Mikko Rantanen Faces Booing in Showdown with Former Team

Dallas, Texas – Mikko Rantanen faced a hostile crowd in Denver on Thursday night during Game 6 of the NHL playoffs, where his former fans booed him every time he touched the puck. Rantanen, now playing for the Dallas Stars, had an impressive performance in the previous game against the Colorado Avalanche, recording one goal and three assists despite a 7-4 loss.

The playoff series is tightly contested, currently tied at three games each. Gabriel Landeskog, the Swedish captain of the Avalanche and Rantanen’s close friend, spoke about the boos before the crucial Game 7, saying it highlights Rantanen’s significance in the sport. “Being booed is a mark of respect in hockey and other sports,” Landeskog stated. “Mikko understands why the fans react this way.”

Rantanen spent almost a decade with the Avalanche, making a name for himself on the top line and winning the Stanley Cup. He was traded to Carolina in January before ending up with Dallas at the trade deadline after contract negotiations with Colorado fell through.

Dallas is one of Colorado’s biggest rivals in the NHL, a fact that has created tension among Avalanche fans. Rantanen’s performance in the previous game eliminated Colorado from the playoffs, leaving the fans disheartened. “I’ve seen Mikko play like this many times,” Landeskog said about Rantanen’s impressive four-point game. “I’m not surprised by his output. He is such a talented player.”

Despite their history, Rantanen and Landeskog had limited interaction during the series. In their only exchange, Rantanen welcomed Landeskog back to the ice after he returned from injury during the third game. Artturi Lehkonen, another close friend of Rantanen, also mentioned the unusual nature of facing his friend in the playoffs. “It’s strange playing against him in the playoffs. He’s such a good friend, and we share a lot of history,” Lehkonen said.

During Rantanen’s first game in Dallas against Colorado, the Avalanche fans showed appreciation for him with a tribute video, receiving a standing ovation. “That’s what he deserves. He was a huge part of the organization and community,” Lehkonen noted. “Now it’s different when we face each other in the playoffs.”

The deciding Game 7 will take place early Sunday morning, Finland time.