Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Kyle Clifford destroyed Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Dean Kukan with a bone-crushing hit during Tuesday's Game 2 of their NHL Eastern Conference Qualifier series.
It happened just two minutes into the first period as the puck was dumped into the Blue Jackets zone. Kukan took control of the puck and avoided a check attempt by Maple Leafs right winger Kasperi Kapanen, but let the puck get a bit too far ahead of him. Kukan chased the puck down and was able to pass it to a teammate as Clifford was lining him up for the big hit. Clifford launched himself into Kukan and absolutely crushed him.
No penalty was called. Kukan was slow to get up and headed to the locker room after ending his shift. He did return briefly later in the game, but finished with only seven and a half minutes of ice time.
It was that kind of game for the Blue Jackets as the Maple Leafs won the game 3-0 to even the series at one game apiece.
[SportsNet]
Moonlighting as a blogger to pursue my interest and enjoyment of sports. Former high school and Division I athlete (now a "retired" family man) that loves watching and discussing all sports. Follow me on Twitter (@HoldoutSports) and like Holdout Sports on Facebook.
