NHL: Best Calls in History No. 1-6

1. “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!” Al Michaels, 1980 Olympics

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGACsSW4Iqw

This call is the top call on the list of NHL play-by-play calls for many reasons.

For one, it almost guaranteed a gold medal was coming to the United States.

The USA is not a big market for hockey, contrary to Mr. Bettman’s beliefs. But this game, this goal, this call, brought America out of the dumps of the Cold War, out of a horrible economy, and out of a possible world conflict with the Soviet Union.

It was a lot more than hockey game.

It was a sort of political statement (unfortunately) that showed the world of the USA’s power and ability to answer to adversity. And these young college kids did just that.

2. “Heeeeeenderson, has scored for Canada!” Foster Hewitt, 1972 Summit Series

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XWwN9kHnsKI&feature=related

No goal in hockey history changed Canada like Paul Henderson’s goal to defeat the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series.

Many have argued he should be in the Hall of Fame for this, though the election committee (and myself) do not agree.

For those of you that argue it should be No. 1, hear me out before you chew me out (then chew me out anyway).

Yes, this goal was incredible—it came at a perfect time and it lifted a nation out of a horrible mindset.

Nonetheless, it was an exhibition game.

The Summit Series winner was not given anything but the satisfaction of beating another country.

Nothing else.

Still, winning the series was amazing.

3. “The New York Rangers are the Stanley Cup Champions, and this one will last a lifetime!” Sam Rosen, 1994 Stanley Cup Final

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wzq2AhbXSeY

The curse is over!

Well, it was.

Now they have another curse.

It’s called Glen Sather.

4. “The Soviets are leaving! They’re going home!” 1976 Flyers-Red Army game

http://flyers.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=451292&navid=DL|PHI|home

Bob Cole calls the Soviet Red Army team skating off the ice after a nasty hit on Valeri Kharlamov of the Soviet team.

What did the Flyers fans do?

The same thing they always do. Taunt. Anger. Show the passion they have for their team.

5. “Matteau! Matteau! Matteau! The Rangers are headed to the finals!” Howie Rose, 1994 Conference Final, Game 7, Overtime

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZDsIaTmO_k

The excitement of the Rangers getting a chance to play for the Stanley Cup is reflected in Howie Rose’s call of Matteau’s overtime game winner in the Eastern Conference Final.

6. “Ladies and gentlemen, the Flyers are going to win the Stanley Cup! The Flyers win the Stanley Cup! The Flyers win the Stanley Cup! The Flyers have won the Stanley Cup!” Gene Hart, 1974 Stanley Cup Final

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q-feMY5gi1M&feature=fvw

As a Flyers fan, I’ve seen and heard this hundreds of times.

And it never gets old.

The Flyers even have a ringtone for your phone with this call.

Don’t worry, I’m not that much of a freak.

Which ones are your favorites?

Remember to follow my new blog: GM-Bass.blogspot.com!

Alan Bass is a Senior Writer for Bleacher Report, the Community Leader for the NHL and Philadelphia Flyers’ section, and a writer for TheHockeyNews.com, Prohockeynews.com, Insidehockey.com and Hockey54.com.  You can contact him at BergHockey24@gmail.com.

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