Controversial Actions on the Ice
In a recent series of contentious appearances, Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen has found himself at the center of controversy, raising questions about his playing style. The shift in perception occurred during a match against the New York Islanders, where Rantanen, with under 30 seconds left in regulation, delivered a severe check that sent defenseman Alexander Romanov crashing into the boards.
Consequences of the Incident
This reckless move not only resulted in Romanov suffering an upper-body injury that could potentially sideline him for the entire season, but Rantanen also earned a five-minute major penalty for boarding and a game misconduct.
The incident led the NHL’s Department of Player Safety to review the circumstances. They concluded that Rantanen’s actions, while egregious, were partially influenced by Islanders’ player Scott Mayfield, which spared Rantanen from receiving a fine or suspension this time.
Continued Struggles
Following this incident, Rantanen’s struggles continued. In a subsequent game against the Ottawa Senators, he was penalized again, this time for embellishment after a questionable play involving goaltender Linus Ullmark. Rantanen’s interaction with Ullmark, which included grabbing the goaltender’s arm, drew scrutiny and resulted in a $2,000 penalty due to his previous history of similar infractions, including a diving penalty earned against the Vancouver Canucks earlier this season.
Escalating Issues
The situation reached a climax when, during a game against the Calgary Flames, Rantanen was ejected for another dangerous hit, this time against Long Island native Matt Coronato, adding to the bloodshed from his recent actions. With this repeated pattern of misconduct raising alarms, the league is now faced with the decision on further consequences for Rantanen, as he appears unable to steer clear of disciplinary issues on the ice.
