NHL finally punishing Mikko Rantanen days after his dirty hit on Alexander Romanov

"New York Islanders fans have a new villain in the form of Dallas Stars winger Mikko Rantanen, and they're not alone. This past Tuesday, Rantanen boarded Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov from behind, injuring him. Rantanen received a game misconduct for his hit, and he exited the game, walking past a livid Patrick Roy. On Saturday, Rantanen was back at it with his antics. Facing off against Calgary, he hit Matt Coronato from behind, with the Flames forward's head smashing into the ledge on the boards."

"After the hit, Rantanen was swarmed by Calgary players defending Coronato. Rantanen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct for the second time in the last three games. Islanders fans were livid after finding out the NHL Department of Player Safety wasn't going to suspend Rantanen for his hit on Romanov, citing incidental contact -- as ridiculous as that still seems."

"The NHL Department of Player Safety released a statement on Sunday, announcing that Rantanen has been automatically suspended for one game due to picking up two game misconduct penalties before the 41-game mark into the regular season. It's currently unknown if there will be any additional discipline for Rantanen, but he is automatically suspended for Dallas' next game against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday."

Mikko Rantanen boarded Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov from behind, injuring him and receiving a game misconduct. Days later, Rantanen hit Flames forward Matt Coronato from behind, causing Coronato's head to strike the boards' ledge and prompting a swarm of Calgary players. Rantanen received a five-minute major and a game misconduct in that game. The NHL Department of Player Safety initially declined supplementary discipline for the Romanov hit, citing incidental contact, which drew fan outrage. Rantanen was automatically suspended one game after accruing two game misconducts before the 41-game mark. Any further discipline and Romanov's return timeline remain unknown.

Read at Eyes On Isles