Rangers Jacob Trouba’s hits aren’t just circumstance anymore

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba delivered game-changing hits that defeated opponents in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

If this century has taught us anything, it’s that if the New York Rangers make the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they’re going to have a long run. This year was proof of that when they defeated the Carolina Hurricanes, the top seeds in the Atlantic Division, 6-2 in Game 7 to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. Now they face off against the Tampa Bay Lightning, back-to-back Stanley Cup champions.

In Game 7, the Hurricanes inflicted a tough defeat on their lineup as Seth Jarvis was ruled out with an upper-body injury. The fact that this came after a goal from Rangers defender Jacob Trouba doesn’t exactly come as a shock as he has established himself as the team’s top physical presence.

Rangers: Jacob Trouba’s hits changed the game during the Stanley Cup Playoffs

Early in the first half, Jarvis played a pass to Jordan Staal but he was immediately hit by Trouba. Jarvis had to be helped to the dressing room and was eventually disfellowshipped. Below is the hit in question.

This isn’t the first time a Trouba hit has changed the game. Back in Game 5 of their opening round series against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Trouba hit star Sidney Crosby at the top. Crosby missed the rest of the game, which Rangers won 5-3. Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan contested the hit after the game. Crosby missed Game 6 with a concussion.

Trouba’s goals didn’t just become an issue during the playoffs. In the 2021-22 regular season, Trouba had nasty hits against Chicago Blackhawks winger Jujhar Khaira and Colorado Avalanche star Nathan MacKinnon. Khaira had to be carried off the ice while MacKinnon ran to the dressing room. Videos of both hits are provided below.

All of the above hits did not result in Trouba receiving any penalties or disciplinary action from the league’s Player Safety Department.

Rangers head coach Gerard Gallant was asked about Trouba’s goals on Tuesday. Gallant said the defender was a clean player and “an old-school guy”.

Now the Rangers face their toughest challenge yet in the Lightning in the Conference Finals. Those who felt Trouba pushed the limit with his hitting throughout the season will be keeping a close eye on the series whenever it results in a player being helped off the ice.