The #9 Moment from the 2010-11 Nashville Predators' Regular Season: Jordin Tootoo destroys Michael Frolik

by Dirk Hoag on May 17, 2011 4:30 PM EDT in Discussions

Check the expressions on the fans' faces as Toots sends Frolik on the ride of his life.

To help tide us all over now that the Preds' season is complete, let's take a look back at some of the highlights from the season gone by, working our way up to #1 on a daily basis. - Dirk

Jordin Tootoo had a tumultuous 2010-11 season, one which saw him battle personal struggles away from the rink yet return to the team playing some of his best hockey (he was voted 1st-round team MVP here for his performance against Anaheim). Along the way, however, the legend of the Tootoo Train grew ever greater during a 3-0 triumph over the Florida Panthers, a game in which Anders Lindback earned his 1st career NHL shutout.

Tootoo, already known as a heavy hitter, caught Panthers forward Michael Frolik along the boards with a hard, clean check which brought together the perfect storm of location, velocity, balance and strength. Frolik tumbled head-over-heels and earned himself lasting fame as the victim of a highlight-reel play hockey fans will see for a long, long time.

Don't believe me? Even the NHL named it the #1 Hit of the Year:

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Comments

It just looks like he’s frolicking in the picture.

"He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts--for support rather than
illumination."

by Smashvillain on May 17, 2011 5:08 PM EDT reply actions

really only #9

on our countdown here? that just means the next 8 are epic!

by Shadow23 on May 17, 2011 5:10 PM EDT reply actions

It's hard to stop a Tootoo Train

Best caption for that hit.

by Shadow23 on May 17, 2011 5:13 PM EDT reply actions

on this top 10 hits thing

I like the hit on Seabrook best. I mean, other than the Tootoo hit.

Something Funny

by BradPerala on May 17, 2011 7:50 PM EDT reply actions

hate to spoil the party....

but aren’t several of these hits to the head that would now be penalized? even the tootoo hit looks pretty close. i thought #5 and 2 seemed similar as well…

TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....

by Evanbio on May 18, 2011 7:19 AM EDT reply actions

No

Hits to the head, in general, are legal. The new Rule 48 only covers very specific conditions under which they are not allowed (blind-side, etc.).

Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators. Catch me on Twitter, or join our site on Facebook!

by Dirk Hoag on May 18, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions

thanks for clearing that up. now i can enjoy them even more knowing that we are not celebrating penalties/illegal hits.

TN Sports fan in Hoosier Country....

by Evanbio on May 18, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions

#9?

You must be kidding. That’s the greatest hit of all time!

You must be against violence in hockey :)

The truth is always the right answer....

by Pekka for Predator Pontiff on May 18, 2011 2:38 PM EDT reply actions

Frolik

is still looking for his mouthpiece…and still thinks he plays for the Panthers…and instantly lost his ability to speak any english upon impact…and his eyes are permanently crossed now. That’s what I heard anyway. Also, he flinches at pretty much any noise now.

"Boom goes the beard."

by Marcus Newman on May 18, 2011 4:33 PM EDT reply actions