Jacob Trouba’s wallet was a little lighter on Monday.
The NHL announced it has fined the Rangers’ captain $5,000 for elbowing the Panthers’ Evan Rodriguez during the Blueshirts’ overtime win in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference final on Sunday.
$5,000 is the maximum allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
Trouba slashed Sam Bennett at 17:35 of the second period, then elbowed Rodriguez high to give the Panthers a four-minute power play.
But it was the Rangers who caught fire in the interim, as Barclay Goodrow scored shorthanded for his second of the game and sixth of the playoffs to give the Rangers a 4-2 lead.
The play was controversial, with some believing Trouba should have been heavily penalized for the hit.
Panthers coach Paul Maurice mocked the fine on Monday.
“Turn your hat around, poor boy. Poor Jake.” Maurice He told reporters“He’s going to not be able to eat.”
The Post follows Rangers coverage in the NHL playoffs
The Panthers scored two goals in the third quarter to send the game into overtime, but then Alex Wennberg scored his first postseason goal to give the Rangers the win and give the Blueshirts a 2-1 series lead.
Trouba, who also committed a holding foul in the third period, has now received 20 fouls in 13 games this postseason.
Game 4 is Tuesday at 8 p.m.
