Islanders Haven't Forgotten Rantanen's Hit On Romanov Ahead Of DeBoer's Dallas Return

The Islanders haven't forgotten Mikko Rantanen's hit on Alexander Romanov as Pete DeBoer makes his first return to Dallas since being fired by the Stars.

PHOTO: Dennis DaSilva / New York Islanders

DALLAS, TX — When the New York Islanders (5-3-2) take the ice against the Dallas Stars (6-3-1) on Sunday, this matchup will be about more than just two teams battling for two points.

For the first time since Mikko Rantanen hit Alexander Romanov last November, ending the defenseman’s 2025-26 season, the Islanders will face the Stars forward.

And while the players haven’t forgotten what happened, they also have another reason to want a win as head coach Pete DeBoer returns to Dallas for the first time since being fired in June 2025.