Vincent Trocheck loses cool with unsportsmanlike penalty in Rangers loss

Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mollie Walker about the inside buzz on the Rangers.Vincent Trocheck’s frustration boiled over in the second period of the Rangers’ 5-2 loss to the Sabres on Thursday night at the Garden, but head coach Mike Sullivan supported the center after he picked up an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.In the moments leading up to the Sabres’ second goal, Trocheck got tied up with Sabres center Josh Norris, grabbed his stick and chucked it toward the benches as play continued down the ice — seemingly wanting a penalty called.

But Bowen Byram dropped a pass to Alex Tuch from behind the net, Buffalo took a 2-0 lead and Trocheck was penalized following the sequence, putting the Blueshirts in a dangerous spot while already trailing by a pair of goals.“We’d prefer him not to get a penalty,” Sullivan said, “but I think for me, when Troch is at his best, he’s in the middle of that stuff.He’s a fierce competitor, and he tends to draw the ire of opponents when he’s at his best.

And I thought he did that tonight.”Mika Zibanejad also became frustrated with the Rangers on the power play near the end of the second period, when they had a chance in front but the net became dislodged when a cluster of players kept swinging at the puck — trying to push it past Sabres goaltender Colton Ellis.A goal would’ve allowed the Rangers to pull within 3-2 entering the final frame.But even with their glimpses of frustration, Zibanejad and Trocheck accounted for the Blueshirts’ pair of goals, with Zibanejad snapping a one-timer past Ellis in the second period.

Trocheck’s tally ignited the Rangers at the start of the third period, though their bid for an equalizer ultimately fell short.“We’re aware of the record at home,” Zibanejad said.“We’re aware of the struggles at home.

… I’d be more worried if we don’t show any frustration honestly.If we’re not showing...