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Andrew Ference wrecks Ryan McDonagh with wicked hit from behind

Boston Bruins v New York Islanders

UNIONDALE, NY - NOVEMBER 19: Andrew Ference #21 of the Boston Bruins scores at 10:25 of the third period against the New York Islanders at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum on November 19, 2011 in Uniondale, New York. The Bruins defeated the Islanders 6-0. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)

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This afternoon’s Bruins-Rangers tilt was the best game to have kick off a day full of hockey. Physical, tough hockey between the top two teams in the Eastern Conference makes for a hell of a matinee. Boston’s Andrew Ference helped turn a great game into one with an ugly finish thanks to his hit from behind on Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh in overtime.

Ference received a five-minute major for charging and a game misconduct while McDonagh left the game injured. The Rangers capitalized with just under four seconds left in overtime on the power play to earn the 3-2 win over Boston. What was mostly a classic regular season game was marred by Ference’s hit.

After the game, Rangers coach John Tortorella was a bit blunt saying, “It’s one of the most dangerous hits I’ve seen in a while. Nothing has to be said as far as what should be done.”

Ference told CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty that he was coming in too fast and the play ended with a bad result. Bruins coach Claude Julien said, “Andrew Ference is not a dirty player. He supports what league is trying to do with removing dangerous plays from the game.”

If that’s the case, he won’t mind seeing Ference have a seat for a game or two should Brendan Shanahan decide to suspend him.