The Dallas Stars broke a two-game losing skid with a 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Monday, but most headlines centered on Darcy Kuemper’s early exit from the game.
Los Angeles lost Kuemper in the first period after he collided with Stars forward Mikko Rantanen near the crease. The veteran goaltender needed help leaving the ice and did not return.
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Rantanen described the play as accidental during his postgame availability. The forward said he did not intend to strike the Kings’ goalie, let alone injure him.
“Yeah, it was unfortunate,” Rantanen said, per Dennis Bernstein. “I was just driving the net and thought my route was top of the blue. Dumoulin was there pushing me that way.”
Rantanen said he apologized immediately to Kuemper, even though the damage was already done.
“Unfortunate to see him go down,” Rantanen said. “Hopefully, he doesn’t miss too much time.”
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The replay showed Kuemper inside the crease when contact occurred, but for some reason the officials on the ice handed no penalty to the Stars forwards, prompting the Kings players to question that decision.
Kuemper left have made five saves in a scoreless game. The goalie entered the night with a .917 save percentage and a 2.19 goals-against average. His status moving forward is unknown as the Kings are next scheduled to face the Florida Panthers on Wednesday night.
Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) during a stoppage in play.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
This marks another controversial moment involving Rantanen this season. The Stars forward was suspended earlier this season for boarding the Flames’ Matt Coronato, with another hit injuring the Islanders’ Alexander Romanov.
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Whether the NHL issues further discipline remains unclear, with no announcement on any punishment made as of Tuesday morning.
Los Angeles scored first but faltered late, ultimately allowing four unanswered goals to Dallas in the final 25 minutes of play.
The Stars face the San Jose Sharks next, with puck drop set for 10 p.m. ET on Thursday.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 16, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.