As the clock ticked on their season, the Rangers’ captain took action when down 2-0 to the Devils. Instead of scoring a game-saving goal or diving in front of the puck for a block, Jacob Trouba made an open-ice hit, a move for which he has become known. However, such hits create much debate as they are legal according to the rules, but not necessarily clean. In the third period of Game 7 against Timo Meier, a penalty was not initially called, signalling a grey area in the rules. Was the hit unavoidable or did Trouba deliberately seek out the hit? Although the hit was legal according to Rule 48.1, “Illegal Check to the Head,” there is still reasonable doubt that Trouba sought out the hit. Trouba had seconds to decide whether to line up the hit, but failed to notice Meier’s stance or vulnerability. The rule regarding contact to the head exists to prioritize player health and safety, but with such grey areas in the guidelines, the rules effectively become suggestions. Severe checks, intents, and the context of each situation can influence the level of punishment received during a game, but priority must be given to player health and safety, rather than accepting borderline hits as part of the playoff environment. Until the rules change and tangible separation is created, controversial debate will continue to follow these plays.
