Phil Esposito candid about 1972 Summit Series anniversary

Fri, Sep 21: Phil Esposito talks about his speech in Vancouver after Game 4 of the Summit Series, the Henderson goal, the treatment the team received in Russia, and more. WARNING: Some language may not be appropriate for all viewers.
For more info, please go to www.globaltoronto.com.

[@Classicrocker6119]

The leadership displayed by Phil in 1972 can never be underestimated. His honesty and passion is unparalleled.

[@VicDiniMagic]

What a great interview. Phil was always a straight up guy. Awesome

[@joeyjo-joshabadu9636]

NHL needs more guys like Phil Esposito who have the guts to speak their mind and tell it like it is.

[@loulfw2513]

you mean like to get rid of Bettman, who has made some improvements but otherwise destroyed the game for classic fans?

[@marquefan1]

We need more Canadians to have the guts and speak their mind.

[@matthewhanf3033]

Too bad anyone that speaks their mind gets banned. Freaking stupid

[@bleewicket]

Very happy that Phil made it to the 50th anniversary! Espo is awesome, long life and health to him!!

[@mane4209]

But he didn't get to see the Russians, because of the war :(

[@halwarner3326]

Speaking as an American who was 15 in 1972, that series was so inspirational, beyond words.

[@JOHNWLOUCKS]

as an American and a hockey fan/player I cared a great deal about the series and so did many of my friends. Phil was amazing !

[@HardRockMiner]

Phil never had problems telling it like it is. We love ya Phil.

[@user-th9dw4bu7h]

Я русский и тоже его люблю, он и Пол Хендерсон, показали нашим ребятам, что нужно играть до последней секунды!

[@oatis053]

Life long Blackhawks fan here, and these guys deserve all the accolades they can get. I was 19 when this series was played, and I will never forget it!

[@patbrennan6572]

The best speaker the hockey world has ever known, great to hear from ya Phil.

[@ronbonora7872]

Phil was our leader in 72. He lead the charge to come back and win the series. A true hall of fame player. A big competitor in all big games.

[@hippy1002]

He should be P.M. of Canada

[@johnsambo9379]

The charge of fighting and cheating to win?

[@JayRay-zv7hd]

The past tense of lead is led.

[@Catonian1]

How great is Espo? I can't think of many athletes that speak w. this kind of honesty and candor. A true great, on and off the ice.

[@hanksnow2]

+Catonian1 - Yes & don't forget he also said "I would have killed to win that series". Just googled it & found this,...."But there's no doubt in my mind that I would have killed to win."...& don't forget this,...HE MEANT IT!!!

[@JohnCee754]

One thing is very very clear -- we would not have won that 1972 series without the iron will, guts and determination of this man. Others (Henderson, Cournoyer, Peter M, Savard, Tony O, etc) made huge contributions, but Espo carried the team on his back. As a life-long Habs fan, I've always hated the Bruins -- but I've admired Phil Esposito ever since "the speech" that he did live on TV after Game Four in Vancouver. He's right -- it may not have been that big a deal to the team, really, but it did galvanize the fans and made us look at ourselves. Epic series! And a great interview.

[@andrelebaron]

+JohnCee754 Vancouver's always been a bitch town.

[@bobjones3074]

Never would have won the series without his brother Tony period. Screw everyone else without Tony they lose every game

[@Contraa]

Uh... you state it like a fact. :P

[@hanksnow2]

+johnCee754 - WRONG,...we would not have won the series without putting the Great Kharlamov out of the series. So, Bobby Clarke gets the most important player on Canada, & 2nd, John Ferguson who gave him the order.

[@michaelboisvert7821]

It would have been nice to see what would have happened if Valeri Kharlamov would not have been flagrantly injured by that most loathsome of hockey players, Bobby Clarke. Bobby Clarke is what is worst in sportsmanship.

[@philoats1738]

Espo is the best. he used to co-host a daily show on satellite radio which i could not get enough of. i've certainly never felt that way about any other sports broadcaster. the guy does not lie. when asked questions he answers them. with personality and honesty! that is so rare in the world of sports interviews. sports interviews these days is mostly reporters asking questions they already know the answers to. ah, the 1970s, the glory days for all of it; music, sports, movies, and personalities.

