When the Flyers sent Russia Crying off the ice

🏒 Philadelphia Flyers vs Soviet Red Army Game

The Flyers vs. Russia (1976) game refers to the famous January 11, 1976 matchup between the Philadelphia Flyers and the HC CSKA Moscow (Soviet Red Army team) at the Spectrum in Philadelphia.

📍 Background

Part of the NHL vs. Soviet Super Series exhibitions.
The Flyers were back-to-back Stanley Cup champions (1974, 1975).
CSKA Moscow was considered the best team in the Soviet Union — and arguably the world.
This was Cold War-era hockey: physical North American style vs. skilled Soviet puck movement.

🔥 What Happened

The Flyers played extremely physical hockey.
In the first period, Flyers defenseman Ed Van Impe delivered a crushing hit on Soviet star Valeri Kharlamov.
The Soviet team left the ice in protest, claiming the play was dirty.
After a delay and threat of forfeiture, they returned.

🏆 Final Score

Flyers 4 – Red Army 1

It was one of the most decisive wins by an NHL team over a top Soviet club.

⭐ Why It’s Famous

Seen as a symbolic victory for the NHL style of play.
The Flyers’ “Broad Street Bullies” identity was cemented.
Remains one of the most talked-about international club games in hockey history.