Wayne Gretzky/Mario Lemieux Highlights - 1987 Canada Cup

[@kranmaster]

More unbelievable than their individual talent, was the instant chemistry Gretzky & Lemieux shared. It's rare that 2 players of that caliber who both want the puck so much could have such synergy on the ice together. This was the pinnacle of the sport; the greatest games ever played.

[@JoeSmith-nz9jp]

Jagr 👍🏿

[@TheEwokExplorer]

amen to that! they were incredible together from the very beginning

[@kenmasters2025]

more unbelievable? nah. these are the 2 highest IQ players in the history of the game.

[@szahmad2416]

10:41 - you can literally see the synergy with this goal...and the synchronous follow-through as they wheel around simultaneously, arm high in celebration. Insane.

[@davidhynes]

Jagr was a greta player also .@@JoeSmith-nz9jp

[@danradu231]

When Doug Gilmour is your 4th line center you have a pretty good crew....

[@johntruxal432]

Awfully good guitar solo as well...

[@mp-lj3ug]

On that team Gilmour who lol

[@samuelluria4744]

@@johntruxal432 - David, or Doug?

[@sebastienduplessis7959]

You are so right. 🤟 Best team ever with team CC 76 and Sotchi 2014.

[@taekwondotime]

Probably the best hockey teams ever assembled.

[@shootytheturtle]

Have to give a lot of respect to the USSR team, they went toe to toe with probably the best Canadian team of all time and lost by a single goal scored late - pretty amazing IMO.

[@dennismckeown5863]

The russians said the best team they ever played was the Montreal Canadians at the summit series the game ended in a 3/3 tie but the Habs outshot them at least 60 shots to under 20 for the soviets,Tretziak was in nets if not for him the score might have been 20 to 3.

[@DoinThupidThings]

Don't be fucking silly Dennis. Team Canada kicked team Russia's asses in 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Where do you come up with this stuff?

[@romans323ful]

The Russian coach said years after the fact, that if the NHL players were to be allotted the time to get used to the (then much bigger) bigger ice surfaces almost all European teams, etc. played on then, and a team of all stars from NHL teams would have played together long enough to truly have developed chemistry, (he spoke at length mentioning a lot of other things too, about systems, playing in front of the same 2 goal-tenders, picking the spots when to go for big hits, etc.), he believed they would have beaten his Russian teams (if my mind is recalling it right) 8 of 10 series. He did say the Montreal Canadians were one of the best SKATING teams 'HE' ever saw....... I do not remember anything about "best team they ever played"??? There was a U.S. tour where the Russians played 10 or so NHL clubs in the 1970's, & the Flyers pounded them physically, so badly, at one point he took the Russian team off the ice, only returning when the Flyers owner told them they would not get paid if they did not finish the game. The Flyers were the only NHL club to beat them & Tretiak.

[@pinkeyedinkeye]

Come on Dennis. The habs team didn't compare to the 87 Canada cup Team. Gretz, Lemieux Coffey Messier. On and on. Legends.

[@mathewpanchyshyn9623]

Definitely but give this stacked Canadian team the chemistry that the Russians had and than it's not even close. The powerplay was unfair on a number of levels. Having the 5 best players in history period except one (orr) as your powerplay is like playing NHL 19 on amateur mode.

[@karilentz5000]

Looking back at this, Mario Lemieux is without doubt absolutely the greatest player ever. Aside from his reach and other worldly talent, the dude was ultra clutch. Anytime there was a big game with everything on the line, he dominated and scored the big goals. Nuff said.

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

Kari Lentz - except for the fact that Gretzky won the MVP and the tournament scoring title with his assists alone, and set up Mario with perfect passes on 9 of his 11 goals.

[@francoisregis2155]

In my book they were great players

[@crushit9576]

Not to mention 99 had a head start when he started in the NHL As he was never drafted and started with a team better than what 66 started with. Not that much better but still. It's a head start. If you put 2 identical cars on a track and one starts ahead.. the car that starts ahead will probably win.

[@martinswede77]

A Hall of Fame powerplay with Gretzky, Lemieux, Messier, Bourque and Coffey...

[@jasminetomca]

+Martin Schyllert was thinking the same thing - trying to think if there's ever been a better line on the ice together..

[@696969640]

+Martin Schyllert best line in hockey history

[@Windelhelm]

Lol yeah best PP in history

[@ezwelchman]

+Martin Schyllert I don't how anyone would literally ever kill a penalty

[@danieloceans9652]

Yeah, most over power line up ever.

[@deanrobert9953]

'87 was best hockey I've ever witnessed. Thanks for the post.

[@edfanatic71]

Agreed 10000 percents!

