I disagree that Canada vs. Russia is a bigger hockey rivalry. It once was, but it isn't now.
Canada vs. U.S.S.R. in 1972 was bigger than Canada vs. U.S.A. in 2005. But Canada vs. Russia in 2005 isn't nearly as heated or passionate as Canada vs. U.S.A. in 2005
I think that the majority of people in Canada would prefer to lose to Russia, than lose to the U.S.A. In 2003 when Canada lost to Russia it was more "damn we lost" and people didn't pay nearly as much attention to who Canada lost to. Whereas in 2004 when Canada lost to U.S.A. it was more "damn we lost to the Americans".
There is just something about U.S.A. beating Canada at hockey that drives a lot of Canadians crazy, me included.
Somebody said that Canada vs. Russia was more than hockey? Well, Canada vs. U.S.A. is more than hockey. Whenever the U.S.A. is involved in any sports competition, things outside of the sport are always involved, due to stereotypes about American people and due to the U.S.A. having such controversial governments and foreign policies.
I personally think that Canada vs. U.S.A. has passed Canada vs. Russia in the rivalry department, ever since 1996 (or even 1991). People in Canada just don't hate Russia as much as they hate the U.S.A., especially since: (a) the U.S.S.R. crumbled; (b) U.S.A. beat Canada in 1996; and (c) U.S.A. took away Quebec and Winnipeg from the NHL.
I would bet that if you were poll 1000 random people on the street right now, asking them who they would hate losing to the most in hockey, U.S.A. or Russia, that at least 600-700 (if not more) would say U.S.A.
Canada and Canadians never like to lose at hockey. But losing is always made ten times worse when the loss comes at the hands of U.S.A., which is more than can be said in regards to losing to Russia in 2005.