Olympics. As for Tikhonov, in his book he "keeps poker face" ("we tried our best but it wasn't enough blah blah"), but later on when he was asked about the game, he just gave a mischevious smile.

 

[Talisman]

This is just exactly how it was with USSR vs Finland back in the 1980s, men vs little boys.

No wonder there's been conspiracy theories about Finland's victory over the Soviets at the 1988 Olympics. As for Tikhonov, in his book he "keeps poker face" ("we tried our best but it wasn't enough blah blah"), but later on when he was asked about the game, he just gave a mischevious smile.

Do you have any source about this conspiracy therory?.

edit. i am Finn.....

 

[VMBM]

Do you have any source about this conspiracy therory?.

edit. i am Finn.....

Sure, I've got over 10000 pages of really "hot" material; just give me your address, and...

No, it's just people/fans talking (already back in 1988). And I remember an interview with Tikhonov in some Finnish magazine (probably Jääkiekkolehti, but I'm not sure) where he was asked about the game, and his reaction/response indicated that USSR weren't really 'killing themselves' to trying to win the game, although I don't remember his exact words. Of course, USSR did not really have any stake in the game (except for maybe 'pride'), so it's not a surprise that they weren't at their best anyway...

 

[Batis]

So moving on to the greatest solo goals scored by the members of the Green Unit. Most of the available solo goals from the members of the Green Unit were scored by Makarov or Krutov.

Great solo goal from Makarov against Quebec at the 85/86 Super Series.

Makarovs great solo goal against Hasek and Czechoslovakia at the 1990 WHC.

Krutov scores a great goal against Minnesota at the 82/83 Super Series. Such patience with the puck.

Makarov scores a great solo goal against USA at the 1985 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1985, Prague, Soviet Union-USA, 11-1

Makarovs great goal in the 1984 Canada Cup semifinal where he turned Larry Robinson inside out. 1984 Canada Cup , Semifinal , Canada- USSR (4)

Makarov scores a great goal against Erie Blades of the EHL in a warm up game for the 1980 Olympics. Unfortunately he does not only fake out the opposing players but also the camera man so we miss parts of the rush. 1980.02.07 Pre-Olympic Erie Blades [EHL] vs USSR 3 rd period

Makarov with a beautiful solo goal against USA at the 1989 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1989, Sweden, USSR-USA, 4-2

Great goal from Makarov in the 88/89 European Cup. Кубок европейских чемпионов.19.02.89. ЦСКА — "Кельн" (ФРГ)

Larionov scores a beautiful goal against Canada at the 1989 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1989, Sweden, USSR-Canada, 5-3

Great solo goal from Krutov. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Beautiful solo goal from Makarov against Sweden at the 1989 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1989, Sweden, USSR-Sweden, 3-2

Great patience from Makarov when he scores against West Germany at the 1987 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1987, Vienna, USSR-Germany, 7-0

Makarovs solo goal against Sweden at the 1980 Olympics. 1980 24 Feb OG '80 Final round USSR vs SWE Period 1+2

Krutovs shorthanded goal against Canada at the 1981 Canada Cup where he dekes out Lafleur before scoring. 1981 Canada Cup . Final. USSR-Canada 8-1 full (3) - YouTube

Krutov shows his great skating and scores. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Beautiful goal from Krutov against USA in a warm up game for the 1980 Olympics. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Krutov with a nice goal against Calgary at the 82/83 Super Series. 03.01.1983г. Суперсерия 1983 Calgary Flames - СССР

Another example of Krutovs speed. Nice goal against Canada in the 1984 Canada Cup. 1984 Canada Cup Canada Vs USSR Round Robin Game

Fetisov skates away from Marcel Dionne and scores against Canada at the 1983 WHC. Ice Hockey World Championships 1983, Germany, USSR-Canada, 8-2

Nice goal from Krutov against Finland. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Another solo goal from Makarov. SVT Dokumentär om den ryska superfemman, CCCP Hockey.

