The top striker’s bat did not shake in front of the home crowd.
Mikko Rantanen hits his first shot and Blue Jackets goalkeeper Elvis Merzlikins scoops up an empty net. PETRI SAARELAINEN / AOP
Mikko Rantanen was a rude guest at Patrik Laine’s Friday night party in Tampere, when the Colorado Avalanche beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 6–3.
The prodigy from Nousiain scored a hat trick in the Blue Jackets’ net and added one more assist to the night’s tally.
To a large extent, thanks to Rantanen, the defending Stanley Cup champion took down Columbus in the game of the NHL Global Series.
– I have been waiting for these games for a long time. It was really nice to succeed. On the other hand, the guys passed so well, there was no need to do miracles. We got two points and certainly confidence from the victory, Rantanen stated.
The best in the kingdom
The cold Finnish audience even threw caps on the ice after the striker’s third goal, at the end the audience shouted Rantanen’s name.
– It felt good. It was nice to succeed in front of family and friends. Playing in Tampere was a nice experience overall, the big hero of the evening thought.
Rantanen is currently the best puck player in the country.
Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar gave his star recognition.
– Mikko was great, it was fantastic. Realized that he really wanted to play in front of his home crowd.
The wave hit
The game was particularly divided. The Avalanche were already pushing for a 3–0 lead, and it looked like they were done. However, the Blue Jackets got even with Laine scoring one of his team’s goals.
In the final set, the champion found enough routine to turn things around.
– Our energies were lost. Our star players won this game for us, a few players shined. Mikko among them, said Avalanche head coach Bednar.
Lehkonen was happy
Mikko Rantanen’s hat trick is complete and the Caps fly onto the ice. Petri Saarelainen
Artturi Lehkonen was happy about the success of his long-time friend.
– It was great, I was happy for him. He tried an empty net a couple of times and now he succeeded. He played a great game today.
“Rane” had emotions on the surface at the moment of success.
– It was fun to see him enjoy the moment.
Viasat video: Mikko Rantanen celebrates his hat trick in front of the Finnish audience.
Saturday again
The teams will play the second game of the Tampere gig on Saturday, about 20 hours after the end of the first game.
– We sat in the ice box too much. The guy was given momentum. We have to improve our defensive game, said Rantanen, and also praised the goalkeeper Alexander Georgiev.
– Well, these back-to-backs have already been played this season. Let’s eat well and rest. On Saturday, we will start fighting again, Lehkonen stated.