Islanders Defenseman Romanov Exits Loss to Rangers With Apparent Injury

Defenseman Alexander Romanov left the New York Islanders' 5-2 loss to the Rangers on Tuesday night with an apparent injury, missing the final 12:04 of the game. Head coach Pete DeBoer stated that Romanov is "still being evaluated" and could not provide an update on his status.

There was no specific play identified as the cause of the injury. Romanov has a history of injuries, having missed 15 games last season due to shoulder surgery and nearly 20 games the season prior with recurring issues. He has struggled to regain his previous form this season and finished Tuesday's game with a minus-1 rating.

Logan Stanley absorbed most of Romanov's ice time in the third period, finishing with 21:21 of ice time. The Islanders may need to call up a defenseman if Romanov is sidelined. Options include Isaiah George, who was a training camp hopeful for a third-pair role, or Kashawn Aitcheson, a top prospect who reportedly outplayed George in camp.

Another Islanders player, Simon Holmstrom, also left the game temporarily in the second period after a clearing attempt struck him in the face, causing significant bleeding. DeBoer indicated that Holmstrom might have a broken nose but returned to play, suggesting he is "all right."

DeBoer, coaching his first Islanders-Rangers game, commented on the intensity of the rivalry, comparing it to his previous coaching experiences in the New York and New Jersey area. He noted the passionate split in fan support within the region and recalled a playoff series against the Rangers during his tenure with the New Jersey Devils.