Maybe Russia caught the football virus, a few years ago Russian football clubs had a quite successful streak in Europe.
I don't think hockey has ever been the nr. 1 sport in Russia (that popular).
(not even Soviet Union times -> red machine) it is more of a, pride of their mother Russia,
well, at least that's my take on it.
Olympic winter sports, that is the most popular form of sport in Russia (my assumption)
The number 1 "thing" here in Finland as well. Same goes for Sweden too,
and most obvious one is Norway.
And goes down as a miracle win for the ages. Having to knockoff Sweden, Canada and Russia in back to back to back games.Then Germany wins gold.