Image via Complex Original
After a long, grueling month and a half, we are now in the home stretch as the Stanley Cup Finals begin this Wednesday, June 1st in Vancouver. So far, there haven't been any real Cinderella teams or impressive numbers posted by a single player, but, perhaps not surprisingly given the number of head shots during the regular season, there have been an astonishing number of brutal hits this postseason. Don't get us wrong, we know that big hits and hockey kind of go hand-in-hand like crying and the Miami Heat. But these NHL Playoffs have had some of the most cringeworthy shots we've ever seen. Don't believe us? Then judge for yourself and check out the 10 Nastiest Hits of the Stanley Cup Playoffs (So Far).
10. Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers
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.
9. Chris Kunitz, Pittsburgh Penguins
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.
8. Jason Demers, San Jose Sharks
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.
7. Milan Lucic, Boston Bruins
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.
6. Jarret Stoll, Los Angeles Kings
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.
5. Brooks Orpik, Pittsburgh Penguins
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!
4. Jamie McGinn, San Jose Sharks
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.
3. Raffi Torres, Vancouver Canucks
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!
2. Keith Ballard, Vancouver Canucks
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.
1. Steve Downie, Tampa Bay Lightning
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*
