Mikko Rantanen Avoids Suspension for Hit in Featured Game
The NHL’s Department of Player Safety has determined that Mikko Rantanen, forward for the Dallas Stars, will not receive any further sanctions for his “boarding” penalty against the New York Islanders on Tuesday. Rantanen was ejected from the game that the Stars lost to the Islanders after a hit that injured defenseman Alexander Romanov. Less than a minute remaining in regulation, Rantanen delivered a check against Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield and shoved Romanov from behind, sending him violently into the boards. Romanov had to be helped off the track. The Islanders did not offer any updates on Romanov’s health after the game, limiting themselves to saying that he did not have to be taken to the hospital.A Rantanen, the Stars’ top scorer with 27 points in 20 games, was given a 5-minute major penalty for “boarding”, which carries an automatic ejection. Dallas played the last 27.3 seconds without him, almost tying the game with a goal at 0.1 seconds left that was disallowed by the NHL Situation Room for goaltender interference. New York won an emotional game 3-2. Patrick Roy, Islanders coach, who launched a profane tirade against Rantanen when he left the ice, said the hit was “disrespectful” to 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
Finally, the NHL saw the play as Glen Gulutzan did, with the Stars coach arguing that Rantanen simply lost his 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 get out of the way. Everyone knows that. You don’t go against 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
Rantanen will be available when the Stars face the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday.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 were playing the game and were off balance, you would normally put your hands down.
Glen Gulutzan, Stars coach
