Tue Apr 22 03:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Rantanen Faces Off Against Former Teammates in Heated Playoff Battle
**Denver, CO/Dallas, TX** – Mikko Rantanen’s move from the Colorado Avalanche to the Dallas Stars has added a new layer of intensity to the Western Conference playoffs. In the first game of their series, Rantanen found himself facing off against former teammates, a situation marked by a noticeable shift in the on-ice dynamic.
“There’s no more joking around on the ice,” Rantanen stated. “This is all-out battle. Even teammates get hit if there’s an opportunity.”
Avalanche forward Joel Kiviranta, a close friend of Rantanen, echoed this sentiment, even promising to deliver some extra physical play. “Mikko’s a top forward for Dallas, so I have to try and shut him down,” Kiviranta stated. “Even though we’re good friends, that doesn’t matter. I’m actually a little excited to lay some big hits on him.”
Rantanen, however, remained unfazed by the threat. “He ran me a couple of times in the last game,” Rantanen responded. “It’s business, and everyone does what they can to win.”
The two friends even agreed to postpone communication until after the series. Kiviranta noted that this is not unusual; despite their friendship, they maintained radio silence during last year’s playoffs as well.
Despite the intensity, Rantanen acknowledged the unusual aspect of playing against former friends. “It’s still a bit strange playing against guys I was with in Colorado just recently. But now that the first game is over, I don’t have to think about it anymore. Let’s just go,” he added.
Colorado took the opening game 5-1, with Rantanen recording no points. Stars coach Pete DeBoer praised Rantanen’s adaptation to Dallas, but also cautioned against expecting him to single-handedly win games, given his inconsistent season. Rantanen himself admitted needing time to fully adjust to the Stars’ system but feels increasingly comfortable. He also identified defensive lapses as an area needing improvement for Dallas.
The two teams face off again Tuesday night.
First Piper 