[@ejomamma6234]

Phil still is, and always was a character, you have to agree with that, and that's what makes him great, like Bobby and Brett Hull, they speak their mind, and people should listen, and if you don't agree, that's okay also, but they truly speak from the heart, and as long as that happens, you can't go wrong. A great interview with some great questions, and quite obviously, greater answers from Phil.

[@turkturkleton2671]

Ive been all over the world. What he said right from 5:58 on is COMPLETELY TRUE, people are people, the only difference is a bit of politics and the language. Wow what a great statement Espo!

[@Exotic3000]

Phil Esposito was always 100% honest! He was also a prophet. In the last 2 weeks we lost Tony Esposito and Rod Gilbert.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

I remember when I was 6 he came to our school, talked to our class and then he gave everyone an autograph. He seemed like a giant. He still is.

[@chrisdutton6719]

Phil in grade 7 I didn’t know much about politics but you and your teammates put on the best series I’ve ever watched in my life. Be proud, you were a leader of the best team Canada of all.

[@johnsambo9379]

Soviets proved to be better in the later series that the Canadians didn't cheat in.

[@chipgriffiths3655]

Maybe USA will have someone so eloquent and candid and great about hockey like Phil Esposito. He is so candid in today's PC world, he is refreshing.

[@zeppelinmexicano]

What a guy to have a beer with! Honesty counts.

[@TR-vr5pz]

This American cared deeply about the series - it was Team North America against Russia - pure and simple. Thanks for your efforts and candor Phil - youre the best!!!

[@jimmycoscia2539]

I could listen to Espo all day...no filter. Love it!!

[@percys9427]

What an honest Man!!!!

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

What a terrific leader Mr. Esposito is 🥰🍁🦫

[@chriskroell6956]

Made reservations for Phil when he was staying at the Hilton along with Rollie’s Fingers, funny funny guys, and very good tipper, total class.

[@GrikWorldNomad]

Esposito was incredible throughout the series

[@robertmcdiarmid6253]

Watch the last games - in 1972, Phil Esposito was the best hockey player in the world. Imagine getting into shape almost overnight to compete with and ultimately beat the Soviets.

[@darrendarren4246]

I love Phil. Shoots from the hip and the mouth. Just tells it as he sees it. I was only 7 years old and watched every game. My dad wouldn’t let me miss a game at any time of the day. Had lots of respect for Russian team. Since that day I have never doubted Canadian hockey is the best in the world.

[@Lava1964]

Espo was always a great interview. He spoke his mind.

[@dennis9707]

Its refreshing to listen to him speaking. And seeing him always brings back fond memories for me of his years as a Bruin here in Massachusetts. And yes Phil we're all getting older, it sure goes by fast looking back.

[@TheDiamondlou]

Tell it like it is Phil! You da man!

[@RoadTripzz14]

Phil is always interesting and candid. Epic hockey lifer.

[@fleurafricaine5740]

Surprising that the PR and the Team Canada preparation for the 1972 Summit Series were so poor. That game 1 in Montreal was a revelation to the Canadians of USSR capabilities illustrated the complete non-existence of scouting, communication, international perspective, and humility.

[@robbender4129]

A true hockey legend...on and off of the ice...just a cool guy who tells it like it is...Canada's a better place because of Phil

[@stevenvirgilio7295]

Esposito was determined and played his best hockey ever- Thank you Phil

[@dandyer2616]

Thanks for that Phil..an unbelievable memory

[@user-th9dw4bu7h]

Эспозито-- Браво!!!! Помню Всегда! Лучший Центр!

[@mr.invisable6919]

Class act. He and Bobby Orr made me a Bruins fan for life.

[@DARK24-7]

Mr.Esposito great player,and class a-1 gentleman!

[@marisalombardi385]

Phenomenal Phil ❤️

[@Lava1964]

Excellent post. Espo could always be counted on to speak his mind.

