It looks like Mikko Rantanen will finally be punished for two reckless actions in the past two games. The Dallas Stars forward is under competition reviewand this time it looks like additional discipline is finally on the way.
According to reporter Lia Assimakopoulos, the NHL is reviewing Rantanen’s boarding penalty from last night’s game against the Calgary Flames, and some sort of suspension is expected. This follows a growing chorus of media and fans wondering how long Rantanen could continue throwing dangerous hits without consequences.
The latest incident occurred when Rantanen pushed Flames forward Matt Coronato from behind, drawing a major penalty and misconduct in the match – his second such ejection in a week. Earlier, he delivered a similar goal on Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov, who luckily was able to leave the ice under his own power. Rantanen got away with the Romanov hit because his skate was thought to have been overtaken by another player’s skate, throwing him off balance. This time the play was clear and deliberate.
Rantanen was also fined $2,000 days later for embellishment, which has led to him building a reputation this season for being quite a dirty player.
The Flames were also not happy with Rantanen’s hit on Coronato. Matt Coronato spoke after the game about teammate Jonathan Huberdeau stepping in to fight Rantanen immediately afterward, calling it a reflection of the close-knit Flames locker room.
The Rantanen pattern is becoming difficult to ignore
At this point the pattern becomes difficult to ignore. With back-to-back dangerous plays, another major penalty and increased scrutiny around the league, the expectation is that the Department of Player Safety will take action. Some fans also point to the automatic suspension language in the rulebook for repeat offenders who collect multiple majors of the same type in a short period of time.
Whether the NHL imposes a one-game penalty or something more meaningful, the message seems clear: Rantanen’s recent string of reckless hits has finally crossed the line.
More to come when the league announces its decision.
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