A lot has been made in regards to the ridiculous level streaks Nathan MacKinnon has put collectively for the Colorado Avalanche this season. Don’t look now, however one of many different Avs superstars is within the midst of a reasonably spectacular streak of his personal.
Mikko Rantanen has collected not less than some extent in every of his final 11 video games, extending the longest level streak of his profession. He had a aim and an help in serving to Colorado overcome a three-goal deficit en path to a 4-3 additional time victory in opposition to the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, and his current surge has him flirting with some profession bests.
Rantanen Spectacular Over Latest Surge
The Western Convention seems as aggressive as ever, and Rantanen’s play throughout this scoring streak has helped put the Avalanche inside placing distance of the West’s prime file. With 15 video games left to play, Colorado is simply three factors behind the Canucks for the highest spot. Throughout this surge, the Avs have received 5 in a row, and are 8-2-1 all through Rantanen’s level streak.
Through the five-game profitable streak, Rantanen has been within the thick of the whole lot. He had 4 assists in a 7-2 rout of the Detroit Pink Wings on March 6 and assisted on the game-winning aim in a 2-1 additional time win in opposition to the Minnesota Wild two nights later. His aim within the waning seconds of the second interval began the thrilling comeback in opposition to the Canucks, as nicely.
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It’s no coincidence that Rantanen is in the course of these necessary surges, and Colorado followers are used to seeing his fingerprints on necessary targets. He had 25 factors (behind 20 assists) within the staff’s 20 playoff video games throughout Colorado’s run to the Stanley Cup in 2022. He additionally had an eight-game level streak in these playoffs and scored in all however 4 of the Avalanche’s playoff video games that season. His consistency has been key for years, and he’s serving to put the Avalanche in an ideal spot down the stretch.
Rantanen Extra Than a Purpose Scorer
After registering his first 100-point marketing campaign final season behind a blistering 55 targets, Rantanen has change into identified for his capacity to gentle the lamp. Nevertheless, his passing has gone a bit unnoticed this season. He has scored 20 factors within the final 11 video games, and 15 of these are assists. That places him at 56 helpers on the season, which is tied for probably the most in his profession. He’s hit 56 assists twice earlier than (in 2021-22 and 2018-19).
Whereas Rantanen’s 55 targets final season turned plenty of heads – and rightfully so, as they had been simply two shy of Michel Goulet’s franchise file of 57 within the 1982-83 season – the Finnish winger wasn’t a one-trick pony. He added 50 assists on the best way to 105 factors in 2022-23, solidifying him as a harmful all-around participant. Rantanen now has 5 seasons with not less than 50 assists, and he’s scored not less than 30 targets in every of these campaigns however one – the 2017-18 season when he had 29 targets.
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Rantanen is rising as one of many nice assistmen in Avalanche historical past, as nicely. He at the moment has 349 for his profession, placing him eighth on the franchise’s all-time checklist. He’s recorded extra profession assists than longtime captain Gabriel Landeskog (323), regardless of taking part in in 181 fewer video games. Rantanen is below contract via subsequent season, but when the Avs can preserve him round for a number of extra seasons, he may simply change into one of many staff’s all-time greats.
Significance of Rantanen Down the Stretch
Within the tight race for the playoffs within the Western Convention, the Avalanche have their sights set on securing that prime seed as soon as once more. Nevertheless, solely two factors separate the highest three groups within the Central Division, and each the Nashville Predators and Vegas Golden Knights are lurking not far behind atop the Wild Card race. With 15 video games left, there’s loads of hockey to be performed, however protecting away from even a tiny droop to shut out the season will likely be crucial.
One factor the Avalanche seemingly received’t have to fret about is Rantanen. His availability is as constant as his scoring. Rantanen has performed each recreation this season after showing in all 82 video games in 2022-23. He appeared in 75 video games the season earlier than that, making his sturdiness considered one of his greatest attributes. Add in that he doesn’t have very lengthy scoring funks, and he’s some of the necessary gamers on the roster. His longest scoreless stretch this season is three video games, and that was again originally of December.
MacKinnon is clearly one other important piece, as he leads the NHL with 115 factors and is likely one of the favorites for the Hart Trophy. Rantanen’s chemistry with MacKinnon is the driving drive for the Avs, and their availability down the stretch will largely dictate the place Colorado finishes the common season. Each have been very sturdy, and each perceive their significance to one another’s spectacular seasons. These two will likely be most important elements in any Avalanche playoff run. If their consistency continues into the postseason, it may end in the same ending to what the staff skilled in 2022.