Avalanche notes: Former Avs mired in controversial hit, Brindley turning heads, rivals stumble

The Colorado Avalanche continue to top the NHL standings despite being idle the last couple of days. While the Avs are currently preparing for their next game against the New York Rangers on Thursday night, here are some interesting tidbits regarding the Avalanche as well as division rivals.

Former Avalanche player mired in controversial hit

Former Colorado Avalanche star Mikko Rantanen was at the center of a major controversy on Tuesday night. In the dying seconds of the Dallas Stars-New York Islanders game at the American Airlines Arena, Rantanen protagonized an awkward collision with Islanders defenseman Alexander Romanov.

Rantanen bowled Romanov from behind, sending him headfirst into the boards. Here’s a look at the play as shown on the Gino Hard X channel:

Romanov needed help off the ice, favoring his shoulder on the play. Meanwhile, Rantanen got a five-minute major for boarding and a game misconduct.

There is no indication whether Rantanen will face any supplementary discipline at this time. Nevertheless, calls have been going out for the former Avalanche winger to receive a lengthy suspension.

As for Romanov, there is no telling what the extent of his injuries could be.

Brindley turning heads

Gavin Brindley has become the Colorado Avalanche’s feel-good story of the year. Brindley seemed like a throw-in in the Charlie Coyle trade. The Columbus Blue Jackets seemingly cast him off as a failed prospect.

But in Colorado, Brindley has thrived. He’s now found himself entrenched in the team’s second line following Valeri Nichushkin’s injury. While he may not stick there once Nichushkin returns, Brindley could have a roster spot locked up.

Central Division rivals stumble

Several Colorado Avalanche Central Division rivals were in action on Tuesday night. First, the St. Louis Blues ran into trouble in Toronto against the Maple Leafs. The Blues dropped the matchup 3-2 in overtime. The Blues salvaged a point in the standings.

The Utah Mammoth also lost their contest against the San Jose Sharks in overtime. The Sharks pulled out a 3-2 win, allowing the Mammoth to salvage a point as well.

The Dallas Stars lost to the New York Islanders in another 3-2 contest. The game ended on a bizarre play. Dallas had apparently tied the game with 0.1 seconds left on the clock. However, the play was reviewed, with the goal overturned on goalie interference. The Stars lost in regulation, so they didn’t pick up any points.

Meanwhile, the Winnipeg Jets gained ground on the idle Avalanche by beating the Columbus Blue Jackets 5-2 at home. The Chicago Blackhawks also made up some ground, pounding the Calgary Flames 5-2 at the United Center.

Interestingly, Tuesday night’s Central Division games ended with similar scores. It’s just one of those coincidences.