During Game 2 between the New York Rangers and the Carolina Hurricanes at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night, defenseman Jacob Trouba almost delivered a massive hit that had fans holding their breath.
In the first overtime of the Rangers' thrilling 4–3 double-overtime victory, giving them a 2-0 series lead, Trouba attempted to lay a punishing check on Carolina center Martin Necas near the boards. However, Necas managed to evade the hit at the last moment, narrowly dodging Trouba's elbow.
The force of the missed hit sent Trouba careening headfirst into the boards, with his right leg landing awkwardly on Necas's head as he came down. Fortunately, both players emerged from the collision unscathed and continued to play.
Known for his physical style of play, Trouba has a history of delivering big hits. Earlier this season, he received a two-game suspension for elbowing Vegas Golden Knights forward Pavel Dorofeyev in the head.
Despite the moment's intensity, Trouba and the Rangers ultimately emerged victorious in Game 2, handing the Hurricanes a 2–0 series deficit in this best of seven second round series, thanks to Vincent Trocheck's power-play goal in the second overtime.
