Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is not expected to receive any further discipline from the NHL for a boarding penalty against Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov that angered New York coaches and players, a person familiar with the league’s decision making told The Dallas Morning News.
With 27.3 seconds left in Tuesday’s 3-2 loss, Rantanen collided with Romanov, pushing him face first into the boards. Romanov was down on the ice for minutes while a fight broke out and needed to be helped down the tunnel.
Rantanen was assessed a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct. The league felt the on-ice discipline was sufficient.
Sports Roundup
The Islanders’ coaches and players weren’t happy with the play Tuesday night.
“All I’m gonna say is when you see the number, you have to lay off,” Islanders coach Patrick Roy said. “Everybody knows that. You don’t go through the guy.
“I was in Colorado when [Rantanen] was drafted there. That’s not his style. At the same time, that should not be a part of our game.”
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan had a different perspective on the hit.
“If you watch the play, I think it’s [Scott] Mayfield, the defenseman, actually holds up Rantanen, and they actually clip skates, so Rants is off balance going in there, too,” Gulutzan said. “I’ve seen Rants play enough over the last 10 years that it’s just one of those hockey plays that happens. I hope Romanov is OK. Rants clips skates, being held up, so it’s a dangerous play for everybody.”
The NHL appears to agree with Gulutzan’s thinking that Rantanen was pushed off balance by Mayfield before colliding with Romanov.
Rantanen has never been suspended in his 11-year NHL career.
Rantanen said after practice Wednesday that he reached out to Romanov over text to wish him well and tell him he didn’t intend to hurt him with the hit but has not heard back yet.
“I obviously never meant to do that,” Rantanen said. “I’ve never done that all my career. I play hard, but I never try to be dirty on purpose. I got clipped a little bit and kept falling forward. Unfortunate moment but never really meant to do it.”
The forward leads the club with 27 points (nine goals and 18 assists) this season. He joined the Stars in a blockbuster trade for four draft picks and Logan Stankoven ahead of last season’s trade deadline and began the biggest contract in Stars’ history — an eight-year, $96 million deal — this season.
On X/Twitter: @Lassimak
How to watch Stars-Canucks: TV, streaming info as Dallas heads northJason Robertson making strong case for new Stars contract, Team USA spot
Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.