WATCH: Jacob Trouba's minor penalty hit forces Evan Rodrigues to leave the ice

By Nestor Quixtan

Modified May 26, 2024 22:13 GMT

New York Rangers captain Jacob Trouba laid a massive hit on Florida Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues, knocking him out of the game. The huge bodycheck happened late in the second period of Game 3.

Trouba elbowed Rodrigues as Rodrigues crossed over from the slot to the front of the net, leaving Trouba unable to keep Rodrigues from dashing in front of netminder Igor Shesterkin.

The replay clearly showed Jacob Trouba sticking his elbow out, catching Rodrigues on the side of the head. Immediately, Rodrigues fell to the ice and Florida training staff attended to him.

Jacob Trouba received a two-minute minor for the elbowing call. He also received a minor penalty for slashing during the same sequence, leading to a Panthers’ four-minute powerplay.

However, a clearing attempt by the Rangers during the ensuing penalty allowed Vincent Trocheck to sneak behind the Panthers’ powerplay unit. While the Panthers controlled Trocheck from getting a shot on net, no one picked up Barclay Goodrow joining the rush.

Trocheck dropped a short feed to Goodrow, who promptly buried a one-timer past Sergei Bobrovsky to make the game 4-2 for the Rangers nearing the second intermission.

Jacob Trouba, a known heavy hitter

In a recent piece, Bleacher Report had this to say about the Rangers’ captain:

"Jacob Trouba might be the most notorious and devastating hitter going in the NHL right now."

The claim highlights just how impactful Trouba can be during a game. However, as Bleacher Report pointed out, Trouba’s hits often walk a fine line between legal and illegal impacts.

The hit on Evan Rodrigues could receive a closer look following the game. Based on prior cases, the hit might warrant disciplinary action.

But as Bleacher Report underscored:

"The 29-year-old is regularly under the microscope for some of his plays, but he typically avoids additional discipline aside from the occasional penalty."

While it’s almost certain that the Department of Player Safety (DoPS) will review the play, it seems unlikely that additional discipline will head Trouba’s way.

A suspension at this point could be devastating for the New York Rangers. Perhaps Trouba could walk away with a fine if the DoPS chooses to impose disciplinary action.