Rangers' Jacob Trouba Won't Face Hearing for Hit That Caused Sidney Crosby Injury

New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba will not face an NHL hearing for the hit that injured Pittsburgh Penguins star Sidney Crosby on Wednesday night, according to TSN's Pierre LeBrun.

Trouba caught Crosby with a hit to the head area during the second period of Game 5 of the first-round playoff series between the Rangers and Penguins, and Crosby did not return.

Pittsburgh was leading the game 2-0 at the time of the hit, but after Crosby left the game, the momentum shifted significantly into the Rangers' favor and they went on to win 5-3.

By virtue of the victory, New York avoided elimination and cut the series deficit to 3-2.

Trouba was not penalized for the hit, and since there will be no hearing, he isn't in line to be suspended or fined either.

Penguins head coach Mike Sullivan told reporters Thursday that Crosby suffered an upper-body injury as a result of the hit and would be evaluated ahead of Friday's Game 6.

While Sullivan did not discuss the severity of the injury or whether he felt Trouba should be disciplined, he noted that the Pens have a "next man up mentality."

Despite that, it would be a massive loss for Pittsburgh if Crosby is unable to play in Game 6 or a potential Game 7.

In addition to being a three-time Stanley Cup champion and one of the greatest players in NHL history, the 34-year-old veteran was giving New York fits throughout the series before getting injured.

With nine points in five games, Crosby is tied for third in playoff scoring this season behind only Colorado Avalanche defenseman Cale Makar and Florida Panthers forward Carter Verhaeghe, who each have 10 points.

Crosby is also coming off a strong regular season that saw him post 31 goals and 53 assists for 84 points in 69 games, which was his best production since the 2018-19 campaign.

If Crosby can't play in Game 6, it will place added pressure on the Penguins' other top forwards to step up in an effort to eliminate the Blueshirts.

Jake Guentzel is the Pens' second-leading scorer in these playoffs with eight points, while Evgeni Malkin, Bryan Rust, Jeff Carter, Evan Rodrigues, Jason Zucker and Kasperi Kapanen will be asked to elevate their play as well.

Meanwhile, the Rangers will still have the services of Trouba, who set career highs during the regular season with 11 goals, a plus-25 rating, 177 blocked shots, 207 hits and 88 penalty minutes.