The big day is finally here.
The Stanley Cup Playoffs begin today, Saturday.
The Colorado Avalanche will play a best-of-seven series against the Dallas Stars. During last year’s playoff run, the Avalanche faced the Stars in the Conference Semi-Finals and lost the series in six games.
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However, the Avalanche has had a favorable playoff history against the Stars. They have a record of 19-18 overall. The Stars having home ice doesn’t matter too much, as the Avalanche have an 11-8 record on the road.
During last year’s playoffs, they went 2-1 on the road against the Stars. The Avalanche will look to continue that luck on the road. However, they will have to do that against former teammate Mikko Rantanen.
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Rantanen spoke to reporters present during their Friday practice ahead of Game One. He talked about many things, including what it’s like to face his old team for the first time in the playoffs.
“It’s business, the trade didn’t happen two days ago,” Rantanen said. “It’s been a while now since I haven’t played with the Avs anymore. It’s been three months.”
“I think it’s all behind us. Now it’s just part of a new team and I’m excited and (it’s) time to execute.”
Rantanen spoke about how the two teams line up and pointed out the deep roster that both teams have.
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“I think they (Colorado) have depth too,” Rantanen reasoned. “It’s two deep teams. If you look at the four lines, they’re all pretty evenly matched out, a lot of good players.”
“Both have a good D-core, and two good goalies.”
In terms of how difficult it will be to face his old team, Rantanen had this to say.
“Second time is always easier than the first time, in everything in life,” Rantanen said. “It’s one of those situations where I think it was a good thing to get that game out of the way and it was a regular season game, now it’s all business.”
If Rantanen is right, fans of the Avalanche and Stars are in for a treat of a series.
“I think it’s a really good matchup for fans to watch.”
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