#10: 09-10 UPPER DECK BRIAN RAFALSKI
This is a frozen moment in time in which everyone is thinking: "This will be painful." Rafalski is about to plow into this Blue Jackets player, who is wisely bracing himself. Rafalski, as shown here, is a good bodychecker, but a clean one. His career high in PIM is a mere 36. He's not exactly a giant either, standing at 5'10", but I doubt that is what this Columbus player was thinking as he got plowed into the boards.
#9: 12-13 SCORE DAVID DESHARNAIS
This name may seem unfitting on this list. Desharnais, one of the NHL's shortest players, on a bodycheck list? However, look at the card and you will understand my reasoning. Desharnais has his game face on, and he is plowing Tampa Bay's Brian Lee into the boards. Brian Lee, who is 6'2" and 205 pounds compared to Desharnais' 5'7", 177 pounds. Lee definitely didn't expect this, and it looks as if he's trying to get away from this Canadiens player.
#8: 91-92 PRO SET CAM NEELY
This may possibly be the best picture to describe Cam Neely's NHL career. Elbow the opposing player in the face, but still focus on the play. Neely racked up 694 points in his career, along with 1241 penalty minutes. It is more than likely that after this giant elbow to the face of a Toronto player, Cam Neely received a penalty for doing his best Gordie Howe impersonation.
#7: 11-12 UPPER DECK KEVIN BIEKSA
If the previous three cards seemed like mere knocking about on a hockey rink, get ready for some real checks. Detroit's Henrik Zetterberg is flying, of course with the help of Kevin Bieksa, a newly minted Anaheim Duck. The Ducks no doubt took into consideration Bieksa's checking skills when they acquired him from the Canucks. Zetterberg would love to get the puck, but he has to go through Bieksa, which is not an easy task.
#6: 12-13 UPPER DECK KEVIN BIEKSA
Upper Deck obviously did not get their fill of Kevin Bieksa crushing people, as immediately following their 11-12 card, they inserted this gem into packs. Once again, Bieksa is riding someone up the boards. Once again, it is one of the NHL's best who is being crushed. First Zetterberg, and now the Kings' Kopitar. Upper Deck has now given a fair warning to anyone who approaches Bieksa. Two cards in two years.
#5: 03-04 O-PEE-CHEE BASH MASTERS ERIC CAIRNS
The title says it all. "Bash Masters." Which is all Eric Cairns really gets paid to be, according to the bio on the back. "In seven NHL campaigns, Cairns has averaged one goal and 123 PIMs per season." He is defiintely bashing the Canucks' Trevor Letowski on this card. "The 6-6 'Bruiseliner' unloads some of the hardest hits in the NHL.." Well, yeah, I can see that.
#4: 96-97 LEAF ED JOVANOVSKI
I'm sure everyone who looks at this card has the same expression as that guy in the stands. Poor Ed. Fresh off of his first games in the NHL, he tries to check Patrik Juhlin of the Flyers. He may as well try to check a brick wall, as it looks like Jovanovski comes out with the worst of this check. I put this card in the list for amusement more than anything. Heeheehee...
#3: 09-10 UPPER DECK ZDENO CHARA
Every player who has ever been on the receiving end of a Zdeno Chara check feels Phil Kessel's pain, I'm sure. The Panthers player featured here gives off a vibe that goes: "Please don't hurt me, please don't hurt me." His expression is pure gold. Bracing himself for the worst, he closes his eyes and is absolutely destroyed.
#2: 12-13 UPPER DECK ZDENO CHARA
Upper Deck does it again. This time, they took possibly one of the greatest bodycheck photos ever and featured it in their 12-13 Series one. This time, not only is Chara destroying someone, he is yelling and destroying someone. A shouting, charging Zdeno Chara is not something I would want coming towards me, but the Predators Hornqvist probably did not take this option willingly. He is flipped onto his stomach, and if he is not in enough pain already, will likely fall heavily onto the ice, unless this Chara throws Hornqvist into next week, which is not a ridiculous suggestion. If there is an upside for Hornqvist, at least he'll get ice on it right away.
#1: 12-13 SCORE DION PHANEUF
Look! It's a flying Jet! Unlike the previous nine cards, this action shot is milliseconds after a huge collision, and Blake Wheeler is falling towards the ice, courtesy of a Dion Phaneuf bodycheck. The contrasting expressions of the two players is interesting. Dion Phaneuf is in the action of shaking it off, while Wheeler is freaking out. Phaneuf is releasing his inner Scott Stevens, making a huge open-ice hit, while Wheeler is tumbling towards the ground in a flailing attempt to stay on his feet. While trade rumours circulate about Phaneuf, this excellent shot will be in the minds of collectors everywhere.
Thanks for reading! If you have other great bodycheck cards, don't hesitate to show me! Keep updated for more posts, and follow if you feel like it.
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