Quote:
Originally Posted by CliffFletcher
Open-ice hitting has almost disappeared from the game. Players are just too fast and aware, and the consequences of a defenceman taking himself out of position too severe. I'm all for a big hit when the stars align and it happens. But a young defenceman better bring a lot more than that to his game if he's going to make it in the NHL.
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The 2nd part is definitely true about being caught out of position, but if you're smart about it you can still hit guys in the open ice. In fact it should be easier now since everyone backs far off , just no one really does it any more (the Sarich hit on Marleau in the playoffs ages ago and then guys like Kronwall and Gudas still do it now).
I'd like to see someone step up on a guy like McDavid every once in a while before he gets started. No matter how far you back off, he's still going to be faster than you so the odd shot before he gets moving should be an option.