Jacob Trouba delivered a monstrous goal on Justin Barron during the New York Rangers’ 7-2 win over the Montreal Canadiens, sparking mixed emotions.
In the third period, Trouba hit Barron in the upper chest as he was pinned to the ice in pain.
Barron left the game and ultimately did not return while Trouba was just penalized for fighting after the incident, but was not penalized for the hit itself.
Trouba will reportedly receive no additional discipline for his hit, according to ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
Canadiens coach Martin St. Louis was not happy with what happened and felt it was a dirty play.
“When I saw the replay, I found that the main point of contact was the head,” St. Louis said after the game.
St. Louis may have its own opinion on Trouba’s intentions, but there are those who believe this hit was indeed clean.
“It was a devastating hit…devastating but clean,” TSN’s Darren Dreger said. “You can break down many of Jacob Trouba’s hits this way. You don’t like them because they are explosive and can be damaging, and you never like seeing a player like Justin Barron (any player) who is dazed during the play…
“He didn’t target the head. You have to look at it and put both players in the series. It’s not just about how Jacob Trouba went through Justin Barron. Was Justin Barron responsible for a vulnerable position? And that is important.”
The 30-year-old is a notoriously physical player who is not afraid to deliver big blows to his opponents.
During his NHL career, Trouba has been suspended twice and fined four times in response to his damaging checks.
