Goodness, the cruelty and the poor luck.
Alex Romanov left Tuesday’s loss to the Rangers with what the Islanders announced is a torn ACL, meaning he’ll six to eight months.
It’s the second consecutive fall where Romanov’s season is cut extremely short due to a major injury. Last season ended after 15 games when Mikko Rantanen drove him into the boards from behind from a dangerous distance.
This time, there is no villain to blame. Romanov hurt his right knee on a seemingly benign collision — you’d think
the left knee took the worst of it, but no — with Mika Zibanejad.
From a long-term asset management standpoint, it’s costly and alarming for the Isles, who signed Romanov to an eight-year extension only to see the first two years wiped out.
It may provide opportunity for one of the Isles’ younger defensemen knocking on the door. Or it could just mean the appearance of Scott Mayfield or Matt Kessel, each healthy scratches through the first three games.
