A Look Back at Key Hockey Moments From Sept. 26
The article revisits notable events from Sept. 26 in hockey history. It highlights Canada's 4-3 win over the Soviet Union in the 1972 Summit Series, Guy Lafleur's return, and the final NHL game at Boston Garden before the Bruins moved. It also notes birthdays of Hall of Famers and the Seattle Kraken's first preseason game.
On Sept. 26, 1972, Canada beat the Soviet Union 4-3 in Moscow, tying the Summit Series at three wins, three losses, and one tie. Phil Esposito scored twice, Gilbert added two, and Paul Henderson netted the late winner. A tense exchange between Boris Mikhailov and Gary Bergman preceded the goal.
Also on this date, Guy Lafleur returned from retirement with the Rangers in 1988, shortly after Hall induction. Boston hosted Montreal in its final game at Boston Garden in 1995, and Seattle played its first preseason game. Four current Hall of Famers share the birthday.
Anniversaries like these may strengthen shared hockey memory among Canadian and Russian fans, giving older supporters a way to revisit a defining Cold War-era series and younger ones a gateway to learn about it. The Lafleur and Boston Garden milestones could similarly resonate with Rangers, Canadiens, Bruins, and Nordiques followers, while Seattle’s first preseason game may remind newer fans how quickly league history accumulates. Such retrospectives can build community and nostalgia, though they may also oversimplify complex international rivalries.