[@johnfarlio1830]

Legend has it that Crosby was conceived during this tournament...

[@chowace]

so glad I grew up watching this Era of hockey. This was the best hockey I've ever watched!!

[@billsandiego3385]

The 80s were the best

[@billsandiego3385]

@Thou Swell I prefer 70s music but the 80s had some great music too. Better than today! Better movies too

[@Dougie-ex1ov]

me too me too

[@handsomejustin]

@Thou Swell Michael Jackson, the Queen any one?

[@Cope59]

@Thou Swell 80s had some of the best music.

[@niteabove]

Wayne Gretzty, Mario Lemieux were by far the two best hockey players in the World of Hockey, Past, Present and Future...

[@Serenoj69]

If the world is restricted to Canada, probably yes. Otherwise most people who wartched hockey back then know there were more contenders.

[@zeroceiling]

@@Serenoj69..no..not even close!

[@ThouSwell-zx3fd]

@@Serenoj69 No contenders I know of, and I've been playing/following this game a long time

[@wurekane1]

I know you wanna be inclusive, but no, they were both built different, not even close

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

Orr, Lemieux, Gretzky. 1, 2, 3

[@gar7reever754]

You never realize how big Lemieux is until he picks up Gretzky like a little kid ❤️🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@PathtoYahawah]

Only 4 inches taller but he seemed a lot bulkier.

[@jessecerasus9621]

Hahah that was so funny!

[@eddyf4426]

@@PathtoYahawah Gretz 6'1, 185lbs, Lemieux 6'4, 235lbs!

[@marcbrisebois4301]

@@eddyf4426 5'11 and 175lbs with skates

[@EDDYEAGLE]

Little gretz ain’t 6’1. He’s top 6’0 in the morning. By puck drop at night hes 5’10

[@joelchristman181]

There is this incredible play by Gretzky at the 10:00 goal. Gretzky sticks his stick into the armpit of the Russian defensmen to allow him to get the pass. It is unimaginable that someone could think of that on the fly and it work. You might have to watch it 3-4 times or on slow-mo to see how great a play it is.

[@worer850]

We were blessed to see the two best players of all time play together.

[@waynewalton8798]

Mario Lemieux was the best in my eyes.

[@rosannarossi4472]

You need GLASSES.

[@TheMalf1978]

If he had been able to stay healthy, 99s records would have been touched.

[@Vladdy89]

The last goal wouldn't have happened if not for the dirty and cowardly hook at 13:53.

[@quiggs111]

its gretzky.. mario was always on the recieving end.. and he was great.

[@crushit9576]

@@TheMalf1978 Not to mention 99 had a head start when he started in the NHL As he was never drafted and started with a team better than what 66 started with. Not that much better but still. It's a head start. If you put 2 identical cars on a track and one starts ahead.. the car that starts ahead will probably win.

[@AwesomeEricD]

Gretzky to Lemieux ... He scores !!!!! Greatest hockey moments ever

[@chongqinger]

Yeah forget about the wide open Larry Murphy at the end 😂

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

Paul Henderson goal most iconic Canadian goal

[@ETRacing]

Is it just me, or can a guy watch this a thousand times over and over and be so flippin entertained!

[@diantredediantre1380]

The last play: Lemieux to Gretzky, to Lemieux, he shoots and he scores. The two best hockey player that I've ever seen in my childhood. That's it!!!

[@poopsebeb]

I’ll never forget watching that goal live on tv!!

[@Vladdy89]

The last goal wouldn't have happened if not for the dirty and cowardly hook at 13:53.

[@Vladdy89]

The last goal wouldn't have happened if not for the dirty and cowardly hook at 13:53.

[@trevortamboline279]

@@Vladdy89 "dirty and cowardly hook"... OMG... it was a BRILLIANT play. Hooking, interference, subtle infractions happen on every play, in every game. What Hawerchuk did on that play was of an extremely high hockey IQ. He knew that with Gretzky and Lemieux leading the charge down the ice, all eyes, INCLUDING THE REFS, would be on those two and the developing play. His hook was subtle, behind the play and something players did ALL the time. Rewatch the entire 3 game final series... these infractions occur everywhere and most are way more overt. Players ON BOTH SIDES constantly push the edge of the rules for any advantage they can get.

[@randypalmer2328]

Lemieux ahead to Gretzky has Murphy with em on a two-on-on in on goal he shoots he scores Mario Lemieux with 1:26 remaining All from memory. I hope I get a trivia question sometime asking at what time the final goal of the 87 Canada Cup was scored, because I have it ingrained.

[@bretlenhart8280]

The greatest line in all of hockey right there

[@loknloll]

Lemieux and Gretzky on the ice together. It was hockey porn.

