Alexander Romanov, Islanders Defenseman, Out with Injury
New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov will be out of action for between five and six months due to surgery on his right shoulder, the team announced on Sunday.
Romanov’s injury, 25, occurred on Tuesday in Dallas during the last minute of regulation time. He was hit by Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen.
Romanov, who had to be helped off the ice, was placed on the injured reserve list on Wednesday. So far this season, he has recorded one assist in 15 games. Last summer, he signed an eight-year, $50 million contract.
“He’s not happy,” said Islanders coach Patrick Roy before Sunday’s home game. “We have to move on. We can’t replace a player like him.”
Patrick Roy, Islanders Coach
Alexander Romanov, defensa de los Islanders, tras el golpe que sufrió y que le mantendrá fuera de juego.Roy indicated that the team will rely on Adam Boqvist and Marshall Warren to make up for the absence of Romanov, known for his speed. The Islanders managed to win six of seven games on their recent trip before losing 2-1 against St. Louis at home on Saturday.
“We hope that the players who come in adapt and that Boqvist plays as he has been doing,” Roy commented on his defensive corps, which has been reinforced by the 18-year-old rookie, Matthew Schaefer.
Rantanen received a five-minute penalty for rough play and a game ejection, but no additional suspension was imposed by the league for the hit on Romanov. Previously, on Sunday, he was suspended for one game following a play against Calgary’s Matt Coronato during Saturday’s game.
Roy was furious after Rantanen’s hit on Romanov and yelled at the Dallas player as he headed to the locker room through a tunnel between the benches.
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan defended his player, arguing that Rantanen’s skate was grazed by Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, causing him to raise his arms to maintain balance just before contact with Romanov.
Rantanen stated that he had no intention of injuring Romanov. This is his first full season with Dallas after being traded twice last season.
