Kassian skated through Dillon, providing a devastating blow to the defender in the first period while raising all of Rogers Place to their feet. It was the beginning of the end for the Sharks this contest; a big hit in a big game, as the Oilers were down 1-0 in the series after losing Game 1 in overtime by a score of 3-2 and needing a victory to right the ship before heading to California for Games 3 and 4.
Kassian was a domineering presence all night, also colliding heavily with Sharks forward Logan Couture.
"It's big boy hockey," said San Jose defenceman Brent Burns about Edmonton's physicality following their 2-0 victory - a game which saw them score two shorthanded goals and kill six penalties.
Kassian's crushing checks can be seen as a game-changer but it was the overall play of the forward that gave the squad the spark they needed to reign dominance over their first-round opponent. The 26-year-old did it all that night, scoring a shorthanded goal 42 seconds into the second period - his first career National Hockey League playoff marker - as well as mustering four shots and six hits in 14:07 minutes played.
The winger drew awe from the crowd, as they eventually belted "Kass-i-an" in recognition of his stellar play.
"The puck seemed to follow me tonight," said a humble Kassian post-game.