In a heated clash on April 8, 2025, at Rogers Arena, Colorado Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen unleashed a scathing critique of the Vancouver Canucks following a controversial 4-3 loss. The Finnish forward accused a Canucks player of playing dirty by delivering a vicious elbow to his face, an incident he claims nearly knocked out his teeth. Despite the blatant foul, the referee allowed the game to continue, a decision that Rantanen called “disgraceful” and labeled Vancouver’s victory as “shameful.” The incident has sparked intense debate about officiating in the NHL and the fine line between physical play and dangerous misconduct.
The game was a critical one for both teams. The Avalanche, sitting at 48-25-4 and vying for the top spot in the Central Division, were looking to solidify their playoff positioning. The Canucks, at 35-29-13, were clinging to faint postseason hopes. With the score tied at 3-3 in the third period, Rantanen was battling for position in front of the net when Canucks defenseman Tyler Myers allegedly threw an elbow that caught him square in the mouth. Rantanen crumpled to the ice, clutching his face, but no penalty was called. Moments later, Vancouver capitalized on the play, with Elias Pettersson scoring the game-winning goal with just over a minute remaining.
Rantanen, who finished the game with a goal and an assist, didn’t hold back in his post-game comments. “I felt the elbow hit me right in the mouth—I nearly lost my teeth,” he fumed. “It’s a dirty play, plain and simple. The refs let it slide, and that’s what stings the most. They handed Vancouver a win they didn’t deserve. It’s a shameful way to win a hockey game.” His frustration was echoed by Avalanche coach Jared Bednar, who called the non-call “unacceptable” and hinted at filing a formal complaint with the league.
The incident has reignited concerns about officiating consistency in the NHL, especially as the playoffs loom. Fans on X were quick to react, with many Avalanche supporters slamming the referees and Myers. “That elbow was intentional—Myers should be suspended!” one user posted. Canucks fans, however, defended their team, arguing that Rantanen was exaggerating the contact. “It’s playoff hockey—stop crying and play the game,” another user retorted. The controversy has only added fuel to the growing rivalry between the two teams, who have now split their season series 2-2.
For Rantanen, the incident is personal. The 28-year-old, who leads the Avalanche with 42 goals and 96 points this season, has been a target for physical play all year due to his size and skill. But this latest incident may have crossed a line. The NHL’s Department of Player Safety is reportedly reviewing the play, and Myers could face a fine or suspension if deemed guilty of intent. Meanwhile, the Avalanche are set to face the Edmonton Oilers on April 10, but the sting of this loss—and the bitter taste of what Rantanen calls a “shameful victory”—will likely linger as they push toward the postseason.
