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.

Finally, after yet another dirty hit, it seems like Rantanen will receive punishment.

Mikko Rantanen finally facing suspension after boarding yet another player

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.

Rantanen didn't face harsh discipline for hitting Romanov from behind but after doing the same thing to Coronato, he is banned for one game on a technicality.

There is still no update regarding when Romanov will be able to return to the Islanders. He was officially placed on the injured reserve, but he is still with the team. In his absence, the Islanders called up Marshall Warren to fill a roster spot.

As for Coronato, he luckily was able to return to the game in the third period. It was a welcome sight, considering how nasty the boarding hit looked from Rantanen.

Islanders fans felt the NHL dropped the ball by not handing out a harsh suspension to Rantanen. But days later, they spot Rantanen doing the same thing to another player. Now, Rantanen will be sidelined for one game.