On Feb 6th, Ranger’s captain Jacob Trouba (#8) laid two huge hits against the Calgary Flames, with the first hit being on Dylan Dube (#29) and the larger second hit on Nazem Kadri (#91). Trouba’s two hits brought the home Madison Square Garden (MSG) crowd, as well as the Rangers themselves, back into the game with new life. The Rangers went on to win the game with a late tying goal by Mika Zibanejad, followed by a game winning goal in overtime by Alexis Lafrienére.

Trouba has a reputation for hits like this, including one against Chicago last month and against Carolina and Pittsburgh in the previous season’s playoffs. 

His shoulder checks are known to be one of the strongest in the league,and can power through anyone who leaves themselves open to the hit. 

Rangers fan, Emma Gobulic stated: “He is one of the biggest hitters by far in the league now. I am grateful that he’s playing for my team and not trucking our players”

Debates heated up after the game about the legality of the hit. 

“They were clean hits. Even Kadri (the recipient of the larger of the two hits) said after the game that it was a clean hit and part of the sport. They were both definitely clean and amazing hits,” said hockey superfan Richard Spalding. 

Homer Senior, Brayden Fox, added: “Trouba is a unit. Even though his hit on Crosby (referencing the 2022 series against the Pittsburgh Penguins) wasn’t clean, these two hits were highlight real style and were both not penalties.”

Trouba received no penalties for either of the hits, and the NHL did not fine or suspend him after the game.