The hip check, a somewhat forgotten maneuver in today's NHL, finds a worthy practitioner in Anaheim Ducks' defenseman Radko Gudas.
In a recent encounter, Carolina Hurricanes' agitator Brendan Lemieux received an unforgettable lesson on the effectiveness of this move, courtesy of Gudas. Lemieux was in pursuit of a pass from Hurricanes' defenseman Brady Skjei but encountered an unmovable force in Gudas, resulting in a collision that sent him tumbling over the Duck's formidable backside.
To Lemieux's credit, he swiftly regained his footing and even sought retribution with a hit of his own on Gudas. This tit-for-tat exchange adds an intriguing layer to the physicality of their ongoing battle, especially considering that this fiery exchange unfolded just four minutes into the game between the Ducks and Hurricanes.
