There is no two other national teams in hockey that have such a fierce and competitive rivalry than these two
countries. The history starts back from the 1950's and has made hockey that much more loved by its fans.
1920 - 1952 Olympic Games - Canadian Dominance
Canada 6 Gold medals - 1 silver
USSR - no hockey team
The one silver medal was a Great Britain team filled with Canadians.
All was well in Canada until the Red Giant from the east showed up.
1956-1992 Olympic Games - Russian Dominance
USSR 8 Gold medals, 1 silver, 1 bronze
Canada 2 Silver, 2 Bronze
The 1992 gold medal was won by the "unified team" which was a collection of the former soviet states
1994 -2014 Olympic Games - Canadian Dominance
Russia 1 Silver 1 bronze
Canada 3 gold 1 silver
Total Olympic medals - Close to equal and considering Russia didn't play before 1956
Russia /Ussr - 8 Gold 2 Silver 2 Bronze
Canada 9 Gold 4 Silver 2 Bronze
I'm not sure how many Americans know about the 8 game '72 series. I would have to say it was one of the best in hockey history.
1972 Summit Series - Canada wins by skin of their teeth
Canada 4 wins 3 lost 1 tie
USSR 3 wins 4 lost 1 tie
I'm not too sure how many Canadians know about this 8 game '74 series. The only problem was that it consisted of WHA players, a secondary professional league.
1974 Summit Series -Russian Annailation
Canada 1 win 5 lost 3 ties
USSR 4 wins 1 lost 3 ties
1976-1991 Canada Cup - Canadian Dominance
(played every 4 years due to North American professionals not allowed in the Olympics)
Canada 4 Championships 1 Runner-up
USSR 1 Championship 1 Runner-up
1996 & 2004 World Cup of Hockey - Canadian Dominance
Canada 1 Championship 1 Runner-up
Russia 1 Semi-finalist
On Saturday night they play once again in the semi final of the World Cup of Hockey. Even though Canada has been winning of late they know better than to count out the Russians.