How it unfolded
The highlight of a Soviet club tour of NHL teams. Montreal was the league's best that year, and the shot count told the story: 38–13. The Canadiens pinned CSKA in its zone all three periods, but Vladislav Tretiak made 35 saves — several while sprawled backward, kicking pucks away with his pads. CSKA surrendered the rink yet converted three counterattacks for three leads; Montreal answered each time to finish 3–3. Ken Dryden faced only thirteen shots. When the horn sounded, the full Forum crowd rose for a standing ovation to both teams. On 11 January in Philadelphia, CSKA left the ice protesting Ed Van Impe's hit, returned, and lost 4–1 — the contrast defined the tour.
Why it still matters
A tie that is still called the greatest hockey game ever played. A 38–13 shot margin that did not decide the outcome proved two philosophies could meet as equals. NHL clubs began studying Soviet zone entries and cycling in earnest, and Tretiak was recognized in North America as among the sport's finest goaltenders.