Mikko Rantanen Avoids Suspension for Hit on Alexander Romanov
The NHL’s Player Safety Department 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 after a hit that injured defenseman Alexander Romanov. The incident occurred with less than a minute remaining in regulation. Rantanen, after contact with Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, pushed Romanov from behind, sending him into the boards. Romanov had to be helped off the track.Rantanen, the Stars’ top scorer with 27 points in 20 games, received a five-minute major penalty for the foul, which carries an automatic ejection from the game. Dallas played the last 27.3 seconds without him, and almost tied the game with a goal that was disallowed for goaltender interference. Islanders coach Patrick Roy called the hit “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
The NHL considered the play similar to that of Stars coach Glen Gulutzan, who argued that Rantanen simply lost his balance and did not intend to hit Romanov near the boards.What I’m going to say is that when you see the number, you have to let it go. Everyone knows that. You’re not going after the guy. 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 off balance as he enters. If you played the game and you’re off balance, you usually put your hands down.
Glen Gulutzan, Stars coach
