If the Colorado Avalanche did not have already got regrets about buying and selling Mikko Rantanen away this season, they most actually do now. Not solely as a result of the workforce he ended up on — the Dallas Stars — eradicated them within the first spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs, however as a result of he performed a central position within the decisive Sport 7.
Rantanen recorded a hat trick within the Stars’ 4-2 win, main a shocking third-period comeback that noticed them erase a two-goal deficit.
The Avalanche jumped out to a 2-0 lead early within the third interval and appeared to be accountable for the sport and set to advance, whereas additionally getting the final snort on their former teammate.
That was when Rantanen took over, scoring two fast targets mid-way by way of the interval to tie the sport.
That set the stage for Wyatt Johnson’s game-winning purpose with two minutes to play.
Rantanen accomplished the hat trick with an empty-net purpose to place the sport away.