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Did the Maple Leafs dodge a bullet? Mikko Rantanen hit with automatic suspension
Photo credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen has been hit with an automatic suspension by the NHL Department of Player Safety, following two bad hits in one week.
Earlier this week, Mikko Rantanen of the Dallas Stars earned himself a game misconduct after a brutal hit on New York Islanders star Alexander Romanov.
Last night, Rantanen got yet another game misconduct after a hit on Matt Coronato of the Calgary Flames. Due to a very specific rule concocted by the NHL Department of Player Safety, Rantanen was automatically suspended for one game.
In regular season League games, any player who incurs two (2) game misconduct penalties in the Physical Infractions category, before playing 41 consecutive League games without such penalty, shall be suspended automatically for the next League game for his team.
It is a bad look for Rantanen, who has been a stud for the Stars this season, notching a total of 28 points in 22 games.
Mikko Rantanen's hits on Alexander Romanov and Matt Coronato
In the videos below, you can see the two hits that earned Rantanen his penalties. Quite frankly, both game misconducts were deserved.
You cannot be putting guys in vulnerable spots like this. Sure, hockey is a physical game, but you also have to come out and respect your opponent.
If you are a Toronto Maple Leafs fan, then you are probably wondering what could have been in regards to the Leafs. Although, given his mean streak this season, perhaps it's for the best that he is in Dallas.
Mikko Rantanen was almost a Maple Leafs
As we have reported extensively, the Maple Leafs tried to trade for Mikko Rantanen last season and wanted to give Mitch Marner in the deal.
Of course, this never panned out as Mitch Marner refused to waive his no-trade clause, thus putting the Leafs in a horrible spot.
However, as we said, Rantanen is wrecking his reputation right now, and it may not be a bad thing that he never stepped foot in Toronto.
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 23 | 634 ANSWERS Did the Maple Leafs dodge a bullet? Mikko Rantanen hit with automatic suspension Do you believe Mikko Rantanen would have saved the Toronto Maple Leafs season? | ||
| YES | 313 | 49.4 % |
| NO | 321 | 50.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
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