Patrick Roy outraged after dangerous hit on NY Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov

Patrick Roy didn’t mince words after the New York Islanders’ 3–2 win in Dallas. The victory mattered, but Alexander Romanov’s health mattered far more.

Late in the third period, Romanov was boarded violently from behind by Mikko Rantanen, a hit that left the Islanders defenseman down on the ice and needing help to leave the game. Rantanen was assessed a five-minute major and a game misconduct, but the Islanders were left shaken.

“I hope he’s going to be okay at this moment,” Roy said. “I don’t know exactly what it is, but all I’m going to say is when you see the number, you have to lay off. Everybody knows that. You don’t go through the guy.” The hit struck a nerve for Roy, who made clear how unacceptable the play was. He was seen turning red-faced and screaming at Rantanen and the Stars bench as trainers tended to Romanov in what was a scary moment for Islanders players and fans.

“To me, it’s disrespectful for our guys,” he said. “No one was happy to see someone get hurt like this. I’m proud of the way our guys handled it afterwards.” Roy added that while Rantanen “was drafted [in Colorado] and it’s not his style,” that didn’t excuse the recklessness.

“That should not be part of our game,” he said.

Even as he praised his team’s structured defending, smart puck management, and 5–1 road-trip record, Romanov’s status remained at the forefront. Roy said Kimber Auerbach will provide more medical details once available. The Islanders secured an important road win but Roy made it clear that protecting his players comes first.