Hitting is one of the most important, popular and polarizing components of hockey. With the speed and strength of NHL players, it's arguably the hardest-hitting sports league in the world. Watch a hockey game between rivals such as the Chicago Blackhawks and the Vancouver Canucks with the uninitiated and prepare to be pummeled with the question "but really, they're allowed to just...hit each other like that?"
Yes. Yes they are allowed to just hit each other like that. Awesome, isn't it?
Big hits can turn the tide of games just like timely goals can—and depending on the circumstance, a physical shift by a role player can turn an entire playoff series around. Just being able to set the tempo by playing the body and wearing the opposition down can make less talented teams suddenly appear immortal.
Hitting is a remarkably important part of the game that some players are just better at than others. Last year during the Calder Trophy race, people brought up the physical and punishing nature of Gabriel Landeskog's game just as often as they brought up the goals and helpers.
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Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Franklin Steele
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February 22nd, 2013 by Franklin Steele Leave a reply »
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