Rantanen Comments on Rivalry Before NHL Playoffs Round Two

DALLAS, Texas – Mikko Rantanen faced his former teammates for the first time during the NHL playoffs on April 21, as the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche clashed in their opening match of the postseason.

Rantanen noted the intensity of competing against friends, stating, “There’s no more joking around on the ice; it’s pure battle now. I’ll check friends if the opportunity arises.” The Avalanche forward is aware that this rivalry has escalated due to the playoff stakes.

Joel Kiviranta, a star for the Stars, echoed Rantanen’s sentiment. “Mikko’s one of Dallas’s top scorers, and it’s essential to keep him in check. Even though we’re good friends, that won’t affect my game. I’m actually excited to hit him hard,” he said during a training session leading up to the playoffs.

Rantanen, unfazed by the challenge, responded, “He came at me a couple of times in the last game. This is all business, and everyone will do everything they can to win.” The friendship between Kiviranta and Rantanen has remained intact even after the latter’s trade from Colorado.

The two players agreed to refrain from communication until after the playoff series. Kiviranta explained, “We spoke for the last time before the series started. We decided that we’ll chat again once the series is over.”

Colorado won the opening game decisively, 5-1. Rantanen, who didn’t register any points, acknowledged the unique experience of facing former teammates in the playoffs. “It hasn’t been long since I played for Colorado. Now that the first game is done, I can just focus on playing,” he remarked.

The Stars and Avalanche will clash again for Game Two on Tuesday night to determine the direction of the series. Stars’ head coach praised Rantanen before the game, acknowledging his adaptation to Dallas’s style of play.

“Mikko’s had a disrupted season, so we can’t expect him to singlehandedly change the outcome of games. However, he is still a vital part of our team,” said coach Pete DeBoer.

Rantanen expressed progress in acclimating to the Stars’ system. “It took me some time to fit into the system, but I feel better now. In the first game, we made it too easy for Colorado on defense; we need to improve our offensive game,” he concluded.