[@jimanderson7648]

to bad Mike Bossy's back was bad i would like to have seen him on a line with those two

[@jimturner4937]

@@jimanderson7648 Bossy was a good player. Would love to have seen him here with Gretz.

[@MrSprigg]

@@jimanderson7648 Dear God...Gretzky would have had thirty assists in the tournament.

[@paulshaw372]

With Bourque and Coffey at the point on the power play. Absolutely had to be the best collection of talent on the ice together ever

[@STNeish]

Ya, doesn't seem fair somehow...

[@РаульДюк-р4я]

Как классно они играли! Очень высокий хоккейный интеллект у этих хоккеистов, именно поэтому они навсегда войдут в историю этого спорта. Как хорошо они комбинируют - понимают друг друга с полувзгляда, а ведь они мало тренировались вместе, это все импровизация. Настоящие мастера, Супер Звезды!

[@christophermanning6146]

I have no idea what this guy is saying but I agree with it.

[@derekhammett8634]

@@christophermanning6146 i think he is complaining about the hook by Hawerchuk that opened up the 2 on 1 for Lemieux

[@steelcom5976]

The Russian team was superb. Such great players with Vladimir Krutov, Igor Larionov and Sergei Makarov and the defensive pairing of Fetisov and Kasatonov. Amazing players, superb talent, on top of the world in hockey.

[@prun8893]

He's being complimentary.

[@andreassvensson1038]

@@derekhammett8634 I'm not surprised that you can't even use google translate. Typical americans. I'.m amazed that you are able to walk and chew a bubble gum at the same time. Stupid f*ck. @user-if1yw2dn4c gave your team so much admiration. He complimented and praised the legendary line up. And you gave him shit just because you can't read well or even use the internet? I wonder who's the dumb ass....

[@encompasser]

The 1987 Canada Cup had to be the best tournament in the history of hockey. The way hockey was played back then was more entertaining than the over-coached style of today and allowed for more offense and creativity. Gretzky in his prime and Lemeiux approaching his prime, can't top that!

[@francoisregis2155]

Indeed hockey was fun back then

[@patgamble3217]

Good old days .and good memories. Thank you guys .

[@stevekyhos8358]

So great to hear Dan Kelly on play by play! RIP. You defined the voice of the NHL to me as a kid.

[@1Raxxed]

I’ve been watching and playing hockey all my life I’ve never seen anything like this my god what a series !!

[@kramertube6164]

Back to borque, over to Coffey, to Messier, Gretzky, to Lemieux - scores! Bruh you are not stopping that line

[@janbob3386]

I’ve seen this legendary tournament in highlights many times but this footage stands out for being high quality. Thanks for sharing the most incredible tournament highlights in the history of ice hockey.

[@kelticach4999]

They were really very strong. When you see those passes and goals from Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, it looks so simple.

[@hurtlocker6611]

i lived 10 mins from copps collesium back then but had to watch this on TV what a Canada Cup Team this was, the Dynamic duo of Gretzky & Lemieux was awsome to watch.

[@jackpot9022]

Gretzky was the least selfish player ever... a true team player.... even though he scored the most goals in NHL history he always made perfect passes to his team mates to score as well. Just look at how many times he set up Mario Lemieux in this video... it was not about his own personal glory of scoring as it was always about his team winning as a team. He made everyone better who played with him. Gretzky truly was "The Great One".

[@Badvibesdude]

Jack Pot Gretzky has stated publicly that Mario deferred to him too much early on and he confronted him. Gretzky told Lemieux he was going to be the shooter because he had a better shot. Gretzky wanted to win more than anything.

[@ORagnar]

That set up Gretzky gave Lemieux at 3:30 of this video was brilliant.

[@JAYJason6666]

Gretz wasnt really a goal scorer. He couldn't pick corners llike Mario. He was a passer first. Sure he scored oodles on those Oiler dynasties, but most were tic tac toes and empty netters. He scored 54 his first year out of Edmonton, but would never again come close to 50 his last nine years in the NHL. Yet he would amass multiple 100+ assists seasons during that span

[@JAYJason6666]

@Thou Swell . He never came close to 50 again in a season the last 10 years of his career. Once he left Edmonton he became basically a pass first kind of superstar.. Dont forget every player was a goal scorer in the early 80s era. :)

[@JAYJason6666]

@Thou Swell Lemieux got his 50th in his 44th game (although playing with much inferior linemates). Whats really insane is Gretzky's 163 assists he had that one year. I cant see that ever being broken. Sure that was the era when 8-6, 7-5 games were the norm but still....

[@markvanlaren6467]

Oh how I miss these days as a young hockey fan. It was so exciting.

