Vancouver 2010 hero Sidney Crosby scored Canada's second goal in the 3-0 win over Sweden in the Sochi final, giving his team gold for a second straight Winter Olympics.
Can ice hockey go global? —
Vancouver 2010 hero Sidney Crosby scored Canada's second goal in the 3-0 win over Sweden in the Sochi final, giving his team gold for a second straight Winter Olympics.
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European teams performed strongly in Russia, and Finland celebrated a well-deserved bronze after beating the United States 5-0 in the third and fourth place playoff.
Can ice hockey go global? —
European teams performed strongly in Russia, and Finland celebrated a well-deserved bronze after beating the United States 5-0 in the third and fourth place playoff.
JUNG YEON-JE/AFP/Getty Images
Both ice hockey tournaments in Sochi provided plenty of drama. Canada won the eight-nation women's event with a 3-2 overtime victory over the United States.
Can ice hockey go global? —
Both ice hockey tournaments in Sochi provided plenty of drama. Canada won the eight-nation women's event with a 3-2 overtime victory over the United States.
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Host Russia carried the hopes of a nation with a mix of NHL stars such as Alexander Ovechkin and products of a strong domestic league. But a quarterfinal defeat to Finland proved a bitter pill to swallow.
Can ice hockey go global? —
Host Russia carried the hopes of a nation with a mix of NHL stars such as Alexander Ovechkin and products of a strong domestic league. But a quarterfinal defeat to Finland proved a bitter pill to swallow.
Martin Rose/Getty Images
Russian national hero Ovechkin plies his trade in the NHL for the Washington Capitals and was selected to be among the first torchbearers for the Sochi Winter Olympics in honor of his achievements.
Can ice hockey go global? —
Russian national hero Ovechkin plies his trade in the NHL for the Washington Capitals and was selected to be among the first torchbearers for the Sochi Winter Olympics in honor of his achievements.
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Russia's group match against the U.S. was a huge draw and sold out. T.J. Oshie gave the U.S. victory in the shootout as the game drew comparisons with the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" clash in Lake Placid.
Can ice hockey go global? —
Russia's group match against the U.S. was a huge draw and sold out. T.J. Oshie gave the U.S. victory in the shootout as the game drew comparisons with the 1980 "Miracle on Ice" clash in Lake Placid.
Rachel Nichols/CNN
In 2010, a massive television audience tuned in to see Crosby score the crucial winning goal for Canada against the U.S. in the gold medal match in Vancouver.
Can ice hockey go global? —
In 2010, a massive television audience tuned in to see Crosby score the crucial winning goal for Canada against the U.S. in the gold medal match in Vancouver.
Harry How/Getty Images
January 1, 2014 proved to be a colder day than most for more than 100,000 shivering hockey fans as they defied the weather to cram into the Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House, to witness Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-2 win against Detroit Red Wings in the NHL's sixth Winter Classic.
Can ice hockey go global? —
January 1, 2014 proved to be a colder day than most for more than 100,000 shivering hockey fans as they defied the weather to cram into the Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House, to witness Toronto Maple Leafs' 3-2 win against Detroit Red Wings in the NHL's sixth Winter Classic.
Noah Graham-Pool/Getty Images
Players battled a brutal wind chill and snow to put on a show for the record crowd in Michigan.
Can ice hockey go global? —
Players battled a brutal wind chill and snow to put on a show for the record crowd in Michigan.
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
The attendance of 105,491 set a new record high for a hockey match, with 40,000 Maple Leafs fans making the journey across the Ontario border. The previous record of 104,173 was set in the same venue for a 2010 clash between Michigan and Michigan State.
Can ice hockey go global? —
The attendance of 105,491 set a new record high for a hockey match, with 40,000 Maple Leafs fans making the journey across the Ontario border. The previous record of 104,173 was set in the same venue for a 2010 clash between Michigan and Michigan State.
Jamie Sabau/Getty Images
Ice hockey at its best requires skill, speed and strength, with no holds barred.
Can ice hockey go global? —
Ice hockey at its best requires skill, speed and strength, with no holds barred.
Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
New York Islanders faced the New York Rangers as ice hockey hit the Yankee Stadium in the Big Apple for another "Stadium Series' clash as the NHL geared up ahead of the Winter Olympics.
Can ice hockey go global? —
New York Islanders faced the New York Rangers as ice hockey hit the Yankee Stadium in the Big Apple for another "Stadium Series' clash as the NHL geared up ahead of the Winter Olympics.
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There is hope that, in order to grow the game internationally, the World Cup of Hockey will be revived. The U.S. won 5-2 win over Canada in the inaugural 1996 staging, but the follow-up in 2004 was its last.
Can ice hockey go global? —
There is hope that, in order to grow the game internationally, the World Cup of Hockey will be revived. The U.S. won 5-2 win over Canada in the inaugural 1996 staging, but the follow-up in 2004 was its last.
Glenn Cratty/Getty Images