Pucked Up! The 10 Nastiest Hits of the Stanley Cup Playoffs...So Far (Video)

Image via Complex Original

VICTIM: Tim Connolly, Buffalo Sabres
DATE: 4/24/2011

In a race for the loose puck, Philadelphia's Mike Richards pushed Tim Connolly into the boards causing Connolly's head to catch the brunt of the impact. Oh, dude has a history of head injuries in the past..."here's another one" (c) Biggie.    

VICTIM: Simon Gagne, Tampa Bay Lightning
DATE: 4/18/2011 

You can never underestimate the effectiveness (or penalty-worthiness) of the good ol' fashioned elbow to the dome. With Gagne racing towards the front of the net, Kunitz decides to throw one right in front of the ref and the entire crowd. C'mon man, if you're gonna throw some 'bows, at least be a little discreet about it.  

VICTIM: Ryan Smyth, Los Angeles Kings
DATE: 4/14/2011

Last time Jason Demers punished Ryan Smyth, it was a hip check. This time around, Demers opted to go all WWE on Smyth with this flying forearm shiver. Sooner or later, the Kings winger has to stand up for himself and stop getting punked. 

VICTIM: Jaroslov Spacek, Montreal Canadians
DATE: 4/26/2011

If you know anything about Milan Lucic and his track record with hits, you would probably acknowledge that this one here is light work. There have been board shots by the Bruins winger a lot worse than this one. 

VICTIM: Ian White, San Jose Sharks
DATE: 4/14/2011

We could only imagine that getting your head knocked against the glass must hurt like hell. But getting your face smashed against the corner of the boards must be ten times worse. We feel for you, man. 

VICTIM: Steven Stamkos, Tampa Bay Lightning
DATE: 4/13/2011

If Steven Stamkos knew any better, he would have never got near those boards with Brooks Orpik looming. You should always know your enemy. Orpik does this! 

VICTIM: Aaron Rome, Vancouver Canucks
DATE: 5/20/2011

After Vancouver beat San Jose in the first two games of the Western Conference Finals, the Sharks were not in the best of moods when they returned home. With Game 3 practically decided, Jamie McGinn took an unnecessary shot on a helpless Aaron Rome. Someone throw a blanket on Rome, he's fast asleep after that hit.  

VICTIM: Brent Seabrook, Chicago Blackhawks
DATE: 4/17/2011 

After throwing an illegal elbow at Brent Seabrook behind the net, he proceeded to get into a verbal shouting match with another Blackhawks player. Note to self: Don't mess with Raffi Torres...EVER! 

VICTIM: Jamie McGinn, San Jose Sharks
DATE: 5/22/2011

These NHL Playoffs have been a rollercoaster ride for Jamie McGinn. After he plowed Aaron Rome into the boards (No. 4 on our list), Keith Ballard came a couple of inches away from flipping him on his head. They say that revenge is a dish best served cold. McGinn, consider yourself served. 

VICTIM: Ben Lovejoy, Pittsburgh Penguins
DATE: 4/18/2011  

Hands down, the No. 1 hit of these NHL Playoffs has to be when Steve Downie absolutely demolished Ben Lovejoy in the first round of the playoffs. All we gotta say is prepare yourself. Just. Can't. Look. Away. *hits replay again*