[@plozikou]

Jamais l'on ne verra réuni tant de joueurs exceptionnels sur la même équipe. C'est tout simplement incroyable. Merci pour tous ces beaux moments !

[@ethel1690cardew]

Any line with Gretz Mario Mess with Bourque & Coffey playing point is just unstoppable in any era. They would clean the clocks of most all star teams today.

[@gregpek1624]

Without question the greatest series of all time featuring the two greatest teams of all time.

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

72 summit series

[@tort2]

I remember watching this back in 1987. Best hockey series ever. Better than the '72 Canada v. USSR (damn, I'm old!) even. The three games ended with the same, 6-5 scores and they were all nail biters. This is what hockey was all about. Unfortunately, after the 1990 break up of the USSR, the top Soviet players that came over to the NHL became 'soft' and the Russian teams never dominated like they did in the 60s to 80s (if the players didn't put out or had a bad shift or game, they and their families were evicted from their state subsidized apartments; hard to believe that's how life was in the old Soviet Union). With collective bargaining and unions, the days of training 300 days a year, 12 hours a day were a thing of the past. Gretzky and Lemieux were the greatest players in the world at the time, but collectively, the Soviets were the better team. Most Canada Cup matches were won by the Soviets. When you train as much as they did, with the same units, day after day, you become a machine. Too bad we don't see such beautiful hockey today.

[@kentmartin9289]

Good comment, but one correction, most Canada Cup matches were not won by the Soviets. Canada won 4 out of 5 Canada Cups, and in matches between Canada and Soviet Union it was 5 wins for Canada, 3 for Soviets, and 1 tie. You might be remembering how the Soviet teams won most exhibition games against NHL teams (if I remember correctly).

[@brucewayne3602]

key issue, the Soviets played together, Canada did not - hence the "machine" ... a fantasy thought, a young Bobby Orr with this team - add a further fantasy, Bobby with normal knees !!! - to consider what he could have been is absolutely frightening !!!

[@codekhalil6437]

Freeze it @11:53. All you see is Mario's huge smile and a sea of red Canada jerseys surrounding him. That sums up the series for him.He was a star before...But this series brought him into super stardom

[@davidnabess8494]

All you can say is wow. These 2 were the best combination ever. Passer shooter. When you need a goal, they delivered. There's a few times in your life when you can recall a moment like it just happened. You remember who you were with and where you were. Gretzky to Mario goal is one of those for me.

[@TJJulkowski]

Tell me a 5 at any time that could matchup with Gretzky, Messier, Lemeuix, Borque, and Coffey. Simply unbelievable.

[@Jesse-cy7ws]

What a ton of work to put this together! Thank you for this effort.

[@spsawyer22]

"I don't understand why he made that play" Because it's Gretzky passing to Lemieux. That's all you need to know.

[@SteroidsMakeMeStrong]

***** Gretzky always said that he knew Mario had a way better shot than him, so he instinctively passed to him. Even on the famous goal in the final game, he had 2 options to pass but he went with Mario.

[@heatedfrost6284]

Apparently Gretzy specifically instructed Super Mario that he was to be the trigger man throughout this whole series. Mario had the better shot, and Gretzky could make any play. Also, all eyes would be on Gretzky because Gretzky, so they would be surprised when he passes to Mario. I'm offended that anyone could find that to be the wrong play, just because there's an opposing player "checking" Mario. He was behind Mario, and even if he had position (didn't,) how the fuck would he maneuver that mountain of a man away from the shot?

[@dennismckeown5863]

Super Mario.

[@timyumichuck9262]

You buy some. Lemieux is a god. Two players aren't enough.

[@jaymorris9952]

@joyfulvulture with Lemieux, that's irrelevant. Lemieux could score somehow no matter how many guys were covering him

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Best Canadian team ever ...two greatest Canadian hockey players ...together 👨👦 ...amazing!

[@leafyutube]

1987 Team Canada had the best forwards. But 1976 Team Canada had the best defense (Orr, Potvin, Savard, Robinson, LaPointe, Jim Watson in 76 versus Bourque, Coffey, Murphy, Crossman, Hartsburg, Rochefort in 87).

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

@@leafyutube yes ...I agree Leafy ...hah, hah ...maybe '76 team, beats '87 ...wouldn't that be great to see ...advertisers dream

[@joshs4594]

If Gretzky and Lemieux were on the same NHL team they'd win the Stanley Cup every year. As the announcer said at 10:59 "What're you gonna do?" 🏒🏒

[@larryw8460]

"Watch it go by. What else are you gonna do?"

[@niallbirtwell4318]

Bourque to Coffey to Messier to Gretzky to Lemieux...SCORES! Just an insane team.

