Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is set to serve an automatic one-game suspension due to recent misconduct penalties. This suspension comes after he was ejected from two games within a span of three matches.
Mikko Rantanen’s Suspension Details
Rantanen received a game misconduct penalty during the second period of a recent game against the Calgary Flames. This incident occurred as the Stars faced a 3-2 loss in a shootout. Rantanen was penalized for boarding forward Matt Coronato from behind.
Although Coronato managed to finish the game, Calgary coach Ryan Huska condemned the hit as “a terrible hit.” The NHL’s Department of Player Safety opted not to conduct a hearing for Rantanen. Instead, they enforced Rule 23.6 from the NHL rulebook, which stipulates an automatic one-game suspension for any player who receives two game misconduct penalties categorized under “Physical Infractions” within 41 consecutive regular-season games.
Impact on Upcoming Matches
This suspension will sideline Rantanen for the crucial match against the Edmonton Oilers. This game is particularly significant as it is a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Final, where the Oilers triumphed in five games. Rantanen has been a key player for the Stars, currently leading the team with 28 points over 22 games, including 10 goals and 18 assists.
Recent Performance and Penalties
Rantanen’s performance this week has been tumultuous. He received another ejection in a game against the New York Islanders, where he was penalized for boarding defenseman Alexander Romanov. This hit elicited a strong reaction from Islanders coach Patrick Roy, who described it as “disrespectful.” Romanov is expected to undergo shoulder surgery, with a recovery timeline of five to six months.
Rantanen’s History in the NHL
Throughout his 11-year career spanning teams like Colorado, Carolina, and Dallas, Rantanen has had a clean record regarding supplemental discipline. His only previous encounter with the NHL’s Department of Player Safety was for an embellishment fine.
- Player: Mikko Rantanen
- Team: Dallas Stars
- Suspension: One-game automatic suspension
- Infraction: Boarding penalty against Matt Coronato
- Next Game: Edmonton Oilers
- Points Leader: 28 points in 22 games
- Penalty Minutes: 57 minutes
