If the first period is any indication of how the rest of the Eastern Conference final between the New York Rangers and the Florida Panthers is going to go, fans will be in for a treat for the next week or so.
Early on, as both teams were getting a feel for each other and trying to show who the dominant opponent was, Rangers defenseman Jacob Trouba caught Panthers forward Nick Cousins with a less than obvious high stick, and although it connected, Cousins did a heck of a job trying to sell it for much more than it was worth.
Being this far into the playoffs, the name of the game is mind games, and whoever can get the upper hand. If you're getting away with infractions the officials don't see, you could very likely end up being the winner of the game and ultimately the series. Conversely, the referees need to take a better look at everything on the ice because, as usual, they are missing quite a bit.
However, as much as teams try to get the upper hand by towing the line, it sometimes comes with a price. In this instance, Trouba wasn't caught with the high stick; however, next time there is a good chance he isn't as lucky.
