Former Colorado Avalanche Mikko Rantanen's cold streak might cost the Stars a trip to the Stanley Cup Final
Photo credit: Breakaway On Si / Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
The Dallas Stars are facing elimination in the Western Conference Final after falling in Game 4 to the Edmonton Oilers. Trailing 3-1 in the series, several players have struggled to find their offensive groove, but none more significantly than Mikko Rantanen.
In the first two rounds of the playoffs, Rantanen was the center of attention across the league, reacking up 18 points (9 goals and 9 assists) in just 10 games and carrying the Stars offensively. But over his last seven games, Rantanen's performance has taken a sharp downturn, telling a very different story.
Former Colorado Avalanche Mikko Rantanen might cost the Stars a trip to the Cup Final.
Nick Horwat from Breakaway On Si writes since Game 4 of the second round against the Winnipeg Jets, Rantanen has failed to find the back of the net and has only managed three assists. While the Stars emerged victorious over the Jets, they now face the very real threat of a playoff exit at the hands of the Oilers.
"In the matter of just a few games, Rantanen went from a near-lock for three or four points in a game to barely being visible on the ice. These struggles aren't without effort, though, as Rantanen has gone just one game in his goal drought without a shot on goal. The Oilers have just found a way to neutralize Rantanen." -Horwat
Before the Stars faced off against the Oilers, Rantanen was the clear frontrunner for the Coonn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP. He dazzled by dismantling his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, in the first round and carried that momentum into the early games against the Jets.
"Despite not having a goal in seven games, Rantanen's nine tallies are tied for the most in the postseason with Florida Panthers forward Sam Bennett. Rantanen's 21 points are still good for third best in the playoffs." -Horwat
Oilers superstars Connor McDavid with 24 points and Leon Draisaitl with 23 points are the only players currently ahead of Rantanen in postseason scoring.
Rantanen has hit a skid at the worst possible time after being one of the most entertaining players in the postseason. With the Stars' season on the line, a lot of eyes will be on Rantanen to see if he can change his fortunes at the right time.
| POLL | ||
MAI 29 | 30 ANSWERS Former Colorado Avalanche Mikko Rantanen's cold streak might cost the Stars a trip to the Stanley Cup Final If Dallas loses Game 5 tonight against the Oilers, does it all fall in the hands of Mikko Rantanen? | ||
| yes | 11 | 36.7 % |
| no | 19 | 63.3 % |
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