Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice may not have wanted to discuss Jacob Trouba‘s controversial elbow, but it was the talk of the hockey world after Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Final.
The New York Rangers captain delivered a high elbow to the head area of Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues late in the second period on Sunday. It was originally called a major penalty, but upon review was downgraded to a minor.
Rodrigues was down on the ice for several minutes with a trainer before skating to the locker room. He returned for the third period.
The Rangers went on to win the game 5-4 in overtime and have a 2-1 lead in the series.
Maurice declined to talk about the play afterward.
“I think I’ve got enough on my plate,” he said. “I’m not going to do any refereeing or player safety tonight.”
Rule 45.3 of the NHL rulebook states: “A major penalty, at the discretion of the Referee, shall be imposed on any player who uses his elbow to illegally check an opponent. A major penalty must be imposed under this rule for an infraction resulting in an injury to the face or head of an opponent.”
Trouba has been in trouble before, earning two suspensions and two fines in his career.
Here’s a look at some of the reaction to the play on social media.