Another solo goal from Krutov. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Krutov skates away from the defence and scores. 100 лучших голов Владимира Крутова

Nice goal from Krutov against Minnesota. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5hwdvqZwTw&t=63m45s

Another nice goal from Krutov. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQMg6fMSnXU&t=33m30s

 

[Batis]

Another strenght of the Green Unit was to score on lightning quick counterattacks. In the previous posts there are some examples of this and here are some other examples.

Fetisov finds Makarov who scores on a breakaway against Canada at the 1989 WHC.

Krutov finds Makarov who scores against West Germany at the 1984 Canada Cup.

Krutov scores a shorthanded goal on a breakaway against Sweden at the 1987 Canada Cup.

Fetisov with a breakout pass to Makarov who scores against USA at the 1988 Olympics. 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics - Ice Hockey & Skiing - 2/17/1988

Makarovs shorthanded breakaway goal against Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup. Кубок Канады 1987 Финал: USSR - Canada [ game 1 ]

Fetisovs great breakout pass finds Makarov who scores against Pittsburgh at the 88/89 Super Series. CSKA - Pittsburg Pingvins

Makarov outskates Craig Hartsburg and scores against Canada at the 1982 WHC. 1982 WC USSR-Canada

Krutovs great shorthanded goal against Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup. Abit different than the previous goals as they don't get a breakaway but still Makarov and Krutov breakout of their own zone quickly and scores before Canada have had time to really get organized. Кубок Канады 1987 Финал: USSR - Canada [ game 2 ]

Makarov scores a shorthanded breakaway goal against New York Islanders at the 88/89 Super Series. 19881229 SS88 89 RedArmy NewYorkIslanders

As you can see Fetisov/Makarov/Krutov was a deadly combination when it comes to counterattacking. Fetisovs breakout passing was very impressive and Makarov and Krutov was very clinical finishers in breakaway situations.

 

[MaxV]

Makarovs shorthanded breakaway goal against Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FeJ3lCpU6U&t=40m30s

You gotta mention the ridiculous mid-air pass from Krutov.

Great job, Batis. I have not seen a lot of these plays.

On a lot of these videos I had to watch the replay, the passing was just so fast. These guys were a nightmare not only on their opposition but also on camera crews.

 

[Batis]

You gotta mention the ridiculous mid-air pass from Krutov

For sure. And I would say that his hand-eye coordination was one of Krutovs strenghts. The goal from the 1987 WHC in the passing play post where Krutov takes down a pass mid-air and then scores also comes to mind.

 

[MarkusNaslund19]

This is incredible. Thanks so much for doing all of this legwork.

 

[Dennis Bonvie]

Its really a shame that Krutov ever played in the NHL. That one season seems to be his legacy, instead of what we see in these clips.

 

[Batis]

Its really a shame that Krutov ever played in the NHL. That one season seems to be his legacy, instead of what we see in these clips.

Yes especially considering that Krutov told swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter that he did not even want to play in the NHL and was forced to do so by the authorities for propaganda and economic reasons. http://www.dn.se/arkiv/sport/nu-ar-...lar-ut-om-misslyckandet-i-nhl-och-om-det-nya/ (edit: fixed the link)

Both when watching them play and when looking at their SPOTY voting records and overall award recognition it is in my opinion so obvious that Krutov was the third best player on the Green Unit and that he probably was closer to Makarov/Fetisov in quality than Larionov/Kasatonov was to him.

 

[Theokritos]

Yes especially considering that Krutov told swedish newspaper Dagens Nyheter that he did not even want to play in the NHL and was forced to do so by the authorities for propaganda and economic reasons. http://www.dn.se/arkiv/sport/nu-ar-... I missed the part about the sports ministry.

 

[Batis]

Here is a rough translation of the part of the article talking about his time in North America.

"When he after a long and loyal service for the big red machine turned pro in the NHL with the Vancouver Canucks most things went wrong. Hamburgers and an abundance of vodka have been given as the reasons. Krutov himself has another explanation.

- I never got the chance to succeed. The Vancouver management and I got in a fight about in which bank my money should be placed.

But he does not deny that the transition to another country was difficult.

- I got a key, a plastic card for the bankaccount and an empty appartment. After that I was on my own.