[@jessemossberg8108]

Fantastic interview & comments from a true stand-up guy. No sports trade ever shocked me more than 11/7/75: Espo to the Rangers and Park (Park!) to Boston. Jean Ratelle and Carol Vadnais were also involved, but it was Espo & Park that stunned.

[@darrellstewart4317]

Esposito is a classic.I love how honest he is.

[@georgeveg5148]

Always loved Espo. An all time favorite.

[@brucknerian9664]

Esposito and Henderson each seven goals ... stupendous effort, made the difference.

[@fleurafricaine5740]

Yakushev also played brilliantly with as many points as Phil. Probably explains why they bonded in the reunions.

[@kleigh6784]

I love him! Honesty so rare now!!!

[@burtmann3921]

Phil and Tony the 2 classiest brothers in hockey.

[@mariaedwards8494]

What a legend, but such a human being, could imagine him in a pub with a pint

[@williamcurtin5692]

My favorite bumper sticker ever: "Jesus Saves! And Esposito scores on the rebound!"

[@delcaplette7676]

God he played like a king in 1972....his whole life he was a king and a real man.

[@tdshaker]

PEspo was one of the greatest NHL forwards I ever saw, ( I am 70) even to this day. He never got the respect from NoAmerican fans that he deserved. The Russians respected him a lot. But ESPO, you do dot know about USA fans, please do not say that no one gave a hoot in the USA about (aboot) all that you did and proved in 1972. We were all glued to the crappy TV broadcast. WE loved you! You were playing for us too.

[@fentonhardy8176]

+tdshaker I agree. I live in Michigan, and I was glued to my set the entire Series, I had returned from Vietnam a year Before, and i had grown up playing hockey and man the Jubilation when Henderson scored was erupted in my house!

[@jocolope]

Crappy tv broadcast? That was first live international wireless satellite tv broadcast feed apple pie eaters. Its a little bit better in 2016.

[@williamlacombe5818]

Peter mahovelich.i was a 12 yr old kid in 72 from Boston and that Pete MAHOVELICH was so big and strong and good .I don't know how he wasn't one of the biggest stars of the times I can only think it was the Montreal system that held him from absolute greatness

[@nthdegree1269]

Some interesting comments here. Something that hit me for the first time. He said it wasn't team Canada but team 'NHL' Very true. Bobby Hull if anyone, should have been there representing Canada.

[@fleurafricaine5740]

True. But no Bobby Orr on the team was a real shame. The Russians had 2 or 3 guys also that should have played.

[@nthdegree1269]

@@fleurafricaine5740Agreed. It's too bad, it would have been something to see.

[@perryjohnehses3911]

What a great speaker and a great Bruin and that's comin from a Flyer Fan.

[@greenman7612]

Same here. I hated the Bruins being a Flyer fan but have ultimate respect for Phil and a lot of their players.

[@mariovaccarella6854]

How true, especially since Brother Tony Esposito is Gone.

[@jocolope]

Phil and his brothers in hockey gear are class acts...

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

I still remember how he slipped on a rose in Russia, got up, and took a bow, lol.

[@colkilgore100]

Phil was a rock, a giant, the fearless leader of the Canadians. He delivered on the ice where it counts most, and also in the dressing room and on the street. He is truly a national hero and should be treated as such. The Lion Of Moscow.

[@trevmac8362]

i love Phil,if he wasn't a hockey player he would fit right in with the Sopranos or some made guy from Goodfellas.And FUCK was he a hockey player

[@timdaly3724]

LOL!!! I've always loved Esposito too, and I've always thought the same as you.....he could have been a great mob boss on TV or in the movies.

[@warrior4christ777]

Still please let me apologize for all of Canada okay I was eight years old when that game was played and when you guys were I think I got in trouble for sitting by the bedroom door to here you guys play. while guys I was so happy you guys made me into the man I am today thank you

[@rfkyt]

Thank you Espo

[@darkoanton5]

Serge Savard went undefeated in that series. He was 4-0-1.

[@MsSmitty9]

Read his book. You want to hear honesty , just read his book. I met him a few years back and asked him if he really said what he said to the Rusky coach. He laughed and said Absolutely. I got his autograph in my Book and will cherish it till the day I die.

[@arfshesaid4325]

ok you got me , what did he say?

