Zach Hyman levels Phil Danault with textbook massive hit

The Edmonton Oilers have been looking for more team toughness in this year's playoffs, and late in the third period, they got just that from a star player in Zach Hyman.

Kings forward Phil Danault tried to make a play to clear the puck from the defensive zone, but Zach Hyman had him in his sights. Hyman delivered a massive, clean hit on Danault, who had to leave the game right away.





It was a legendary hit from Hyman, and the exact type of physical play that's very effective in playoff hockey. It's unfortunate that Danault was injured on the play, but Hyman kept his shoulders down until contact, and made primary contact with Danault's shoulder. Thankfully, Danault returned to the game, but some hockey fans believe that Hyman may face a suspension for this hit.



The fact that Danault was reaching for the puck perhaps contributed to him leaving the game briefly. Being a playoff game, Danault came back to the ice shortly after - but the NHL's concussion protocol maybe should've held him out at least for the rest of tonight's game in overtime.

Danault is one of the premier defensive forwards in the league, and is crucial to the success of the Kings' stingy defensive style. Losing Danault for any amount of time could be disastrous for the Kings, as Connor McDavid and the Oilers top line could feast on a lesser matchup when the series goes back to Los Angeles. Both Kings and Oilers fans will be keeping a close eye on Danault's status heading into game 3.