Of course problems then appeared for someone who was used to living in barracks 10 months of the year with the club management telling him what to do every hour.

And he really rather wanted to play in Europe but for propaganda and economic reasons he was forced to the NHL.

- It was the ministry of sports that forced me to North America. They thought that I was to good to remain in Europe.

-They wanted us the leading players on the national team to show our class in the NHL. And they also got more money for us."

 

[MaxV]

It's probably the cultural shock/complete and sudden 180 degree change in his life that killed his career.

I mean, it's easy to say that his life should have gotten better, but not everyone handles change well.

Actually, the famous Morgan Freeman line in Shawshank Redemption:

"These walls are funny. First you hate them, then you get used to them, enough time passes, it gets so you rely on them."

Now I don't have first hand knowledge of the situation, but it sounds like its very applicable.

 

[VMBM]

If someone can't appreciate Krutov or acknowledge his obvious huge talent and great career because of that one NHL season, that's really his/her problem imo.

Already in 1980 at 19 they guy was so good that at the 1980 Olympics, the Americans feared him the most of all Soviet players. And that was a team that had forwards like Mikhailov, Petrov, Kharlamov (albeit a bit past their prime), and prime Makarov, Maltsev and Balderis.

Quote from Lawrence Martin's The Red Machine:

“Dave Silk remembers looking across the faceoff circle, hoping the face he saw would not be that of a Krutov, the player the Americans feared most, or Makarov,” writes Lawrence Martin in The Red Machine. “In the third period, his wish was continuously being granted. He would see the veteran Mikhailov, and Silk knew he could skate past him. ”

https://www.thoughtco.com/miracle-on-ice-american-hockey-2778288

If we consider that already in 1980 Krutov was among the best Soviet players, his prime lasted about 8/9 years; that's really not much shorter than with many other Soviet greats. I think only Makarov had a clearly better career. Many probably would say Larionov too, but the thing with him is that he never reached those heights that Krutov reached internationally/domestically... except for one great season (1987-88).

 

[Batis]

If we consider that already in 1980 Krutov was among the best Soviet players, his prime lasted about 8/9 years; that's really not much shorter than with many other Soviet greats.

This is a very important point. For what its worth Krutov is one of only 7 players who recieved votes in the Soviet player of the year voting in 10 different seasons. Maltsev 14, Tretiak 13*, Makarov 11*, Kharlamov 11, Krutov 10, Kasatonov 10, Mikhailov 10.

This does in my opinion show that Krutovs number of prime seasons measures up well to many other Soviet stars.

* If the poll would have been conducted during the 78/79 season Tretiak and Makarov who both were First team All-Stars would certainly have recieved votes then which would have given them votes in 14 and 12 seasons respectively. Since Mikhailov was named the winner that season I counted this season for him above.

 

[Batis]

Something else that I have noticed is how often the Green Unit forced the opponents to make turnovers and most of the time they also made them pay for the mistakes. Here we have some goals that they scored in this way.

Makarov puts pressure on the swedish defencemen, steals the puck and finds Krutov who scores. Beautiful goal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQMg6fMSnXU&t=37m27s

While shorthanded against USA at the 1987 Canada Cup Makarov steals the puck and Krutov and Kasatonov combines for a nice goal. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFsfKFGuHoE&t=99m25s

Krutov intercepts a pass and finds Makarov who scores a nice backhand goal against Montreal Canadiens at the 85/86 Super Series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1d3NWl1nN4&t=51m35s

Makarov forces a turnover against Sweden and Krutov scores with a nice move. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQMg6fMSnXU&t=5m25s

Great forechecking from Makarov who forces a turnover before Krutov scores. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQMg6fMSnXU&t=26m27s

Makarov and Krutov puts on some pressure against Sweden and forces a turnover before Krutov scores. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQMg6fMSnXU&t=13m4s

Krutov-Tyumenev-Makarov puts on some pressure in the offensive zone and finally forces a turnover and scores against Edmonton Oilers at the 85/86 Super Series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xQAQyiLbyY&t=68m24s

After a nice rush up the ice which eventually is broken up Krutov and Makarov comes back and forces a turnover before Krutov scores against Canada at the 1983 WHC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sMl7mZT3I6g&t=48m4s

While shorthanded against Switzerland at the 1987 WHC Makarov forces a turnover and Krutov scores. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_Ke8oGZ0gM&t=43m5s

We also have more examples of this in the already posted footage above. Here are some of the best examples.

