Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen drew heavy attention after Tuesday’s 3-2 loss to the New York Islanders. Late in the third period, he was assessed a major penalty and ejected for boarding defenseman Alexander Romanov.
The collision came as the Stars pushed with an extra attacker to tie the game. While forechecking, Rantanen made contact with Romanov behind the Islanders’ bench, sending the blueliner face-first into the end boards. Romanov needed assistance leaving the ice and has since been placed on injured reserve with an upper-body injury.
What Did Mikko Rantanen Say About His Controversial Hit on Alexander Romanov?
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Rantanen made it clear that he had no intention of injuring Romanov, stating that the collision resulted from a quick loss of balance rather than a deliberate hit. “Obviously, never, never meant to do that. Never done that in my whole career. I play hard, but never try to be dirty on purpose,” Rantanen said.
He also explained that he believes he was clipped by Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, which caused him to stumble forward just as Romanov approached the boards. Rantanen said the whole sequence unfolded in milliseconds and insisted that, “You’ve got to make those decisions. If I don’t get touched, I wouldn’t just go bury a guy from behind. I’ve never done it and I would never do it.”
Islanders head coach Patrick Roy didn’t hide his frustration after the hit. He was caught on a hot mic shouting at Rantanen as he left the ice, “You won’t finish the game at home. Why won’t you come to New York and talk?” Roy yelled.
When asked about Roy’s comments, Rantanen said he never heard them. He hasn’t really followed any of the chatter surrounding the incident. “I didn’t hear it, no. So I’m not sure.” Rantanen said. “I don’t read a lot of news, so I’m not sure what he said. Maybe he was yelling I didn’t pick up the words. But yeah, I don’t know what he said.”
Mikko Rantanen also mentioned that he reached out to Romanov after the game. “I texted him and wished him all the best in recovery.” He added that he hasn’t heard back yet. “I never want to be a dirty player, and I never meant to do that,”
Rantanen avoided any supplemental discipline for the hit on Romanov, meaning the league elected not to issue a fine or suspension after reviewing the play.
