Mikko Rantanen out with injury after huge hit from Mattias Ekholm

Mattias Ekholm was going viral for his hit last night, absolutely plastering Mikko Rantanen into the boards during the Edmonton Oilers game versus the Colorado Avalanche. The hit caught Rantanen by surprise, as the puck was coming up the boards and Ekholm pinched on his blindside. The uproar seems to be around whether or not the hit was clean, as it appears Ekholm did everything he could to deliver the hit to the chest.

There was no penalty for the hit from the referees, however, several Colorado Avalanche players tried to take exception to the hit. However, Ekholm did not oblige to fight and instead stood his ground that the hit was clean and he did not need to answer. Not only that, but the Oilers ended up on the powerplay after it was all said and done. This was smart by Ekholm and kept the focus on the play and affirmed his belief that the hit was clean.

The Oilers clearly remain steadfast in their belief that they can contend for the Cup this year, and that was furthered by their win against one of the best teams in the NHL last night.

Do you think the hit was clean?

As seen on Sportskeeda - Watch: Mikko Rantanen slammed hard into boards by Mattias Ekholm, exits game with upper-body injury