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Throughout the history of the NHL, there have been legendary players who have taken the art of hitting to an incredible level.
These skate enforcers possess a unique combination of power, aggression, and timing, making them some of the hardest hitters the game has ever seen.
The best NHL players who have earned a fearsome reputation for their hitting ability
Here are the top five:
#1 Scott Stevens
A powerhouse like no other, with his nickname “Captain Crunch,” Scott Stephens has earned a reputation as one of the most dominant and feared hitters in NHL history.
Known for his bone-crushing checks, Stevens can change the course of games with one stroke. His body and toughness left his opponents battered and bruised, setting him up as an example for a wrecking crew on skates.
#2 Rob Blake
Rob Blake’s blows were very powerful and intense.
His massive size and tremendous strength, combined with his willingness to utilize his “big a**”, have made him an unstoppable force on the ice. Blake’s opponents often found themselves on the receiving end of devastating inspections that left them dazed and wondering what hit them.
#3 Dion Phaneuf
Dion Phaneuf’s tough style of play has made him a force to be reckoned with on the ice.
While his offensive abilities may have been overshadowed early in his NHL career, Phaneuf made up for it with bone-crunching physicals that instilled fear in his opponents.
His smash reel highlighted his ability to deliver devastating blows that left a lasting impact on opponents, both physically and psychologically.
#4 Alex Ovechkin
Attacking dynamo with a midfield While he is known primarily for his scoring prowess, Alex Ovechkin has shown an uncanny willingness to look for contact on the ice.
With prodigious skate and stick skills, Ovechkin wasn’t afraid to launch his body at defensemen at full speed, often leaving them dumbfounded. His hit count increased along with his scoring, making him a formidable presence on both ends of the ice.
#5 Cam Neely
Enforcer-scoring Cam Neely possesses a unique combination of goal-scoring ability and bone-crushing shots. He was as comfortable finding the back of the net as he was putting pressure on opponents.
Neely’s aggressive mentality and determination to open a straight path to the net resulted in him being found in the penalty area, but his impact was undeniable. With 395 goals in 726 regular season games, Neely produced hits as memorable as his scoring prowess.
The aforementioned five players go down in NHL history as the hardest hitters, leaving a lasting impact on the game and opponents. Their physicality, strength, and willingness to deliver bone-crushing blows set them apart from their peers.
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