After making a brutal hit on Evan Rodrigues during game three against Florida, New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba earned himself a $5,000 fine. Today, Panthers head coach Paul Maurice poured salt on the wound with bold comments he made in a press conference.
The New York Rangers and Florida Panthers have both competed hard in this season's Eastern Conference Finals. Par for the brutality of the game, Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba landed a massive elbow hit on Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues.
In addition to a two-minute minor penalty, the defenseman received a $5,000 fine, the maximum permitted by the CBA.
Despite the NHL fining Trouba for this hit, Florida Panthers head coach Paul Maurice took no prisoners when asked about the defenseman's situation. In a press conference earlier today, Maurice joked sarcastically about the player's finances, implying that the NHL's fine is ultimately unsubstantial.
The Florida Panthers will play game four of the Eastern Conference Finals tomorrow evening. With his team currently trailing the New York Rangers 2-1, Paul Maurice will certainly have to focus more on a game-winning strategy and less on scoring points in a press conference.
