Rangers’ Jacob Trouba reflects on being fined for elbowing Evan Rodrigues

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified May 27, 2024 21:03 GMT

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba has been fined $5,000 for Sunday’s elbowing penalty on the Panthers’ Evan Rodrigues, the NY Post reported. The incident took place during Game 3 of the Rangers-Panthers Eastern Conference Finals series.

During the second period, Trouba laid out Rodrigues with an elbow, knocking Rodrigues out of the game temporarily. He received a minor penalty on the play.

After reviewing the play, the league assessed Trouba a $5,000 fine. The amount is the maximum allowed under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Following the league’s announcement, Jacob Trouba reflected on the fine and elbowing incident, according to Rangers reporter Vince Mercogliano:

"He kind of went to the middle," Trouba said. "It all happens pretty fast. It’s not something you’re thinking about 1,000 times over and over again. It just happens fast. It’s hockey. I don’t have a great explanation for it."

Jacob Trouba's statement provides some insight into how the game is played. When plays progress at such a rapid pace, it might be difficult to manage motions and reflexes.

In the meantime, Trouba and the Rangers dodge a bullet, as a suspension would have been a costly outcome. Trouba may need to exercise more caution moving forward since the league may not be so lenient on future incidents.

Paul Maurice mocks Jacob Trouba’s fine

The announcement of Trouba’s fine didn’t sit well with some folks around the league, especially Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice. He mocked Trouba’s fine during a meeting with reporters on Monday.

"Poor lad, poor Jake. He won’t be able to eat," he said via SportsNet.

The comments were made in jest, but they read into how the Panthers felt about the incident. Maurice declined to comment on the officiating or the incident following Game 3.

"I think I’ve got enough on my plate. I’m not going to do any referring or player safety tonight," Maurice said.

As for Evan Rodrigues, Maurice provided this update on the Panthers’ forward:

"Looks good."

Rodrigues was visibly shaken up following the hit but stayed in the game. According to Maurice, Rodrigues isn’t suffering any lingering effects from the play.

The Rangers and Panthers will clash on Tuesday night in Sunrise, Florida, for Game 4. Both Rodrigues and Trouba are expected to be in the lineup.

The Panthers will look to even the series, while the Rangers will look to head back to Madison Square Garden with a 3-1 series lead.