Wannabe NHLers in awe of Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen as Avalanche sweeps victory in 2022 NHL Global Series
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Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen celebrate victory with team
After the Colorado Avalanche mopped the 2022 NHL Global Series with Columbus Blue Jackets defeat this Saturday, it has gained some loyal little retainers. The stars of the show were forward Mikko Rantanen and winger Artturi Lehkonen. They stole the spotlight, without missing their chance to show off their abilities in front of their home audience.
As the stars were heading towards an interview after a 5-1 win, they were greeted by young hockey fans, donned in jerseys staring at them. Rantanen and Lehkonen didn’t miss the moment to high-five the group of boys and chat with them. They found their younger selves standing outside the rink watching the NHL players.
It was a wonderful turn of events as they are now being watched by future NHLers. Even the kids didn’t expect to share a memory with their heroes. That’ll be a moment they’ll remember for their lives, be they in NHL or not in the future. Lehkonen noted, “It’s been so much fun.”
“It’s been a long time since Mikko and I played together in Finland so it’s special. We started playing here on the same team when we were 12. We were dreaming of one day playing in the Finnish League. To play in the NHL and play in Finland, it’s so special.”
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Nathan MacKinnon the architect for Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen’s success in Finland
On Saturday at Nokia Arena, Rantanen scored the first goal after he got his hat trick on Friday’s 6-3 win against the Blue Jackets. Just like he got his moment, Lehkonen stole the spotlight with his 4-goal victory. He stated, “When you get four points, the whole trip, in some ways, you can call it a success”.
“These two games here, we got four points. It was a long road trip for us. It is nice to go back home.” Though Rantanen and Lehkonen were the stars, then the light of the show was Nathan MacKinnon who let the players get their moments. In 11 of the two played games, he had 7 assists.
As he said, “Everyone played awesome”. “It was fun to have everyone involved, everyone chip in tonight. “It certainly crossed my mind on the 2-on-1”. “Obviously it’s cool. He’s really excited. Like I said last night, I can only imagine how that would feel, scoring an NHL goal in my hometown.”
“It was a very passionate crowd. They love their local guys, and it was cool to see them score.” Avalanche’s recent play made the fans know that the champions are once again back on track and ready to take on other teams.
On the other hand, Blue Jackets Patrik Laine, a resident of Tampere, Finland, was quite unhappy about the team’s outcome. He stated, “It [stinks]”. “Kind of wishing that this trip never happened. After this, I feel like it was a waste of time for us. It [stinks], that is all I have to say.”
No matter how Blue Jackets feel about it, one thing is for sure, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar is delighted with the team’s performance. He said, “Everyone in Finland has been super welcoming”. “They have a great energy about them. They’re excited about the game. It’s been a great trip and super special for our guys.”
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Kaushani Chatterjee
(2140 Articles Published)