LATEST | Quinn Hughes lays Sabres forward with massive open ice hit

The Vancouver Canucks held off the Buffalo Sabres by a score of 3-2 on Wednesday night. Elias Pettersson scored two goals and added one assist, while J.T. Miller recorded two assists. The team held Buffalo to just 17 shots on goal.

Captain Quinn Hughes recorded a two assists — one on the team's first goal, scored by Conor Garland and another on Pettersson's first tally, but perhaps more notably threw a solid body check on Sabres forward Victor Olofsson. The hit was Hughes' only recorded hit of the contest.

Quinn Hughes is him. #Canucks pic.twitter.com/7jVgn0kCmq— Daniel Wagner (@passittobulis) March 20, 2024

Hughes himself spoke on the outburst of physicality following the game:

«You don't see that much from me. It was a good feeling."

🗣 Quinn Hughes speaks on his body check and the team's effort in the win over the Sabres.@theprovince | #Canucks pic.twitter.com/fmVy13NiWw— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 20, 2024

Coach Rick Tocchet was also vocal about the physical statement made by his captain:


Hughes, already a dominant offensive force and arguably the Norris trophy favourite, boasts 79 points in just 69 games played. Perhaps he is looking to add a more physical aspect to his game as the playoffs draw near.