Islanders Coach Confronts Stars Player After Controversial Boarding Hit
During a heated game between the New York Islanders and the Dallas Stars, head coach Patrick Roy erupted in a verbal confrontation with Dallas forward Mikko Rantanen after the player was ejected for a dangerous boarding hit. The incident occurred in the final minute of regulation when Rantanen, the Stars’ leading scorer with 27 points, hit Islanders defenseman Alex Romanov from behind, sending the player crashing headfirst into the boards. The hit earned Rantanen a 5-minute major penalty and his ejection from the game.
As Rantanen left the rink, Roy’s frustration was apparent, and he directed a verbal attack toward the player. The broadcast captured Roy saying, “You’re not gonna f—ing finish that game,” seemingly in reference to the teams’ upcoming matchup in New York. Although Roy appeared calmer after the game, he continued to express his discontent over the hit, emphasizing the need for discipline in the sport. “I hope he’s going to be OK,” Roy told reporters, adding that the hit was disrespectful and should not be part of hockey.
Meanwhile, Stars coach Glen Gulutzan defended Rantanen, claiming the contact was an accident. “It’s just one of those hockey plays that happened. I hope Romanov is OK,” Gulutzan said. He alleged that Rantanen’s skate was clipped by Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, leading to the unintended contact with Romanov. The game ended with the Islanders securing a 3-2 victory after Wyatt Johnston’s potential game-tying goal was waved off for goalie interference.
Romanov did not require hospitalization, though his immediate condition was unclear. The NHL Department of Player Safety is reviewing the incident, and according to the Dallas Morning News, Rantanen is not expected to face further discipline. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of players and the enforcement of rules, with many calling for stricter actions against dangerous plays. The situation has also sparked discussions among fans and analysts about the balance between aggressive play and player safety in the NHL.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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