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Ex-NHL referee Tim Peel delivers straightforward take on Jacob Trouba's high-elbow incident on Evan Rodrigues
A hit during Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final between the New York Rangers and Florida Panthers became a topic of discussion among the NHL community. Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba delivered a high elbow to the head of Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues in the second period.
Trouba avoided a suspension and was only fined $5,000 by the league.
Former NHL referee Tim Peel weighed in on the matter, supporting Jacob Trouba, via X:
"This is not a major penalty! The officials and the Situation Room got this correct. Also I feel Evan Rodrigues embellishes this as well."
The high elbow initially drew a 5-minute major penalty before being downgraded to a 2-minute minor penalty after video review. Rodrigues was down on the ice for several minutes before returning to play in the third period.
Jacob Trouba has been suspended twice and fined two times in his NHL career.
Fans react to Tim Peel's comment on Jacob Trouba's high-elbow incident
Tim Peel's comments supporting the lack of suspension for Jacob Trouba and alleging embellishment by Rodrigues were met with some controversy. Many felt a former referee should not be defending a dangerous hit to the head so openly on social media.
One fan said:
"Tim if a player swings his stick at another players neck or head and hits him or just missed is it still a minor penalty or even a major?"
Another user said:
"Tim you know the Situation Room doesn't rule on penalty reviews, right?"
Here are some more fan reactions:
"My takeaway was: a 2 minute was appropriate. Trouba seems to lead with the elbow often. Rodrigues definitely sold it looking for a 5," another fan commented.
"Exactly. The Oscar level acting job before hitting the ice 2 shifts later. Evan has an acting career after he retires from hockey," another fan wrote.
"Looks to me like dude took a glancing blow to the neck (which was clearly intended for the head). Last I checked a hit to the neck can end a life," a user wrote.
"Rodrigues definitely embellished but that is a very dangerous and unnecessary play. Everybody oohs and aahs over the big hits, but the league has to protect the players from stuff like that," another user wrote.
The Rangers won 5-4 in overtime and now hold a 2-1 series lead over the Panthers.
Game 4 will take place in Florida on Tuesday.
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