Patrick Roy, head coach of the New York Islanders, expressed strong disapproval following a controversial hit by Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen on Islanders defenceman Alexander Romanov. The incident occurred with just 28 seconds remaining in a tightly contested game that the Islanders were leading 3-2.
Details of the Incident
Rantanen delivered a hit that sent Romanov crashing into the boards face-first. This prompted the officials to impose a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct on Rantanen. Roy’s reaction was immediate and visible, as he confronted Rantanen while he left the ice.
Roy’s Reaction
In his post-game remarks, Roy stated, “You see the numbers, you have to lay off. Everybody knows that. I mean, you don’t go through the guy.” He emphasized his pride in the Islanders’ response to the hit and labeled the incident “disrespectful” toward Romanov.
Coaching Connection
Interestingly, Roy briefly coached Rantanen during the 2015-16 NHL season. He stressed that playing dirty is not characteristic of Rantanen’s style. “But at the same time, that should not be part of our game,” he added, highlighting his commitment to player safety.
Player Condition and Team Response
Although Romanov appeared to be in significant pain, he managed to skate off the ice under his own power. Teammate Jean-Gabriel Pageau pointed out that friend and teammate injuries take precedence over the game itself. He recognized the emotional impact of the incident on the team.
Stars’ Perspective
Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan defended Rantanen, noting that his skate might have been clipped, causing him to lose balance before the hit. “It’s just one of those hockey plays that happened. I hope Romanov is okay,” he remarked, acknowledging the potential dangers involved.
Attempts to Reach Out
On Wednesday, Rantanen stated through The Dallas Morning News that he had reached out to Romanov to convey his concern and clarify that there was no malicious intent behind the hit. However, he had yet to receive a response.
Expressing Understanding
- Jason Robertson, a forward for the Stars, noted the Islanders’ strong feelings about the hit.
- He recognized that the Islanders were merely defending their teammate, calling the situation “unfortunate.”
Game Recap and Conclusion
The Islanders secured a vital 3-2 victory against Dallas, marking a successful moment in their road trip. The game featured intense action, culminating in a controversial final play that was overturned upon video review. As the Stars sought a potential tying goal in the closing seconds, the NHL determined that there was goalie interference, negating the goal.
Roy and the Islanders will undoubtedly continue to discuss the implications of the incident involving Rantanen and Romanov, as the focus remains on player safety and respect within the game.