[@politicalbandwagon4989]

Just the entire hall of fame on the ice.

[@Ashnola]

Best passer of all time with the best goal scorer of all time.

[@peterbaker8443]

How can anyone not be impressed with that lineup! Unbelievable

[@Windelhelm]

10:40 Wayne and Mario coming down 2 on 1... Good luck lol

[@peterkocan6693]

+Patrick McGill :D

[@Terr0909]

+Patrick McGill Lemieux looked offside lol

[@cityofchamps66]

+Waste In Ruins freeze it at 10:41, Lemieux's right skate is on the blue line and Gretzky has already entered the zone, nice try

[@cityofchamps66]

Waste In Ruins Might want to purchase some eyeglasses because you're blind

[@Terr0909]

Okay! i stand corrected hah, just had looked like he lifted his right foot but i slowed it down and he didnt

[@robgiavanno6200]

What a pure pleasure it must of been for the Canadian coach, so much talent on the ice to draw from.

[@dl3988]

Two moments of subtle hockey genius from the Great One: 4:38 - A perfect example of Gretzky's unmatched anticipation and hockey sense. He was already there, waiting, when the puck comes free. He is literally is 2-3 steps ahead of everyone else. 10:18 - When Gretzky realized Lemieux's pass would be behind him, he taps the russian defender's right elbow to distract him and cuts the other way to get the puck.

[@Me-uv6kc]

the one from 10:18 isn't a pass from lemieux, just wanted to point it out, gretzky was actually pointing at he guy wide open in the slot (before the subtle stick lift)

[@robertbonsai7176]

I remember it like yesterday, the best hockey I’ve ever seen, and nothing as close since. Just so many super stars at once.

[@jackpethybridge160]

Rest In Peace Dale Hawerchuk, HOF.

[@surfboy3216]

Gods of Hockey. The golden years in my opinion.

[@26louiso]

Gretzky-Lemieux: le meilleur duo de tout les temps!!!

[@robgrune3284]

LeMieux and Gretsky together were fabulous. True magic on ice. Will we ever see the likes again?

[@nhlblak58tv58]

98 viewers who thumbed this video down, don’t know Hockey greatness when they see it🤨

[@iaintright9923]

98 Russians lol

[@thiccboi9607]

1:40 Mario picks up Gretzky like he weighs nothing 😂

[@enwhy7810]

Plus 99 doesn’t look amused 🤣

[@mpuchar5003]

@@enwhy7810 he looked annoyed lol

[@kranmaster]

He did weigh nothing, maybe 165 lbs.? haha

[@RM-gn2nj]

I know it was awesome.

[@johnnyskinwalker4095]

@@kranmaster he weight 165 pounds at....6 foot! that's crazy thin

[@AllHallowsGhost]

still my favorite team and series ever. thanks for the highlights upload.

[@JJJ-xl8io]

Wish I was born in the 60s or earlier to appreciate this. The passion the fans had back then was great.

[@stevechabot1269]

Lemieux , Gretzky & Messier . The most powerfull lineup in powerplay all of time in the history of Hockey

[@Deguilbret17]

I've been watching hockey for over 50 years now and i can honestly say that i have never see a better Canada team than the 1987 Canada Cup edition. The line up was simply out of this world.

[@Nobody-sb6tr]

I could watch this all day!

[@BiffJackson-o4i]

I never watched this series. '72 series was so unique and historical, it could never be repeated.

[@trevortamboline279]

True... but this series was unique in that it featured arguably the greatest 2 offensive players the game has ever seen, playing together, in their prime... and they didn't disappoint. That Soviet team would have demolished any other team in history, but the Gretzky/Lemieux combination was the difference. The final was a best of 3 series and all 3 games ended in 6-5 scores: Soviets winning game one 6-5 in overtime, Canada bouncing back and winning game two 6-5 in double overtime and the final game three a 6-5 series clinching win for Canada with Lemieux's winner (assisted again by Gretzky) late in the third period. Every time one team went ahead, the other answered back. Each game full of excitement and drama.

[@toumistra]

Wayne was the best eyes and playmaker in the game. Lemiuex was the greatest TALENT EVER!!!!!

[@Steelburgh]

I don't even try to argue one way or the other anymore. They were both so far above anyone else who's ever played the game, I don't think there's a right answer. EDIT: Well, maybe Bobby Orr deserves to be in that conversation too.

[@09shelby15]

Olicious66 Bobby orr is the greatest talent the game of hockey has ever seen he's also the greatest player the games ever seen. Mario was a pussy

[@The_Bad_Guy.]

MegaMma4life Bobby orr was a cunt. He isn't even worthy of tying Lemieuxs skates when Lemieux was winning scoring titles while he could barely walk.

