On Tuesday, the Islanders defeated the Stars by a score of 3-2. The main story that will no doubt come out of this game though will be the injury to Alexander Romanov and the dirty hit by Mikko Rantanen that caused the injury.
Coming to play the puck behind the net, Romanov had his back to the rest of the ice when he was violently pushed in the back by Rantanen sending him violently into the boards what looked like face first. There have been some, including Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan that have tried to make the argument that Rantanen making contact with Mayfield threw him off balance thus excusing him for his conduct.
I am sorry but that is just a brainless excuse by a coach trying to excuse is star players horrible actions. Even if Gulutzan is right and that is what happened, how does fully extending your arms through the back of the guy in front of you help with that?
Patrick Roy was visibly pissed off on the bench following the hit. He exchanged some words with Rantanen as he went down the tunnel as well as Stars assistant coach Alain Nasreddine after Rantanen went to the locker room. This was by far the angriest and most animated we have seen Roy since he took over as coach for the Islanders.
If Rantanen doesn't get at least a few games for this hit I will be very surprised!
As of post game, the only update on Romanov was that he didn't have to go to the hospital which is a very good sign! Sending thoughts and well wishes to him as he begins his healing process from the injuries sustained on the play.
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