Bryan Rust

Senators' Dion Phaneuf absolutely crushes Bryan Rust with open-ice hit

Published May. 16, 2017 5:13 a.m. ET

Pete Blackburn

Vintage Dion Phaneuf came out to play in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Final.

Phaneuf delivered a massive open-ice hit to Penguins forward Bryan Rust during the first period of Monday's game in Pittsburgh. The hit came as Rust received a pass from Sidney Crosby and attempted to turn towards the middle of the ice, but instead turned straight into Phaneuf's heavy check. Rust was shaken up as a result and missed the remainder of the first period.

It was the type of bone-rattling collision that Phaneuf was known quite well for during the prime of his career. It was a good one.

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There was no penalty called on the play, which appears to be the right ruling here. Phaneuf kept his elbow tucked and didn't leave his feet until after contact was made. You can argue that there was some contact to the head but Rust is also four inches shorter than Phaneuf, had his head down and turned directly into the collision. I'm not sure there's anything more Phaneuf could have done to deliver a cleaner hit.

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Bryan Rust

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