Mikko Rantanen's extraordinary performance in Game 7 sparks NSFW remarks from former teammate Matt Duchene
The Dallas Stars were in a tight spot during Game 7, trailing the Colorado Avalanche 2-0 in the third period. But the tide turned when standout star winger Mikko Rantanen, with a bit of defiance, took matters into his own hands and haunted his ex-team.
Rantanen set the stage ablaze, scoring a brace of goals - the second of which was a powerplay goal - to tie the game at two all, with just over six minutes remaining. Then, Wyatt Johnston clinched the lead for the Stars, also on the power play, and Rantanen sealed the deal with an empty-netter—completing his magnificent third-period hat-trick. The final score: 4-2, Stars.
The Finnish forward had a lackluster start in this series, but he came alive during the final three games, helping Dallas to advance. Stars center Matt Duchene shared his frank opinions about Rantanen's triumph, via Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic.
"He just said 'F-k this' on that first goal," Duchene said. "And after that, you could feel something was coming. You could just feel it. He stepped up big time last few games. It was great."
** updates on Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen after Game 7 win**
Let's address two key injuries that may affect the Stars’ future performance: Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen.
Peter DeBoer drops 8-word admission after Stars Game 7 victory over Avalanche
When it comes to assigning blame for the Avalanche's Round 1 exit, it's apparent that the fault lies heavily with them.
Rantanen's incredible competence in the final three games, netting five goals and six assists, made all the difference in this razor-tight series. With the Avs and the Stars tied at two games apiece through four games, Rantanen was the deciding factor.
Traded by the Avs this season during contract negotiations, Rantanen's performances have proven to be the straw that broke the camel's back, sending the Avalanche packing in the first round.
With the hard-fought triumph against a fellow Stanley Cup contender under their belt, the Stars will feel empowered and ready to vie for the championship. Peter DeBoer's crew is set to welcome back both Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen at some point. They'll aim to continue this winning streak against the winner of Game 7 between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues.
- The Dallas Stars, after Mikko Rantanen's heroics, ultimately secured a 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7.
- Rantanen, the standout star winger whoHaunted his ex-team, scored a hat-trick during the third period of the game, helping Dallas to advance.
- In the NHL playoffs, Rantanen's performance, netting five goals and six assists, was the deciding factor in the tight series against the Stars.
- Despite a lackluster start in the series, Rantanen came alive during the final three games, proving to be the straw that broke the camel's back, sending the Avalanche packing in the first round.
- The Dallas Stars are set to welcome back stars Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen during their chase for the Stanley Cup championship.
