During the intense clash between the New York Islanders and the Dallas Stars on Tuesday night, tensions escalated dramatically when Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen was ejected for a dangerous boarding hit on Islanders defenseman Alex Romanov. The incident occurred in the final minute of the first period, and the impact was severe enough to send Romanov crashing into the boards, drawing immediate concern for his safety. The incident sparked an immediate reaction from New York Islanders head coach Patrick Roy, who voiced his frustration with a verbal attack on Rantanen during the post-ejection moment.
Roy’s confrontation was captured on live television as he approached the departing Rantanen and unleashed a barrage of insults, including the scathing comment, “You’re not gonna f—ing finish that game,” which was interpreted by many as a reference to the teams’ upcoming matchup in New York. While the intensity of the outburst was palpable, Roy maintained control of his emotions during his post-game press conference, where he expressed his broader concerns about the incident. He emphasized, “When you see the number, you have to lay off. Everybody knows that. You don’t go through the guy,” highlighting the NHL’s ongoing efforts to enforce player safety protocols. He also praised his team’s response, saying, “I’m proud of the way our guys handled it afterwards. No one was happy to see someone get hurt like this.”
Romanov, who was not taken to the hospital but was evaluated by medical staff, was reported to be in stable condition at the time. The NHL Department of Player Safety will review the incident, and as per The Dallas Morning News, Rantan, who is the team’s leading scorer with 27 points, is not expected to face further disciplinary action. Stars coach Glen Gulutzan attempted to defend the incident, stating, “It’s just one of those hockey plays that happened. I hope Romanov is OK. It’s a dangerous play for everybody,” acknowledging the inherent risks of contact in the sport.
The game itself was a tight contest, with the Islanders securing a 3-2 victory after a disputed goal was waved off due to goalie interference. Despite the contentious moment involving Romanov, the Islanders’ ability to maintain composure and secure a win underscored their resilience on the ice. However, the incident raised broader questions about player safety, officiating, and the enforcement of rules in the NHL. The situation will likely be a point of discussion following the game, with both franchises and the league taking steps to ensure such incidents are minimized in the future.