Penguins vs. Bruins Video: Watch Brooks Orpik's Gargantuan Hit on Daniel Paille

Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Brooks Orpik unloaded a gargantuan hit on Boston's Daniel Paille this afternoon that sent the Bruins forward flying high into the air.

If this isn't the hit of the season, it's at least in the top three.

This was an awesome open ice hit that was clean and powerful. There was no retaliation from the Bruins, probably because as a physical team with many heavy hitters they can certainly appreciate a solid open ice hit.

Paille was not injured on the play and in fact got right back up and continued playing. He was fortunate not to injure his head, because he almost landed on it after being leveled by Orpik.

Say what you want about Paille, but he's a player I'll take on my team any day. He can skate, he works harder than most of his teammates and he's a fantastic penalty killer.

Orpik, on the other hand, is one of the biggest hitters in the NHL and is a tremendous defenseman who gives Pittsburgh a huge physical presence in their own zone.

Orpik's defensive play helped his team defeat the Bruins 2-1 on the afternoon. Goals from Evgeni Malkin in the first period and public enemy No. 1 in Boston, Matt Cooke, in the third period were enough to beat the B's.

The Bruins have gone 1-3 since their White House visit just before the All-Star break and are 1-1 against the Penguins this season with each team winning on the road.

Orpik is also no stranger to playing in Boston, having played his college hockey with the Boston College Eagles.

Follow Nicholas Goss on Twitter for NHL news and analysis @NicholasGoss35.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston.