It isn't what it used to be but Canada-Russia is still one of the best rivalries in hockey.
BUFFALO, N.Y. -- For sixty minutes, Canada versus Russia was back at the epicenter of international rivalries.
Over the years, this rivalry has diluted to the point where it has taken on a smaller role in the hockey hierarchy. Long gone are the days of Paul Henderson's infamous 1972 Super Series goal or the epic three-game showdown in the 1987 Canada Cup.
The emergence of the United States as a hockey power and its close proximity makes them Canada's most recent rival. Russia's recent poor showings in international play have also contributed to the diminishing rivalry.
But if the Canada-Russia rivalry is dying, one wouldn't know it from Sunday's world junior game.
Canada was stereotypically the big and rough team that tried bullying the Russians into saying uncle. The Russians countered with their quick and nimble dynamic offensive ability. The Canadians would throw the body and the Russians would answer back on the scoreboard, and not in the corner.
This game won't go down as an instant classic nor will its tales be recounted to future generations as bed-time stories. But the notion that this once-epic rivalry is dying couldn't be further from the truth.
Just ask the Russians.
"It's the biggest rivalry in hockey," Russian forward Semyon Valuiski said following his team's 6-3 loss to its ancient rival.
But while Valuiski was quick to anoint it as the premier rivalry in the international scene, he was less open to share his disappointment in the loss. When asked how upsetting it was to lose to Canada, Valuiski couldn't find the words.
After shrugging and looking around the room in search for an answer, the Russian translator stepped in. "I think that's enough," he said politely, ending the interview.
Surprisingly, Valuiski wasn't the only one who felt this is the premier rivalry. When informed of Valuiski's statement, Canadian forward Casey Cizikas agreed, citing Russia's win in November's Subway Super Series as a catalyst.
"Just from past experience, it's always a battle between us and them," he said. "I think it's arguably two of the top three hockey nations in the world.
"On the ice we're definitely enemies."
Russian head coach Valeri Bragin chose not to speak on the rivalry, but rather the test it presented his team to open against an elite team.
"If you're playing against Canada, those games show what kind of players you have on your roster," Bragin said.
What it did show, in spite of the final score, was that his team is not the same bridesmaid it has been of late. Without a superstar forward, as is often the case amongst Russian teams, the Russians appeared well-equipped to rebound from last year's embarrassing sixth-place finish.
Russia answered Canada's physical toll with its offensive finesse. Their goals were reminiscent of the type of style the Russians used to capture previous gold medals in this tournament.
A Canadian goal was often followed by a flurry of action and scoring chances from the Russians. Bragin commended his team for its ability to weather the storm in an unfriendly environment. The Russians weren't the same self-defeating, enigmatic group seen in recent tournaments.
It's hard to imagine this once-proud nation has fallen on hard times internationally, but that speed bump could be nearing an end. At which point, this rivalry could re-establish itself as the flagship international match-up.
The remnants of this once-great rivalry, however, are still felt among the Canadian players.
"We don't like them, that's for sure," Louis Leblanc said.
"They have a lot of history with our team," Ellis added. "Beating them was pretty good for us."
"Going out against Russia the first game was huge for us to come out with a victory," Marcus Foligno said.
Late in the game, the announcer at HSBC Arena reminded fans of the third game in the day's triple-header, featuring the Americans against the Finns. The large Canadian crowd booed as vigorously and passionately as it cheered for Canadian goals.
It was another reminder of how quickly the times have changed. Not completely satisfied by dusting its former rival, the fans turned their ire towards the current rival.
It's clear the Canada-U.S.A. rivalry may have taken over, but the previous headliner harnessed the ghosts of rivalries past on Sunday.
