New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) goes head first into the boards over Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas (88) during the first overtime of Game 2 of the second round of the 2024 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Rangers defenseman goes flying into boards during Game 2

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 5/8/24

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba’s near-collision with Carolina Hurricanes center Martin Necas went viral Tuesday after Game 2 of their second-round matchup.

The Rangers outlasted the Hurricanes 4-3 in a double overtime contest at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

During the first overtime period, Trouba nearly took Necas’ head off on a vicious hit attempt. Necas either ducked or slipped, which saved him from taking a flying elbow right to the chin.

Jacob Trouba comes FLYING in on Martin Nečas pic.twitter.com/56yWt9xJX4
— Rangers Videos (@SNYRangers) May 8, 2024

Trouba’s attempted blow didn’t connect. But the moment still went viral on social media — particularly for a photo of Trouba crashing into the wall.

Welp pic.twitter.com/W5mMxBKSX9

— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 8, 2024

Tensions were already high in the first period after Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov took out Rangers goaltender Igor Shesterkin behind the net. Both teams got heated after the incident.

The Rangers ended up dealing the decisive blow on the ice. Center Vincent Trocheck slapped in a power-play goal at the 7:34 mark of double overtime.