Crosby fell on the ice from the crunch check that came as soon as he picked up a loose puck at the Rangers’ defensive end. Crosby quickly stood up and tried to play. But he couldn’t. He went to the bench and sat down, bowed his head, and then walked to the locker room with approximately seven minutes of play in the period.
Shortly afterwards, Rangers unleashed a series of consecutive goals from Adam Fox, Alexis Lafrenier and Trumpet, who danced from the point of an elegant backhand goal, which added insult to Crosby’s injury.
One of the most awarded players in 20 years, Crosby won three Stanley Cups with the Penguins, two Hart trophies as the most valuable player in the league and two Con Smythe trophies for the most useful player in the playoffs.
But he also has a history of head injuries, the most serious of which occurred in 2011. For many skeptical New York fans, he also has a history of failures in trying to pull penalties. But in this case, Crosby didn’t even look for the referees to call.
There were no penalties for the game, but the National Hockey League Players’ Safety Service could review it and impose a fine, if not suspension, on Trumpet on Thursday. From Pittsburgh’s point of view, the league should keep its best, most skilled players on the ice.
In the first four games of the series, Crosby scored two goals and seven assists.
But not all penguins were convinced that the play was dirty. Marcus Peterson was also asked if he thought Trumpet was intent on harm.
“Honestly, I didn’t see him,” he said. “But I do not think so. Both teams are playing hard. ”
The blow came one game after Rangers coach Gerard Galant rebuked his team for being “soft” in Game 4 in Pittsburgh, a game the Penguins won easily. Gallant didn’t want the slain players to make cheap shots, but to compete harder, fight for puck on the boards and show more commitment in defense. They did all this.
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