Max Pacioretty absolutely eviscerates Mavrik Bourque and Roope Hintz embarrasses himself

Max Pacioretty is getting up there in age and with his offensive production slowing down a tad, he has opted to become a heavy hitter who can send guys into another dimension.

Pacioretty's big hits have become iconic this season and there is no doubt that opposing teams are getting just a bit worried when they see him on the ice.

The Dallas Stars know exactly how it feels to be on the receiving end of Pacioretty's wrath.

Tonight, Pacioretty teed up Mavrik Bourque with a marvelous hit that sent him right into the nether realm. It was a tad dangerous as the Maple Leafs forward's stick did get up into Bourque's face.

Subsequently, Roope Hintz got himself into some trouble as he tried to retaliate on Pacioretty.

He delivered a cross-check to Patches, and it immediately led to a penalty call.

At the time of writing this, the Maple Leafs are up by a score of 4-2 through two periods.

This is a massive game for the Toronto Maple Leafs, who are trying to beat one of the best teams in the Western Conference.

If they can secure a win tonight, then it just goes to show that this is a Leafs team that can go far this season.

As it stands, they are getting a lot of scoring from their third line, with Max Domi, Nick Robertson, and Bobby McMann all securing goals this evening.

Perhaps their bottom-six issues are officially solved.