Rantanen Returns

The Moose is loose.
After missing four games due to a non-COVID related illness, Mikko Rantanen will be back in the lineup for the Colorado Avalanche in Thursday's final home game of the regular season against the Nashville Predators.

Ahead of Thursday's game, Rantanen addressed the media following morning skate and was his usual light-hearted self.

"Always after when you're sick it takes a couple of days, but I'm ready," Rantanen said. "I've been on the ice for the last few days.
"Short shifts I think, the first one probably 21 seconds," Rantanen continued jokingly. "Just play simple and play my game. I've been feeling pretty good the last couple of days on the ice so build it back. And use these last two [games] to build it back for next week."
Prior to being sidelined, Rantanen was on-pace to eclipse the 100-point mark for the first time in his career. While it would have been a nice accomplishment, the 25-year-old Finn wasn't hung up on his improving individual success this season where he's totaled 91 points (36G, 55A) through 73 games.
"No disappointment in any way," Rantanen said. "I try not to think about those too much. Obviously, when you're closing in and watching it you're aware of it, but I wasn't crying in my room because I was sick. I wasn't too worried about it."
And while reaching the 100-point mark would have been impressive and fitting for his career-high campaign, the 6-foot-4, 215-pound winger attributed his own successes with the team's dominant performance of 118-points and having clinched the top seed of the Western Conference.
"It's a team sport, you need to have a good team to do well and to produce," Rantanen said. "You can't do it alone. I think I've been more consistent the whole year. The 82-game season is a lot different than the 56-game season last year."

During the four-game stint where Rantanen was out of the lineup, the team extended its skid to four games, but snapped that with a decisive 5-3 victory over their division rival in St. Louis. In addition to drawing back in the lineup, Rantanen noted he's looking forward to taking on the Predators on Thursday as that could be the Avalanche's First-Round opponent, but won't be finalized until Friday night.
"It's already going to be like a playoff game," Rantanen said. "We're ready for it. I think it's better before the playoffs to play the type of games like this to get ready and play really well to win. It's good for us."
Just to make Thursday's contest even more exciting, it marks the final home game at Ball Arena of the regular and Fan Appreciation night for Avs Faithful, who have been spectacular all season long cheering on their team. Thursday will be special no matter the outcome as the team and organization looks to express their gratitude for the unwavering support as the Stanley Cup Playoffs get underway next week.
"It's been great," Rantanen said of the fan support. "They bring it all every night at home. It's a great atmosphere and very loud. I'm guessing it's a tough atmosphere for the opponent."