Much has been made about the ridiculous point streaks Nathan MacKinnon has put together for the Colorado Avalanche this season. Don’t look now, but one of the other Avs superstars is in the midst of a pretty impressive streak of his own.
Mikko Rantanen has collected at least a point in each of his last 11 games, extending the longest point streak of his career. He had a goal and an assist in helping Colorado overcome a three-goal deficit en route to a 4-3 overtime victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Wednesday, and his recent surge has him flirting with some career bests.
Rantanen Impressive Over Recent Surge
The Western Conference looks as competitive as ever, and Rantanen’s play during this scoring streak has helped put the Avalanche within striking distance of the West’s top record. With 15 games left to play, Colorado is just three points behind the Canucks for the top spot. During this surge, the Avs have won five in a row, and are 8-2-1 throughout Rantanen’s point streak.
During the five-game winning streak, Rantanen has been in the thick of everything. He had four assists in a 7-2 rout of the Detroit Red Wings on March 6 and assisted on the game-winning goal in a 2-1 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild two nights later. His goal in the waning seconds of the second period started the thrilling comeback against the Canucks, as well.
Related: Mikko Rantanen Having Overlooked Season for Avalanche
It’s no coincidence that Rantanen is in the middle of these important surges, and Colorado fans are used to seeing his fingerprints on important goals. He had 25 points (behind 20 assists) in the team’s 20 playoff games during Colorado’s run to the Stanley Cup in 2022. He also had an eight-game point streak in those playoffs and scored in all but four of the Avalanche’s playoff games that season. His consistency has been key for years, and he’s helping put the Avalanche in a great spot down the stretch.
Rantanen More Than a Goal Scorer
After registering his first 100-point campaign last season behind a blistering 55 goals, Rantanen has become known for his ability to light the lamp. However, his passing has gone a bit unnoticed this season. He has scored 20 points in the last 11 games, and 15 of those are assists. That puts him at 56 helpers on the season, which is tied for the most in his career. He’s hit 56 assists twice before (in 2021-22 and 2018-19).
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