The Jacob Trouba I saw last night vs the Islanders is the Trouba I thought we were getting and who Gorton paid $8 mill for. Other than a rejuvenated Kakko who I am so excited in seeing and which I discussed all the things I saw from him in the Kakko thread, Trouba was by far the best Ranger on the ice. Maybe besides Kakko, Trouba also needed this covid break cause he looked like a new man out there just as with Kakko.
I'll go as far as saying and yes I know it was just an "exhibition" game but it was as close to a regular season game an exhibition game could get, I don't think I can recall a better game from Trouba as a Ranger pre-covid.
Defensively he was stout, responsible and didn't let an Islander by him. He was physical which he needs to be and offensively he looked terrific as his passing and shot was spot on. He also seemed a bit quicker as well which was nice too see. Trouba was dominant out there last night and that's not something I saw very much if at all pre-covid.
I pray to the hockey gods that this is the Trouba we get come Saturday and going forward because if so, I not only like our chances to beat the Canes even more in the play in series, but a dominant Trouba would help us immeasurably too make some noise once the "real playoffs" begin and pull off an upset...that's how important Trouba is for this team. Love what I'm seeing from big Jake....he needs to keep it up and show last night was not a flukish one off thing!