[@dennismckeown5863]

Megamma ,Why don't you stick to knitting because hockey is not you're strong point.

[@brainynbrawny9562]

Remember it like it was YESTERDAY! I'm sitting here watching with a big smile on my face! Thank you for posting!

[@MyAlexWest]

did you smile during 1 st game

[@brainynbrawny9562]

@@MyAlexWest - remind me again - who won?

[@MyAlexWest]

Brainy 'N' Brawny4 hours agoHighlighted reply@alex west - remind me again - who won? ------- remind me who had home advantage , home officiating and size of rink ?

[@canuck_gamer3359]

It is a terrible shame that Dan Kelly passed away just about 2 years after this event. He easily should be considered among the greatest play by play hockey men of all time. And in my view, this is the pinnacle of his career. His voice was what made this tournament so memorable and now a forever classic.

[@todd4317]

Certainly beats Foster Hewitt in '72, doesn't it?

[@funforalgernon]

Very well said

[@Ryan-gw1ob]

When l got to watch my favorite player Rick Tocchet play in this tournament and do pretty well it made my decade!!

[@princeofpcos9804]

Tocch was an unsung hero on this team. Did all the little things.

[@Valarmorgolis]

I wish Hockey Canada and the NHL would restore a lot of the classic games into HD. Just beautiful to watch.

[@snortieshag2248]

Holy smokes I was 9 years old watching this it brought back a lot of memories thank you for sharing

[@Mark-zs7sz]

Mario was pure power. Gretzky was patient, intelligent and saw everything.

[@todd4317]

Lemieux great hands and finesse with that size.

[@collinmilward722]

Condor McDavid reminds me of Mario just smaller

[@emma28865]

wow,ca fait du bien de voir ca.Le plus grand duo de tout les temps,incroyable,estrodinaryy!!!!!

[@lp3768]

7:20 quelle passe 👌 la merveille et le magnifique c'était juste malade 🍿

[@toddpurvis9621]

Never been two players in their primes who played together that were better than these two in '87. Lemieux greatest goal scorer ever. Period.

[@patrice5976]

Lemieux was 21, not in his prime, yet he outscored Gretzky at 26 that year. Lemieux is the greatest hockey player to date and the “manufactured one” Gretzky is about #5,

[@davidmccaig7178]

I knew at the time and I say it again now. That was the greatest hockey I have ever seen. Nothing else comes close.

[@toddpurvis9621]

Agreed.

[@slartibartfast99]

02:03 - what a powerplay unit - Gretzky, Lemieux, Messier, Coffey and Borque

[@reddiwhipp2619]

how great would it have been for these 2 to play together for a whole season on the same team

[@BigAdude75]

It would have been crazy. Lemieux would have scored over 100 goals easy and who knows how many assists Gretzky would have had.

[@Supermann98]

In their primes during this era Gretzky would set up Lemieux for 100 goals and probably one of them would win the scoring title in the 225-230 point range, whoever got hot

[@lukekellerman3830]

Lemieux would score the most goals in a season for all time, specially with Gretzky setting a few up, Lemieux would be unstoppable. But Gretzky would still out point him with assists and some goals.

[@fuggetaboutit123]

Thanks for the post ! The greatest series ever played ! Lemieux the G.O.A.T !

[@bigjohnstud4531]

That Gretzky to Messier to Bourque goal might be the most beautiful set up goal of all time, that was the greatest team ever assembled

[@toddpurvis9621]

As good as Canada was in the 1976 Canada Cup, this 87 team was the best ever. Gretzky AND Lemieux. Nuf ced.

[@jayanxiety]

Magnificent Mario and Great Wayne Gretzky together on Canada's Dream Team. One of only a handful of times #66 & #99 would play together. People talk about the '72 series as the 'defining moment' in hockey, yet my generation looks to Canada Cup '87 as our moment!

[@stevemmmm1341]

some of the best hockey ever played 1987 99 66 awesome legends

[@slauzon01]

Combined career totals for the big five pp unit, Lemieux, Gretz, Mess, Coffee, and Bourque is insane. That's 616 goals 1,338 assist and 1,955 points per player and we can thank #99 for the lions share of the totals. Greatest team Canada line combination in NHL history.

[@YannFilion]

Gretzky to Lemieux to Coffey to Bourque to Messier And they end up scoring?

[@letigidou2052]

They got lucky. The opponent got lucky it wasn't two goals.

[@mathieulabelle-roy9242]

The better team of all time the best man

[@radzachreview]

Lemieux was the best at waiting for you to make a mistake....in my opinion he was the most patient "big man" in sports history...

