As expected, the Department of Player Safety fined Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba $5,000 for elbowing Evan Rodrigues. He was fined the maximum amount under the CBA.

The elbow took place with 2:28 left in the second period. On a delayed penalty for slashing, Trouba attempted a desperation hit that caught Rodrigues up high.

Fortunately, the elbow didn’t make head contact. Instead, it landed on the shoulder and neck of Rodrigues. After they reviewed the play for a major penalty, it was reduced to a two-minute minor.

The Rangers were able to bail Trouba out by killing off a four-minute Panthers’ power play. He was lucky that his undisciplined penalties didn’t prove costly.

Aside from that, Trouba’s fortunate he wasn’t suspended. To echo ESPN analyst P.K. Subban, that wasn’t a hockey play. It was an elbow with intent to injure an opponent. I understood Subban’s argument for it being a major. Mark Messier didn’t utter a word during the segment.

Had Trouba connected with Rodriguez’ head, he would’ve been gone for both the game and the series. While he’s correct that it happened so fast, he can’t do that. It’s dangerous and too risky.

In the second round, he nearly decapitated Hurricanes forward Martin Necas. He went for a big hit, and Necas ducked out of the way. Instead, Trouba went flying into the boards. That was close.

Trouba has to know better. He likes to hit. That’s fine. Hitting is part of hockey. But he can’t head hunt. Like it or not, he now has that reputation. The refs are going to be keeping a close eye on him.

The Rangers captain is very accountable after games. He has to toe the line. He’s also needed on the ice. Trouba took three penalties on Sunday. He now leads the postseason with 10. That’s far too many for a key player who’s an important part of  both five-on-five and the penalty kill.

In a game, when he was far from his best, Trouba still managed to help set up two goals. He has three assists over the last two games. Any offense he adds is a bonus. The focus is on being better defensively with partner K’Andre Miller against a relentless Panthers’ attack.

Game 4 is tomorrow night at 8 EST on ESPN.