[@garysimard5674]

I love how Phil straightens the reporter out. They keep repeating a line and they think its true and then the person who was actually there and part of the team (big part) tells him no, you're not right. I bet that reporter will still say what he said despite Phil telling him the truth.

[@erikpeterson25]

I thought that series was awesome....very impressed with the Russian style of play...glad I was alive to witness it...did not miss a Bruins game back in late sixties and early seventies.....WSBK Channel 38....bought a small black and white TV with UHF Reception just to watch the games.. So there was this American that cared about the series...thought it was awesome to see ... Great to see Phil being frank about things....saw him being interviewed during the games many times back in the day....with sweat pouring down and a white towl... Plymouth Massachusetts then ...now in Bingham Maine working on a GOAL 🙂 CHEERS

[@timhick6]

What a huge heart !

[@davidyoung8875]

phil is such great canadian

[@elguano1648]

Phil's the best!

[@mrdave4714]

Love this guy!

[@dennis9707]

God bless you Phil.

[@THECLARENCES]

Phil for the win!!! xoxo The Clarences

[@zims2010]

The guy is at or close to 70 years old at the time of this interview. He STILL looks like he can grab ANY guy ANYWHERE at any age,..and beat the ever loving shit out of em !! If Phil Esposito was a CEO of a Fortune 500 company he would be the most respected and feared. If he was a General in the Army, he would be the most brilliant guy to ever cross the field. If he was your high school math teacher, your coach, your freakin mail man for cryin out loud, you would respect/fear the guy.

[@We_are_the_light]

I love Phil....

[@BBQFanNo1]

This is what the Toronto Maple Leafs were missing in the Early to Mid 1970s. A Team full of guys in their prime like Orr, Esposito, Cheevers, Parent, Clarke, MacLeish, Schultz, Sanderson, Leach, Barber, Etc.

[@allistontennis]

he is from the soo... and was the best team canada player in 72... period. Central park!! ssm.

[@thetruthhurts6652]

To bad the Soo never treated him right. I remember the racial slurs against him when he played.

[@garthfriedberg5666]

Great interview. I rember Espo he rarely missed the net and he scored on a lot of rebounds from Bobby Orr.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Love Phil 💘 ...tells the truth 🗣

[@Fultoncards]

Had we lost, the series would not have been remembered. Like all wars, it's Victor's War. We would have played them again with Howe, Orr, etc. And that is the series that would have been remembered. And Bobby Orr probably would have gotten the winning goal, and been more celebrated than he already is. All this said, Espo is the best interview ever.

[@MikeLike8]

Fultoncards , respectfully disagree. This would have been a crushing blow remembered forever. Game 8 the deciding game had all Canadian schools watching the game, nobody was on the streets, everyone watched game 8, people took TV sets to work. it was our way of life versus theirs as Frank Mahovlich was quoted as saying to his teammates. Years ago on a flight in Europe a gentleman next to me, who grew up in Russia asked me if I recollected the 72 Series. He admitted the crushing feelings Russian people had losing that series to Canada and how everyone tuned in to game 8. I was thrilled to meet the gentleman, he wanted to know how big was this in Canada....when I told him I watched like virtually every Canadian game 8, me in a gymnasium with 200+ other kids and how it meant the world to me and other Canadian’s, he felt confirmed this was the greatest hockey series in memory as I did. I would have never forgot if we lost, no way, this would never have happened like 72 game 8 ever again.

[@danieldydzak691]

A great canadian !

[@leongrinberg8758]

he reminds me poulie wolnuts from sopranos)

[@PopShoppekid]

Love ya Phil !!

[@arniewilliamson1767]

Well said Phil

[@johnscialfa7391]

Class

[@dougat]

The Leaf players were so great in this series! Great that Montreal beat Ottawa tonight ! That buys Leafs a point!

[@donaldgaudette4252]

GO PHIL..

[@johnnyfish4201]

Phil was an absolutely incredible inspiration and leader of that team. Still can't get the Stickman Clarke's slash on Kahlamov out of my mind. Just wasn't the right thing to do.