[@patrice5976]

Best player in history. Certainly the most dominant

[@mp-lj3ug]

Gretzky all around player, can score, pass, set up plays, just unbelievable 👏

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

cant hit, block shots and fight like Orr could , best all around player

[@nose123456ful]

Besides super series 1972 , this is the best game I have ever watched in my life , three gams ended in same scores with minimal difference . Those two great powers in the world

[@captainpipsqueak]

Gretzky was such a gentleman in the game. His assists are as important as his goals. Respect. Can you imagine how terrifying it was as a goalie with these amazing athletes barreling down the ice at you?

[@HardRockMiner]

Claude Lemieux was 1 of the best clutch, high pressure scorers to ever play the game.

[@Fucyvr]

Best hockey of all-time. Back then you either loved Lemieux or you loved Gretzky, but during this, the greatest tournament of all-time, you loved them both. I knew at 16 years old that I was witnessing the 2 most dominant players who will probably ever play. 33 years later I can still remember "the goal" like it was yesterday, stood for the whole third period.

[@yolazerbeam3205]

I'm not going to get into the whole who was actually a better all around hockey player but Wayne Gretzky was never ever intimidated by any player or goalie in the world except for one......Mario Lemieux and that was so evident everytime they would play against each other. God bless them both and thank you both for your incredible service to all Canadians.

[@todd4317]

Jean Beliveau said it best - Lemieux was the only player in Gretzky's class. Think about that.

[@larryw8460]

Best Hockey I've ever seen in my 63 yrs Gretzky & Lemuix were born to play together. Can you imagine what they could've done together if they played on the dame line in the NHL? My Lord... it would have been down right scary...

[@michaelgriffiths8068]

Imagine if LA bought Lemieux & Coffey from the Penguins to play with Gretzky in LA in 1988? 270 points for Gretzky (70 goals and 200 assists) and 230 for Lemieux (110 goals and 120 assists).

[@hvdind]

One of the funniest things ive ever heard is Murphy talking about this goal. He said, Im heading down on a 3 on 1... Ive got the greatest goal scorer of all time with the puck.. the second greatest goal scorer trailing.... and then there is me and all i could think was for the love of god do not pass me the puck! And if you watch closely you can even see i fall down at the end! hahahah amazing

[@davidrobins4025]

What a joy to watch these two GREAT players and the magic they make with their sticks and puck.

[@Laststepp]

I never realized how big Mario Lemieux was until I watched him pick up Wayne Gretzky as if he was a toddler

[@scooter5301]

I have been in Edmonton for the last 46 yrs. I went to Edmonton vs Nordiques game once. Gretz came full throttle to the blue line, dropped the puck back between his skates and went the same speed laterilly with the puck between his skates and danced around this defencemen. That night i wish i was at home so i could see the slow motion highlight. Ps i could be wrong but i think Gretz got 6 pts that game. Lol. Pss when the puck was on the ice at Northlands Coliseum back in the day, a lot of people didn't watch the puck, they were watching Gretz, lol. Take care all.

[@Keplerb-od1lr]

What a team. Mike Gartner has got to be the greatest player that everyone forgets about.

[@erickouniakis5722]

Tremendous hockey player. Never got the Recognition he deserved.

[@kranmaster]

The most quiet 700+ goals in NHL history. Marcel Dionne is another guy who is not mentioned nearly enough as well.

[@Beast777Mode]

i remember he was very fast

[@randyfromthepeg4994]

Marcel Dionne

[@dmc4064]

I don't think there was ever a team put together that had more talent and chemistry than this one. It was truly an unbelievable series. I get goosebumps remembering it back in the day.

[@tombruchal2307]

The clip at around 2:10 was priceless!!!! Mario was shaking his head.....like how did you see me gretz!!

[@rosannarossi4472]

tom bruchal ...like Gordie Howe said if you part Gretzky's hair you will see a third eye.

[@ORagnar]

The setup starting at 3:30 was ridiculous, too.

[@bradcharlton9362]

Absolutely amazing plays in this video. I never noticed it in the 30 years prior to that, but that was one HELL of a hook by Hawerchuk too. :)

[@r.edward5701]

12 year old me became an instant Mario fan for life. Man what memories

[@TommyC503]

Rob Mario was the greatest

[@r.edward5701]

@@TommyC503 agreed.

[@angusandleigh]

...one facet I always loved about Gretzky's game....at 2:18 he probably could've popped it and scored top shelf, but he took it for a little skate (I mean it is Gretzky, and if that's what he wants to do...he's going to)...slips it out front to Lemieux for the hat-trick...selfless player... ...apart from that particular play...if he didn't see a sure goal opportunity, he would pass it off when one would exist...a lot of passes that you're pretty sure he could score, but he would pass it to a player who was a sure bet to score...

