Mikko Rantanen Suspended After Incidents in the NHL
Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen has been suspended for one game after being ejected in his second game in a span of three games. Rantanen received a penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct at the end of the second period in Saturday’s 3-2 shootout loss to the Flames, after hitting forward Matt Coronato from behind.The NHL’s Player Safety Department did not hold a hearing for Rantanen, according to sources, and instead relied on Rule 23.6 of the NHL’s regulations, which requires an automatic one-game suspension for any player who receives a total of two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the “Physical Infractions Category” within 41 consecutive regular season games. The suspension will keep Rantanen out of Tuesday night’s game in Edmonton against the Oilers, a rematch of last year’s Western Conference final, which the Oilers won in five games. Rantanen, 29, is tied with Jason Robertson for the team lead with 28 points in 22 games (10 goals, 18 assists). With his two ejections, he now leads the team with an astounding 57 penalty minutes. The hit on Saturday was the last of a difficult week for Rantanen. In last Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the Islanders, the Stars’ winger was also ejected at the end of the game after hitting defenseman Alexander Romanov. That play drew the ire of Islanders coach Patrick Roy, who launched a profane tirade as Rantanen left the ice, and then called the hit “disrespectful”.It was a terrible blow.
Ryan Huska, Calgary coach
The Islanders announced on Sunday that Romanov will undergo shoulder surgery and is expected to be out for five to six months. Rantanen has no history of supplemental discipline in his 11-year career, which has spanned Colorado, Carolina, and now Dallas. Rantanen’s only notable history with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety before this suspension was a fine for embellishment.I’m going to say that when you see the number, you have to leave it. Everyone knows that. You don’t mess with the guy. I was in Colorado when Rantanen was drafted there. It’s not his style. But at the same time, that shouldn’t be part of our game.
Patrick Roy, Islanders coach
