Jacob Trouba destroys Timo Meier with tremendous open-ice hit (Video)

Jacob Trouba open ice hit on Timo Meier, Rangers vs. Devils, 5/1/2023
New York Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba laid out New Jersey Devils right winger Timo Meier with a huge open-ice hit during Game 7 of their NHL Eastern Conference first round playoff series at the Prudential Center.

It happened just over five minutes into the third period as the Devils held a 2-0 lead. Meier controlled the puck across the Rangers blue line with his head down and did not see Trouba lining him up to take him down. Trouba turned his shoulder and knocked Meier flat on his back.

Here is a close-up slow-motion angle of the incredible hit: The officials blew the whistle as Meier was out on the ice for a few minutes before slowly getting up and skating off under his own power. He did not return to the game.

Trouba is known for delivering enormous open ice hits such as this on a regular basis. The officials saw the play and did not call a penalty, so the hit was clean.

The Devils had the last laugh, however, as they won the game 4-0 to win the series 4-3 and advance to the second round of the playoffs. The Devils will now face the Carolina Hurricanes in a best-of-7.