[@billyrock8305]

Why not donate the trip costs and proceeds to charity Espo? Such as poor kids who can’t afford hockey equipment. Hard not to love Espo. Guts and speaks his mind. A Canadian legend and hero.

[@danstlaurent8306]

A lot of us Americans cared.

[@JTDutch]

... If I recall correctly, Bobby Orr wasn't medically cleared to play in the '72 series, as he needed the down time to rest his knees. Otherwise, everything that Esposito is saying here is spot-on.

[@5inthehole]

Orr had surgery on his left knee shortly after the playoffs and was unable to play. To this day, I believed, he says it one of the biggest disappointments of his career that he couldn't play in the 1972 Canada Cup. In 76 the Dr. Told him to rest his knee (which by then was in bad shape) but he wasn't going to miss another Canada Cup. He played and it shortened his NHL career.

[@Contraa]

Other than the fact that he claims they would've won Games 2-8. That's highly questionable. Also, if you play the "coulda woulda" game, USSR would've had Firsov, Davydov, and, somewhat importantly, Tarasov.

[@arfshesaid4325]

@@Contraa That style would have played right into Bobbys wheelhouse, the Russians would have had to actually game plan for him every time he got on the ice. Not playing somewhat physical against Orr would have spelt disaster for the Russians. A real unfortunate deal for the greatest of all time, he would have been a real game changer like usual

[@olegdc40]

6:00 gold words Mr Esposito !

[@408Magenta]

Phil said it as it was.

[@MFIORE7511]

Phil, you' re a treasure,not only a Canadian one but a Universal treasure. Even when you kicked the Hell out of my Flyers with Bobby, I still couldn't hate you.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Would have been interesting to have Phil as PM 😃

[@jackjohnson2127]

lol this was awesome.

[@peterlusignan792]

ESPO!!!!!!

[@leonmaliniak]

Great to see that Phil is so well spoken and so intelligent and not just some dumb athlete...and what a great commentator and analyst. GOD bless him for his brilliant career and his 1972 performance both on and off the ice. One also has to admire his honesty in admitting that the only way they won that series was by intimidating the Russians...all the way up to Bobby Clark breaking Kharmalov's ankle who was easily the best player on both teams. The truth is that the NHL players were thoroughly outplayed and outclassed hockey-wise by the Russians...it was embarrassing to watch but this was not because they were better players but because the NHL players were not ready mentally and not pjysically in mid-season shape. These players just came back from the off-season break and in those days they did not stay in shape during the summer like they do now. I remember seeing Frank Mahovalich, one of the most powerful and smooth skaters in the NHL being unable to make a turn in the first games. The NHL players had been lulled into a false sense of security by their scouts and severely underestimated the Russians...especially Tretiak. Also, the NHL team consisted of players from many different teams that were together for only a short time prior to the series and did not have a big team background or experience of playing together. The Russians on the other hand were all Red Army guys who were passed off falsely as " amateurs" to be able to play in the Olympics but who were really full time PROS who played together and trained for at least one full year prior to this tournament and were in Olympic condition. Under these circumstances it was a miracle that the NHL won at all and it is a tribute to the great character and patriotism of the NHL players like ESPOSITO , who was the leader of the team, that they were able to get themselves together and elevate their physical abilities to mid-season form so quickly and with so much pressure on them.

[@1983prodigy]

You were all Idols Big D men vs Russian O. Frankly, You are the reason why I came to love hockey. Because of that make up of most nhl teams to this day got best Canadian D and Russian O. The sad truth is INTERNATIONAL HOCKEY should be more often.

[@warrior4christ777]

Phil what you are talking about is like what is happening in 2020 its political. We as humans are in so much trouble. Thank you guys that feeling I got when Paul scored stuck with me for life . I would probably be a junkie alcoholic right now if I didn't have faith in the human spirit. I love you man I believe in superman totaday because of you peace my brother Live forever and pass with dignity

[@dougmphilly]

this is how i always loved hockey - and i hated the bruins been then - but it was gritty with no pretensions.

[@Contraa]

Actually, Bruins had plenty of skill and showmanship. Orr made sure of that :)

[@whocares3591]

True grit