Larionov forces a turnover and Makarov scores a very beautiful goal against West Germany at the 1987 WHC. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTDDs3ad69A&t=93m59s

Great shift from the KLM-line at the 1982 WHC where they don't let Canada get a moment of peace with both great plays from Krutov and by not giving the Canadians any chance to leave the zone even when they do have the puck. At the end of the shift Larionov scores assisted by Makarov who just stole the puck from Paul Reinhart. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oXeyMBBKiHc&t=73m46s

Makarov forces a turnover against Messier and Canada at the 1987 Canada Cup and scores a shorthanded goal after Krutovs beautiful pass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8FeJ3lCpU6U&t=40m30s

Krutov scores a shorthanded breakaway goal against Sweden at the 1987 Canada Cup after intercepting a pass. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u06yewzXc1I&t=49m25s

 

[VMBM]

Batis, I wonder if you have an example of Makarov NOT scoring on a breakaway?

No, seriously, did such thing ever happen?

 

[feffan]

Great work! Love this thread! It´s my lunchdate today

 

[Batis]

Batis, I wonder if you have an example of Makarov NOT scoring on a breakaway?

No, seriously, did such thing ever happen?

Good question

To be honest I can't say that any time where Makarov failed to score on a clear breakaway with time and space immediately comes to mind.

Two situations where Makarov did not score on partial breakaways comes to mind though.

Here Makarov gets a partial breakaway when he wins a footrace against Kurri during the 85/86 Super Series. But since Kurri still is in position to hook him and hinder him from getting a good shot away I would not call this a true breakaway and one can hardly fault Makarov for not scoring here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xQAQyiLbyY&t=71m45s

This one is definitely not a true breakaway chance either but still a rare occasion where Makarov fails to score in this good of a postion pretty much alone with Jim Craig during the miracle on ice game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcENEx81XqE&t=56m6s

But yes facing Makarov on a clear breakaway seems to have been a pretty hopeless situation for the goalies and he is definitely one of the greatest players ever in breakaway situations. And Krutov was also a very clinical finisher in those kind of situations.

 

[VMBM]

This one is definitely not a true breakaway chance either but still a rare occasion where Makarov fails to score in this good of a postion pretty much alone with Jim Craig during the miracle on ice game. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcENEx81XqE&t=56m6s

Yes, that one I thought about myself. And I think there's is a somewhat similar kind of play in the 2nd period of the 1981 Canada Cup final, i.e. Makarov is alone with Mike Liut in front of the net but is unable to put it in (still not a clear breakaway).

 

[Theokritos]

But yes facing Makarov on a clear breakaway seems to have been a pretty hopeless situation for the goalies and he is definitely one of the greatest players ever in breakaway situations.

Interestingly or stunningly, Makarov's behaviour on breakaways was singled out in a negative way by Terry Crisp when he coached Makarov in Calgary:

Sports Illustrated (January 1990):
Europeans play a precise passing game, designed to keep players constantly circling in the offensive zone until one gets open in front of the net for a tap-in. The NHL features more banging, screening, shooting and up-and-down skating... ''He has to shoot more,'' says Flames coach Terry Crisp. ''He'll back-pass three times on a breakaway.''

 

[Batis]

Yes, that one I thought about myself. And I think there's is a somewhat similar kind of play in the 2nd period of the 1981 Canada Cup final, i.e. Makarov is alone with Mike Liut in front of the net but is unable to put it in (still not a clear breakaway).

Good catch. Forgot about that one. But like you said still not a clear breakaway since Makarov came in from the side after beating Potvin one on one and also recieved a slash from the backchecking Gainey at the moment of the shot. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wfly1A00HOQ&t=8m9s

Even after thinking abit more about it I still don't remember any clear breakaways where Makarov failed to score which considering the large number of available games with him is pretty incredible.