A heated moment in Wednesday night's game between the New York Islanders and the Dallas Stars has the hockey world buzzing, as Islanders coach Patrick Roy erupted following a controversial hit by Stars forward Mikko Rantanen on defenseman Alexander Romanov. The incident, which occurred late in the third period with the Islanders leading 3-2, resulted in a five-minute major penalty and a game misconduct for Rantanen. Romanov was helped off the ice by trainers after the play. The Islanders later reported that Romanov did not require hospitalization.

As Rantanen headed to the dressing room, Roy leaned over the boards and delivered a profanity-laced message, shouting, "You're not gonna f***ing finish that game!". Roy's outburst, captured on audio and quickly going viral, underscored the intensity of the moment and his concern for his player. Roy's post-game comments further illustrated his displeasure, describing the hit as "disrespectful". He stated, "I hope he's going to be okay...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". Roy also mentioned his past connection with Rantanen, having coached him during his draft year in Colorado, but emphasized that such plays have no place in hockey.

The hit in question saw Rantanen collide with Islanders defenseman Scott Mayfield, leading to a shove on Romanov that sent him crashing into the boards. While the play was not obviously malicious, the recklessness of the hit and the resulting injury to Romanov drew the ire of Roy and the Islanders bench.

The NHL's Department of Player Safety is expected to review the play for potential supplementary discipline. Given the injury to Romanov and the nature of the hit, Rantanen could be facing a suspension.

Stars coach Glen Gulutzan offered a different perspective, suggesting that Mayfield's hold on Rantanen may have caused him to become off-balance, leading to an instinctive reaction. Gulutzan expressed concern for Romanov's well-being, acknowledging the inherent risks of the game.

Roy's reaction injected further intensity into an already heated contest. Adding to the drama, a late goal by the Stars that would have tied the game was overturned for goaltender interference, sparking further frustration. The Islanders ultimately secured a 3-2 victory.

The incident raises questions about player safety and the limits of physicality in the NHL. Roy's passionate defense of his player highlights the delicate balance between protecting players and allowing for the hard-hitting style that defines the sport. His words may also be interpreted as a veiled threat, potentially setting the stage for a chippy rematch between the two teams. The league will need to consider all angles as it determines whether further disciplinary action is warranted. It remains to be seen how the NHL will react, but one thing is clear: Patrick Roy is fiercely protective of his players, and he won't hesitate to voice his displeasure when he believes a line has been crossed.