Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen was ejected for the second time in three games Saturday night after boarding Calgary Flames forward Matt Coronato late in the second period of the Flames’ 3-2 shootout victory.
The dangerous hit from behind marked Rantanen’s third questionable incident in just one week, with the forward already in hot water before his latest actions.
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On Saturday, the controversial play occurred with Calgary leading 1–0 and drew 20 total penalty minutes for Rantanen.
Coronato retrieved a puck along the boards when Rantanen came from behind and pushed him face-first into the glass. Officials on the ice assessed Rantanen a five-minute major and a game misconduct.
Flames forward Jonathan Huberdeau immediately dropped the gloves with Rantanen, and both received fighting majors.
Coronato, meanwhile, was spotted skating toward the locker room with a bloody face, but he ultimately returned to the game in the third period.
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Rantanen, who is tied for the Dallas team lead with 28 points and leads with 18 assists this season, has been tossed from games twice in less than a week.
Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) in action against the Calgary Flames.Brett Holmes-Imagn Images
Rantanen was ejected Tuesday after boardingNew York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov. The Islanders blueliner has not appeared in a game since that hit.
Just one day before the Coronato incident, Rantanen was fined $2,000 for diving during the Nov. 11 game against the Ottawa Senators. It was his second embellishment offense of the season, following a warning for an Oct. 16 incident against the Vancouver Canucks.
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Rantanen has not served a suspension in his 11-year career, but with back-to-back boarding majors and a recent fine on his record, the league’s discipline office will be under pressure to review Saturday’s events and potentially hand the forward his first-ever suspension.
The Stars return to action Tuesday against the Edmonton Oilers, with puck drop set for 9 p.m. ET.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 23, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.