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

Lemieux ...soft, gentle hands, for big man ...pure goal scorer ...seems so relaxed when he scores ...like it's a, "Walk in the park"

[@szahmad2416]

Gretzky later recounted this: "I said, 'I want you to be the shooter. You've got a heavier shot and a better release. I'm not used to being the shooter,'" says Gretzky. At the time, Gretzky was even more pointed in his directive to Lemieux. "I want him shooting because he's got those awesome wrists," Gretzky said. "He could snap a puck through a refrigerator door."

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

@@szahmad2416 yes ...good ...this makes Gretzky good coaching candidate, lead scout, G.M. stuff ...(in this area ...he has excellent vision ...knows who can do what, where to position them in line-up ...I have similar personality qualities ...I could see, at 18 years old ...a 11 year-old (atom) kid - I was coach in house league from 18, to 20 years old - whose previous coach had him playing defense ...I could see he was a winger, who could put puck in top corner of net ...he went on to score a lot of goals that year ...very happy father, happy kid ...I nicknamed him: Boom, boom, Baruma (his last name) remember, I was only 18 (I wasn't aware of Montreal great Boom, Boom Geofrian ...although may have been in subconscious ...I watched a lot of HNIC, as youth

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

@@szahmad2416 Gretzky unselfish ...you can help a lot of folks this way ...humble, unselfish like Bobby Orr #4 #CanadianWayehh

[@szahmad2416]

@@MapleSyrupPoet unfortunately Gretzky didn’t make a great coach. He simply couldn’t teach from behind a bench the way he could on the ice by example. He was no Mike Keenan or Scotty Bowman. His craft will not pass on.

[@MapleSyrupPoet]

@@szahmad2416 okay ...if I were NHL team president ...I'd give Wayne an important job, if he wanted it 🏒

[@dl3988]

I was a 14 year-old hockey-crazed kid watching this series, and remember it like it was yesterday. Just transcendent hockey! The KLM line, #99, #66, Fetisov, Coffey...the highlights from these 3 games alone could go on forever.

[@todd4317]

This Soviet team was very, very good. They were an overtime goal away from beating maybe the greatest Canadian team of all time.

[@skywalker01974]

ive seen that last goal a thousand time and i still cheer like its happening live . i believe this might be the best team ever assembled.

[@Mark-zs7sz]

The defense had no clue. He had the great one with the Puck. Committed himself , fell down and once the pass left for Mario. We knew. Unstoppable.

[@lincolnmaceachern2410]

I'll always take the '72 team. The '87 team didn't face nearly the pressure the '72 team did; Bobby Orr injured, Bobby Hull barred, fans in Vancouver booing , poor scouting, rotten officiating, the necessity of winning the last 3 games in Moscow.

[@patrice5976]

That Russian team was actually as good and should have one the tournament if it wasn’t of the referees

[@skywalker01974]

@@patrice5976 yeah right it was all the refs fault! The mating call of the sore loser.

[@patrice5976]

@@skywalker01974 it’s been a while 1987, I remember being so happy when the GOAT SCORED, reading all the newspapers and all, two or three times. Great times. It was 35 years ago. Who the fuck care today.? Can’t look at it objectively I have an impression? Never heard of home field advantage? You think it’s a myth? The obvious biased you have is the same the referees had. The context of the Cold War made took these games to a level of emotion that hard to explain today. Almost a life and death situation. So those referees, despite convincing themselves of the contrary WERE very BIASED, which is a common in humans, .. and most Canadians when it comes to hockey. It’s their go to cultural identity. The only one they believe belongs to them, so the “so nice” Canadians are extraordinarily insecure about it. Look image toddlers throwing up as tantrum. I wonder where Canadians got their moniker of the “nice Canadians” it’s Probably self appointed, because I can’t see how it was earned. Living in their midst I find them more jingoistic and passive agressive than “ nice”With all due respect, You’re the perfect example of that “Nice Canadian “ who’s showing his real colour behind the computer. That game is in the books, so why Saying “they should have won”triggers you? Or Stating that someone looked better ( the Soviets played years together..They had great cohesion, even though I’m from here therefore now, being less invested emotionally They looked like the better team to me today. As i said above, Canadians are so needy of an identity that the another self appointed “We’re the untouchable best at Hockey” and have this narcissistic thirst of being flattered about their greatness at Hockey, and you better not be questioning that . Its gospel.

[@TommyTheCat83]

gretzky, lemieux, messier, bourque and coffee all on the same line... the raw talent. not just individually, but the ability to work as a perfect unit. perfection.

[@mathstutors8816]

Probably the best one-two punch in any sports history