Serge Savard elevates the 1976 Canada Cup roster above the famed 1972 Summit Series squad, calling it Canada’s best collection of talent. He notes the missing trio of Hull, Orr, Lafleur in 1972 and contrasts that with the depth of the 1976 lineup, which boasted 18 future Hall of Famers and a championship that showcased elite skill against Czechoslovakia, Sweden, the United States, Finland, and the Soviet Union.

Orr’s late-career MVP performance, Hull’s late-blooming integration after WHA ties, Lafleur’s peak years, and Sittler’s championship goal amid Cherry’s tactical reminders form the backbone of Savard’s case. Bowman’s steady coaching and Clarke’s leadership—alongside McDonald, Esposito, Robinson, and many others—helped set a standard for international competition, influencing how fans and fantasy players view rosters, talent depth, and the pipeline to future Olympics and world championships.