Former Canadien Alexander Romanov done for the season as Mikko Rantanen is suspended for controversi


Alexander Romanov collision with Mikko Rantanen

Photo credit: Screenshot / NHL

A very bad piece of news hits the New York Islanders, as former Montreal Canadiens defenseman Alexander Romanov learns he will be out for months.”Injury Update: Alex Romanov is out 5-6 months. He will have shoulder surgery.”

– New York Islanders

It’s a major blow for a player beloved by his teammates and respected throughout the league. He was injured Tuesday night on a sequence in which Mikko Rantanen violently drove him into the boards. A misconduct penalty even ended the Dallas Stars forward’s game.

Here is the bone-chilling sequence:

After the game, Patrick Roy did not hide his concern:

“I hope Romanov will be okay. No one was happy to see him get hurt like that.”

– Roy

As for Mikko Rantanen. Although the NHL’s Department of Player Safety has not yet scheduled a hearing for Rantanen, they have issued an automatic suspension. The suspension was triggered by his accumulation of two game misconducts before completing 41 consecutive games without one.

A heavy loss for the Islanders and a long road ahead for Romanov

Habs fans know it well: Romanov is not a defenseman who seeks attention. He blocks shots. He plays hard. He gives everything. He has been a true warrior since his time with the Montreal Canadiens. And Habs fans still have good memories of him.

I admit it gives me a ping in the heart.

Before his injury, he already had one assist and 31 blocks in just a few games. He was playing nearly 20 minutes a night.

One thing is certain: he was truly important in Patrick Roy’s structure.

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NOVEMBRE 23   |   756 ANSWERS

Former Canadien Alexander Romanov done for the season as Mikko Rantanen is suspended for controversial hit

Do you think Romanov’s absence will hurt the New York Islanders?