Penguins upset with Rangers hit that injured Sidney Crosby
Anthony Scultore
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New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba has become Public Enemy No.1 in the City of Pittsburgh. During last night’s 5-3 Rangers win over the Penguins to stay alive in Game 5, his hit injured captain Sidney Crosby.
Late in the second period, Crosby was caught with his head down looking for the puck. Trouba went first to make a play on the puck with his stick leading to a collision that sent Crosby down hard and eventually out for the rest of the game. No penalty was assessed at the play.
“Did you see the hit?” Penguins coach Mike Sullivan fumed. “Then you probably have the same opinion I do.”
This morning, the Penguins provided the following update:
“Sidney Crosby will be evaluated when he goes back to Pittsburgh with us today. His injury is an upper-body injury. I’m not going to get into more specifics with that.” – Mike Sullivan
UPDATE: SIDNEY CROSBY OUT – READ MORE
Sidney Crosby injured after Jacob Trouba Hit
At the time of the hit, the Rangers were down 2-0 and looking like they were heading to elimination. When the collision occurred leading to Crosby’s exit it changed the complexion of the game and maybe the series.
Trouba capped a three-goal outburst after the hit to give the Rangers a 3-2 lead. Although the Penguins would tie soon after, the Rangers eventually won Game 5 to stay alive in the series.
Trouba, 28, is a hard hitting defenseman, who has laid out several players this season with big open ice hits. Chicago’s Jujhar Kaira and Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon both felt what it’s like to get caught in his wake. Neither hit led to a suspension, and this one appeared more accidental than anything else.
“If you’re trying to throw a headshot with your stick hand it’s impossible,” former Canucks defenseman Kevin Bieksa said on Sportsnet. “He’s going stick on puck and it’s a bit of him bringing his arm in as Crosby’s turning. I think there’s no suspension.”
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet and Craig Button on TSN shared similar sentiments.
Crosby, 34, has 9 points in this series and if he can’t go it will be a big blow to the Penguins. Game 6 is scheduled for Friday in Pittsburgh.
“He’s a great player for them and hopefully he’s okay,” Rangers coach Gerard Gallant said.
There’s no word yet if the NHL’s Department of Player Safety will review the play.