"Dirtiest player", "Stop fighting after clean hits": NHL fans divided as Rangers' Jacob Trouba rocks Justin Barron with shoulder hit

The New York Rangers defeated the Montreal Canadiens 7-2 in a game that featured a huge hit by Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba on Canadiens forward Justin Barron. The hit occurred in the third period with the Rangers leading 5-2.

As Barron carried the puck through the neutral zone, Trouba stepped up and delivered a massive shoulder check that sent Barron down the ice. Barron's head slammed violently against the ice, leaving him dazed and needing assistance to get to the locker room.

The hit sparked an immediate response from Barron's teammate Mike Matheson. Matheson dropped his gloves and landed several punches on Trouba's head before officials separated the two.

The incident has sparked debate among NHL fans online.

One fan tweeted,

"Trouba is the dirtiest player in this league. In the head and I haven't even seen the replay. The length of this guy's crap, I can't with this guy."

Another fan noted,

"Stop fighting after clean hits"

Here are some fan reactions:

"Holy shit does Barron even know where he is?!" one fan wrote on X.

"Probably the only dude Id not regret getting the Ted Green treatment. First class POS. IYKYK." another fan wrote.

"Totally clean hit. Montreal was butt hurt about the hit" a user commented.

"That'll teach him for........ hitting......... in a league where that's allowed but apparently........ wrong? 2024 NHL. Gotta love it." another user wrote.

On the scoresheet, the Rangers offense overwhelmed Montreal all game. Filip Chytil scored twice, while Kaapo Kakko, Braden Schneider, Reilly Smith, Jonny Brodzinski and Mika Zibanejad added a goal each. Nick Suzuki was the lone bright spot for Montreal, netting both Canadiens goals.

Igor Shesterkin had little work in the New York net, stopping 21 of 23 shots. For the Canadiens, Cayden Primeau stopped 31 out of 34 shots while Sam Montembeault stopped 6 out of 10 shots.

Situation Room's decision regarding Jacob Trouba's shoulder hit on Justin Barron

The NHL's Situation Room in Toronto thoroughly reviewed Jacob Trouba's shoulder hit on Justin Barron. After multiple viewings from all camera angles, the Situation Room determined Trouba's hit was clean and did not warrant any supplemental discipline.

Mike Matheson received an instigator penalty for going after Jacob Trouba following the hit, and both players received five minutes for fighting.

After reviewing the play, the Situation Room contacted the game's officiating manager Marc Joannette to confirm the on-ice officials made the right call in not penalizing Trouba. The confirmation provided assurance to the referees that their real-time ruling was correct.