The Hardest Hits in NHL History: Ovechkin, Kronwall, Stevens, Tootoo, Chára & more

April 29, 2024

You have certainly read our Rezztek® blog about the biggest hitters in the NHL's history. If not, you can do it here. Scott Stevens, Dustin Byfuglien, Rob Blake, Dion Phaneuf, or Niklas Kronwall knew perfectly well how to destroy their opponents.

How about the hardest individual hits of all time? There were many hits that became legendary and have their place in the history of the National Hockey League.

These situations live rent-free in the heads of hockey fans. How many of them do you remember? Continue reading to find the hits that wreaked havoc, ended careers and caused pure destruction.

Brian Campbell's Huge Hit on RJ Umberger

This enormous hit came during the Eastern Conference Quaterfinals in 2006. Brian Campbell totally destroyed RJ Umberger, who had serious problems getting back on his legs. In 2007, Umberger came for his revenge and fought Campbell in a memorable battle.

Scott Stevens Destroys Paul Karyia with a Late Hit

Some hits from Scott Stevens from the New Jersey Devils were almost criminal. But this one, on Paul Karyia from the Anaheim Ducks in the Stanley Cup finals in 2003, became historic. Karyia was lying on the ice without any reaction, and it's pretty impressive that he managed to come back into the game and even score a goal.

Dustin Byfuglien Steamrolls Mark Stone

Dustin Byfuglien was a true mammoth on skates. Mark Stone, the current captain of the Vegas Golden Knights, felt Byfuglien's power. And it was not a pleasant experience. This hit was simply huge, and Stone only came back out for one shift after that.

P.K. Subban Gives Speeding Ticket to Brad Marchand

This exceptional hit comes from a game between the Boston Bruins and the Montreal Canadiens. Canadian defenseman P.K. Subban made his name as a showman, but he knew how to get under the skin of his opponents. It's fair to say that the majority of the NHL fans were quite happy to see how Brad Marchand, nicknamed "The Rat" got leveled.

Dmitry Orlov Flips Matt Duchene

A huge hip check like this is not seen often anymore. Dmitry Orlov is a fast and skilled defenseman, and he can time his hits to perfection. Matt Duchene learned the hard way; he got a taste of Orlov's impeccable timing as he got put through the washing cycle.

Trevor Linden Smashes the Glass with Jeff Norton

In video below, you can see how an enormous hit from Vancouver's Trevor Linden sends Jeff Norton of the St. Louis Blues through the glass and into the crowd. Breaking the glass with the physical power of two men sends a clear message, doesn't it?

Alexander Ovechkin Deliver a Crushing Open-ice Hit to Jaromír Jágr

Okay, we know that this is not an NHL collision, but an exception needs to be made. Why? Watch the video, and you will understand. Alexander Ovechkin absolutely destroyed the legendary Jaromír Jágr with a big hit during the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. The icing on the cake? Ovechkin's team scored just seconds after the hit.

Jordin Totoo Crushes Michael Frolík

Jordin Tootoo lays a big hit on Michael Frolik midway through the first period between the Nashville Predators and Florida Panthers. Tootoo was one of the thoughest players of his period. In the video below you can see why.

Niklas Kronwall on Aleš Hemský

It's important to say that Niklas Kronwall's style of play would be frowned upon in today's NHL. Not only were his hits extremely powerful, but they were also dangerous, and sometimes late. However, this defenseman will be remembered for picking on opponents that looked down on the puck. Czech forward Aleš Hemský won't forget him for sure.

Nikita Zadorov Bulldozes Jayce Hawryluk

Nikita Zadorov is a bulldozer. This Russian defenseman knows how to destroy his opponents and regularly shows it (recently for the Vancouver Canucks). Zadorov is the author of one of the biggest hits in the NHL's history. See below, how he crushes Jayce Hawryluk.