Mikko Rantanen Ejected After Controversial Hit in Islanders Game

Dallas, Texas – Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche was ejected from the game against the New York Islanders late in the third period on Wednesday night in Dallas. The ejection occurred after Rantanen delivered a hard boarding hit on Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov.

The incident unfolded as Rantanen was pursuing the puck in the offensive zone. Romanov went to retrieve the puck along the boards when Rantanen collided with him, sending Romanov crashing into the boards. Following the hit, Romanov remained on the ice and was assisted off the rink, reportedly suffering an injury.

Video footage showed Rantanen using his hands to push Romanov just before the collision, which raised concerns over the legality of the hit. Rantanen appeared to lose his balance just prior to the impact, as an Islander player hooked him, but the officials deemed the action was still a dangerous play.

After the hit, Islanders head coach Patrick Roy visibly expressed his displeasure with Rantanen’s actions as he exited the ice toward the locker room. Roy’s heated reactions could be heard on the broadcast, highlighting the tension surrounding the incident.

Despite Rantanen receiving a five-minute major penalty for the boarding call, the Dallas Stars managed to tie the game in the final seconds, although the goal was disallowed due to interference with the goaltender. Jason Robertson scored both goals for Dallas, contributing to an intense finish.

The Islanders ultimately won the matchup, 3-2, maintaining their competitive edge in the league.