Ranger told the St. Petersburg Times that Boulton called him over the weekend to apologize for his actions.
"He called and felt pretty bad," Ranger told the Times.
"He apologized. I don't think he meant to cheap shot me or anything. It was a natural kind of reaction (from him). I kind of fumbled for the puck, and he tried to catch a piece of me."
Eric Boulton is suspended six games. (Getty Images/Steve Cunningham)
Boulton was suspened for six games Monday for elbowing Ranger in the head during last Thursday's 6-0 home loss to the Lightning.
Ranger, a 21-year-old defenceman, suffered a hairline fracture of the jaw and a concussion on the play, which occurred at 17:29 of the third period.
Boulton, who initially received a game-misconduct penalty, forfeits $15,306.12 US in salary. He is eligible to return Nov. 5.
Boulton's actions also raised the ire of Tampa Bay coach John Tortorella, who lashed out at the tough guy in a profanity-laced tirade
Boulton was also singled out by Toronto Maple Leafs head coach Pat Quinn for elbowing Eric Lindros in a 9-1 Thrashers loss on Oct. 14.
with files from Canadian Press
