Islanders Coach Confronts Stars Player After Boarding Hit Ejection
In a contentious moment during a recent NHL game, New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy unleashed a verbal attack on Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen following the ejection of the player for a controversial boarding hit on Alex Romanov. The incident occurred during the final minutes of regulation, when Rantanen hit Romanov from behind, resulting in the defenseman crashing headfirst into the boards. The hit was deemed a boarding violation, leading to a 5-minute major penalty and Rantanen’s ejection from the game.
As Rantanen exited the rink between the benches, the broadcast captured Roy’s heated exchange with the player. Roy was heard saying, ‘You’re not gonna f—ing finish that game,’ seemingly referencing the teams’ next matchup in New York. Although Roy’s tone was initially fiery, he calmed down after the game and reiterated his concerns about the hit. ‘I hope he’s going to be OK. At this moment I don’t know exactly what it is,’ Roy said, expressing hope for Romanov’s well-being while emphasizing the disrespect of the play.
Roy’s criticism extended to the broader implications of the hit, stating, ‘When you see the number, you have to lay off. Everybody knows that. You don’t go through the guy.’ He stressed that such actions are not part of the game and should not be tolerated, highlighting the need for accountability in the NHL. However, the NHL Department of Player Safety did not issue any further action against Rantanen, with reports from The Dallas Morning News noting that the hit did not warrant additional penalties.
Stars coach Glen Gulutzan defended Rantanen, suggesting that the incident was the result of a clipped skate from Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield. ‘It’s just one of those hockey plays that happened,’ Gulutzan said, adding, ‘I hope Romanov is OK. It’s a dangerous play for everybody.’ The situation underscores the complex dynamics of on-ice conduct and the challenges in officiating such plays, as both teams continue to navigate the physical demands of the sport.
The game itself was a tense affair, with the Islanders ultimately securing a 3-2 victory after a controversial goal by Wyatt Johnston was waved off for goalie interference. Despite the intensity of the game, the incident has sparked discussions about player safety, the role of coaches in enforcing rules, and the broader implications of such actions in the NHL. As the season continues, the league will likely revisit the incident, balancing the need for accountability with the inherent risks of the sport.
The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.