Kadri takes out Ovechkin's knee with low hip check (Video)

“Just vulnerability.”

That’s what Nazem Kadri revealed as the secret to his thundering, often game-changing hits after his physicality played a key role in the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Game 3 win over the Washington Capitals in their first-round series.

Kadri was quick to point out that he isn’t trying to hurt anyone with the tactic, but he was close to doing just that in Game 5 when he set his sights on Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin.

Ovechkin needed to be helped off the ice, his left knee clearly hyperextended after being chopped down by Kadri’s low bridge.

Kadri was issued a two-minute minor for tripping, and Washington quickly cashed in without its stationary sniper on the ice, taking a 1-0 lead through 20 minutes.

Ovechkin returned for the start of the second period, lining up for the opening faceoff.