There are dying traditions in sports. Some of them prompt fans to say “good riddance,” such as the pre-lockout era in which obstruction penalties were largely ignored. Others are missed, though, like the lack of quality mid-range shots in the NBA.
One thing that people miss in hockey is a well-timed hip check.
To some degree, the evolution of the game explains the increased rarity of such checks. Simply put, it’s a lot more difficult to line someone up for a hip check when the targets move that much quicker.
That doesn’t mean they’re extinct altogether, though. Montreal Canadiens defenseman P.K. Subban may be a brash, cocksure young player, but he can make an impact when he’s not a healthy scratch. Just ask 22-year-old Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand, who was walloped by Subban with this hit.
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