Mikko Rantanen Avoids Sanction After Controversial Collision
The NHL’s player safety department has decided not to sanction Mikko Rantanen, forward for the Dallas Stars, following Tuesday’s incident against the New York Islanders, sources reported. Rantanen was ejected from the game after a hard hit on defenseman Alexander Romanov. The hit, which occurred less than a minute before the end of regulation, involved Rantanen pushing Romanov into the boards. Romanov had to be helped off the ice. The Islanders did not offer updates on his health status after the game, but confirmed that he did not require hospitalization.Rantanen, the Stars’ top scorer with 27 points in 20 games, received a major five-minute penalty for the action, which led to an automatic ejection. Dallas played the last 27.3 seconds without him, and almost tied the game with a goal that was disallowed for interference with the goalie. The Islanders won the game with a score of 3-2. Islanders coach Patrick Roy called the hit “disrespectful” towards his team.When one of your friends gets injured on the ice, it’s much more important than hockey. We got the two points. We’re happy about that. But our first concern was Romy.
Jean-Gabriel Pageau, Islanders forward
On the other hand, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan argued that Rantanen was off balance and did not intend to hit Romanov near the boards.I’m going to say that when you see the number, you have to avoid contact. Everyone knows that. You don’t go against the player.
Patrick Roy, Islanders coach
Rantanen will be available for Thursday’s game against the Vancouver Canucks.If you see the play, I think Mayfield holds Rants and they actually get their skates tangled. So Rants is also going off balance as he enters there. If you played the game and you go off balance, you normally extend your hands.
Glen Gulutzan, Stars coach
