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Ex-Red Wings Voice Recalls Sergei Fedorov’s Historic 5-Goal Night
Former Detroit Red Wings announcer Mike Goldberg recently reflected on Sergei Fedorov‘s historic five-goal performance against the Washington Capitals. The game has since been remembered as one of the greatest single-game performances in Red Wings history.
It took place on Dec. 26, 1996, a date that is not favorable on the NHL season calendar. Not only did it fall during the holidays, but it was an afternoon game.
“The five-goal game was unbelievable,” Goldberg said during an appearance on The Game Plan. “Nobody wants to go to the rink on the 26th for a 1 PM game, and we’re playing the Capitals.”
While the game was expected to be forgettable, Goldberg considers it one of his most memorable he called as the Red Wings announcer. He detailed Fedorov’s goal-scoring contributions that night, with his 5th goal being a dramatic overtime winner.
“Sergei with the first goal. Second. Hat trick. Then the games continues and continues, and Sergei Fedorov wins it in overtime with his 5th goal of the night!” Goldberg said. “That is as famous of a call for the Red Wings as when I got to call the [Darren] McCarty revenge game against Claude Lemieux.”
He added:
“To watch that brilliance of [Fedorov], one of the most special moments that I’ve ever witnessed in hockey, let alone had the the privilege to call. And so, that day turned out as a pretty good Boxing Day.”
Ex-Red Wings Announcer Mike Goldberg Praises ‘Russian Five’ for Sergei Fedorov’s Performance
Mike Goldberg also heaped praise on the Red Wings’ famous ‘Russian Five,’ which included Sergei Fedorov, for their contributions. Their chemistry was on full display through their skating and quick passes, making it difficult for opponents to match.
Fedorov linked up with his Russian teammates and took over the game. Their offensive awareness was excellent. As a result, they found Fedorov in open space and set him up for goals.
Goldberg said he was amazed by their on-ice chemistry.
“Just the puck movement on some of those goals, especially with [Vladimir Kostantinov]. Vladdy would see Sergei back door on two, three of the goals,” Goldberg told The Game Plan. “If you really look at those goals, Sergei finished them, but they were some of the most beautiful plays that you’ll ever see in hockey, and it truly was the ‘Russian Five’ being the greatest ‘Russian Five’ we had seen.”
He added:
“They changed the game.”
Goldberg Shares Hilarious Story of Scotty Bowman Coaching Fedorov and ‘Russian Five’
Goldberg also shared a hilarious story about former Red Wings coach Scotty Bowman dealing with Fedorov and the ‘Russian Five.’
The former Red Wings announcer recalled a post-game press conference in which Bowman shared how he coached them. Bowman had a reputation for being highly detail-oriented and controlling. However, he made an exception for Fedorov and the ‘Russian Five’ because of their exceptional play.
“Scotty [Bowman], the biggest control freak in the history of life, and that is probably putting it mildly,” Goldberg told The Game Plan. “[They asked how he coaches them] and Scotty Bowman said, ‘I don’t. They know what they’re doing. I can’t understand it, so I’m not going to get in their way.’”
He added:
“For Scotty to say that, it was pretty special, and they were very special to watch play together,” Goldberg said. Some of the most beautiful hockey that I’d ever seen.”
Giancarlo Aulino Giancarlo Aulino is sports writer who covers UFC for Heavy.com. He began writing for Heavy in 2025 after providing MMA coverage for Sportskeeda. Giancarlo is an experienced journalist and interviewer, having covered soccer clubs Toronto FC and Inter Toronto FC as a full-season reporter, and also producing sports coverage for Toronto radio station VIBE 105.5FM.
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