Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen is facing a likely suspension from the NHL Department of Player Safety following a boarding penalty in Saturday's game against the Calgary Flames. This marks Rantanen's second ejection in just three games, escalating scrutiny from fans and media regarding his recent on-ice conduct.
The incident occurred late in the second period of Saturday's 3-2 shootout loss to the Flames. Rantanen delivered a hit to Matt Coronato that sent the Flames winger crashing face-first into the boards. Coronato left the game with a cut on his face that required stitches but returned to play in the third period. Rantanen received a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for boarding. Jonathan Huberdeau immediately retaliated with a fight.
The NHL Department of Player Safety is reviewing the play, and Rantanen is expected to receive at least a one-game suspension for violating NHL rule 23.6. This rule stipulates an automatic one-game suspension for any player who incurs a total of two game misconduct penalties in the "Physical Infractions Category" before playing 41 consecutive regular season games without such a penalty. Physical infractions include boarding, charging, checking from behind, clipping, elbowing, head-butting, interference, and kneeing. The one-game suspension would mean Rantanen would miss Dallas' game in Edmonton on Tuesday night.
This incident follows another ejection on Tuesday when Rantanen boarded New York Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov. Romanov was injured and has not played since. Rantanen avoided further discipline for the Romanov hit, as the league felt that he was tripped by Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield before colliding with Romanov.
Adding to the controversy, Rantanen was fined $2,000 on Friday for embellishment during a November 11 game against the Ottawa Senators. This was his second embellishment offense of the season, the first being on October 16 against the Vancouver Canucks. Rule 64 of the NHL rulebook addresses embellishment or diving, escalating penalties with repeated offenses.
With the Coronato hit, Rantanen now leads the NHL in penalty minutes this season. According to Rule 23.6, subsequent game misconduct penalties before playing 41 consecutive games without a major or game misconduct in the physical infractions category could lead to increased automatic suspensions.
Through 21 games this season, Rantanen leads the Stars with 28 points, including 10 goals and 18 assists. He is in the first year of an eight-year contract with a $12 million cap hit. Despite his offensive contributions, his recent behavior has raised concerns about his on-ice discipline. This marks a significant moment in Rantanen's 11-year NHL career, as he has never previously been suspended.
