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Dion Phaneuf sends Dana Tyrell over the Leafs bench, but Tampa Bay gets last laugh with 2-0 win

Dion Phaneuf, Dana Tyrell

Toronto Maple Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf (3) sends Tampa Bay Lightning center Dana Tyrell (42) into the Maple Leafs bench after a check during the first period of an NHL hockey game in Tampa, Fla., Tuesday, Jan. 25, 2011.(AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

AP

If you only watch the biggest highlight from tonight’s Toronto Maple Leafs-Tampa Bay Lightning game, it would probably look like the Leafs pounded the Lightning.

After all, it doesn’t get much better than when a player checks another skater into the opposition’s bench, does it? That’s exactly what hard-hitting Leafs defenseman Dion Phaneuf did tonight, as he sent Lightning forward Dana Tyrell sprawling into Toronto’s bench.

The hit provides an inspiring bit of footage as you can see in the clip below, but Tampa Bay ultimately beat Toronto 2-0. The Lightning will go into the All-Star Break riding a five game winning streak (including two wins to begin an epic 12-game homestand) thanks to a 26-save shutout by Dwayne Roloson and a one-goal, one assist performance by Teddy Purcell.

Yet despite the loss, the Phaneuf hit will stick with us for a while. Enjoy it in this video.
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