Where did the hip check go, and why?

[Atas2000]

In modern day NHL tge players are afraid of hits. The players that hit it is.

 

[Rodgerwilco]

Looks that way to me too. People say the game has gotten softer. And in some ways it has. But were headshots really such a common thing 20-30 years ago? I don’t mean the goons abusing the goons. I mean were “tough guys” headshotting “skill players” and rookies/fringe guys trying to break-in back then? I think not. Maybe I’m just selectively remembering.

There was not social media for us to see every headshot every day from 5 different angles. Players weren't being suspended for them as often, so unless you saw it live, it usually didn't make the highlights. I think just a lot of things slipped through the cracks because there wasn't as much exposure.


Anyway, on to the actual topic here. I think hip checks are being less common now because it's a most risky move. A player is committing to the hip check. Turning your body and bending over at the waist is not very conducive to good positioning.

 

[dkhockey]

the greatest to ever do it





remember when hockey was hockey?

 

[Olliemets]

Seems like its disappeared....probably for the reasons already stated. Too risky in a speed era. I remember Darius Kasparaitis was really good. Only time I ever saw #99 "Yard Sale" flattened in a game was from an open-ice hip check from Kasper when Wayne was looking down to corral a puck in his skates.

 

[mitchmagic]

Because of the score and because you’re needlessly risking someone’s health for no reason and then hiding behind your team to run away from the response. It being legal doesn’t make it smart or something you should do. But your response is what I’d expect from people who don’t understand the concept of respect.

So you can risk someone's health if there's a good reason for it? How does that make sense?

People shouldn't have to fight for making a clean hit. It's what makes this league feel like it's full of babies.

 

[PlamsUnlimited]

If you miss one you likely punch your ticket to blown assignment city

 

[Muston Atthews]

Where have hits gone in general

 

[Pinkfloyd]

So you can risk someone's health if there's a good reason for it? How does that make sense?

People shouldn't have to fight for making a clean hit. It's what makes this league feel like it's full of babies.

Of course you can because when the game is on the line, physical play can be a determining factor. In that situation, the game is not in doubt and hitting anyone even cleanly is needlessly attempting to injure your opponent and shows a lack of respect. People shouldn't have to fight for making a clean hit but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't expect an immediate response. The only cry baby in that context is someone crying about having to answer when they play physically. You don't have to like it but you should accept that it's going to happen. You don't let other teams dictate physical play without a response. It's done for good reason even on clean hits as it can open up space for your skilled players letting opponents know that they won't put up with targeting teammates. But what you're clearly not understanding is the game situation. At a certain time of the game when the score is a certain way, you don't go for dangerous hits. It's called being a professional and called having respect for fellow professionals you play against. You don't go for a dangerous hit in a 10-2 game in the 3rd period. It's idiotic and it's indefensible.

 

[mitchmagic]

Of course you can because when the game is on the line, physical play can be a determining factor. In that situation, the game is not in doubt and hitting anyone even cleanly is needlessly attempting to injure your opponent and shows a lack of respect. People shouldn't have to fight for making a clean hit but that doesn't mean that they shouldn't expect an immediate response. The only cry baby in that context is someone crying about having to answer when they play physically. You don't have to like it but you should accept that it's going to happen. You don't let other teams dictate physical play without a response. It's done for good reason even on clean hits as it can open up space for your skilled players letting opponents know that they won't put up with targeting teammates. But what you're clearly not understanding is the game situation. At a certain time of the game when the score is a certain way, you don't go for dangerous hits. It's called being a professional and called having respect for fellow professionals you play against. You don't go for a dangerous hit in a 10-2 game in the 3rd period. It's idiotic and it's indefensible.

When you play hockey, you should accept that you are likely going to be hit... in any situation.

It wasn't a dangerous hit. A clean hip check is not dangerous in the same way a clean body check should not inherently be dangerous. That his was clean.

 

[Honour Over Glory]

Ask Denis Gauthier, when you throw one, you also put a lot of wear and tear on yours.

 

[Killer Orca]

Keith Ballard laid out some doozes I seem to recall.

 

[Pinkfloyd]

When you play hockey, you should accept that you are likely going to be hit... in any situation.

It wasn't a dangerous hit. A clean hip check is not dangerous in the same way a clean body check should not inherently be dangerous. That his was clean.

No professional expects to get hit in the late stages of a 10-2 hockey game because they're not trying to hurt each other. When you throw a hit, any idiot understands that there's a risk of injury regardless of how clean it is. Any time you go for someone's legs, it's a dangerous hit. Anytime you get an opportunity to turn someone upside down, it's a dangerous hit. Doing something like that when the game is way out of reach at the NHL level is being a clown.

 

[mitchmagic]

No professional expects to get hit in the late stages of a 10-2 hockey game because they're not trying to hurt each other. When you throw a hit, any idiot understands that there's a risk of injury regardless of how clean it is. Any time you go for someone's legs, it's a dangerous hit. Anytime you get an opportunity to turn someone upside down, it's a dangerous hit. Doing something like that when the game is way out of reach at the NHL level is being a clown.

It's hockey. Stop whining.

 

[King In The North]

It's just risky. Everyone is too fast.

 

[HuskyBruinPride]

They aren't all gone.

This is exactly the type of hit people would be calling a low bridge and dirty/suspendable if it was Marchand.

 

[FeatherHead]

What about when kadri clipped Ovy

Didn't see it. But if it was legally done, then I'd say the same.

 

[Dipsy Doodle]

They aren't all gone.

Nah, that's not a hip check. He used his shoulder to flip him over.

I don't know if he's been mentioned in the thread yet, but Kyle McLaren laid some serious hip checks:



Gather speed in the turn and throw your full weight and momentum into the torso, crushing them. That's a hip check. Not a judo flip.

 

[coupe89]

 

[Future GOAT]

Rob Blake took em with him when he retired...

 

[Alwalys]

I will always love Drew for this.