Deen’s Daily: Rantanen Hopes For Welcoming Return; Avs Host Stars; Two Coaches Mentored by Bednar

Mikko Rantanen met with media in Denver ahead of today’s return to Ball Arena to face the Avalanche as a member of the Dallas Stars. What did he say about an expected emotional game? Also, two coaches have leaned heavily on Jared Bednar. In Vegas, head coach Bruce Cassidy shredded his team’s performance.

All that and more on this edition of Deen’s Daily — March 16.

Colorado Hockey Now

Rantanen and the Stars practiced at DU before Mikko made his way to a meeting with Avalanche media on Saturday afternoon. It was a small group that had a chance to chat with the former Av in a hotel conference room. My CHN colleague Colleen Flynn and I were both there. As was Jesse Montano (Guerilla Sports), Ryan Boudling (NHL.com), Corey Masisak (Denver Post), Evan Rawal (Gazette), and Stars media member Mike Heika.

Rantanen was as classy as always. He shook everyone’s hands and his face lit up when he got the chance to see some recognizable faces. He gave us more than 10 minutes of his time and was candid, open, and honest. You could tell he was fighting back his emotions and did everything he could to keep himself together.

He’s hoping to get a welcoming return at Ball Arena. He loves and appreciates the fan base here and never wanted to leave. The Avs chose to move on, and he was forced to do the same. That’s how he ultimately landed in Dallas.

Watch Mikko Rantanen’s Media Availability

Mikko Rantanen Departed Colorado With a Complicated Legacy. Should That Be the Case?

The Avs are riding a 7-0-1 run in their last eight games after defeating the Calgary Flames on Friday. Valeri Nichushkin returned eight games ago, and nobody has benefitted more than Ross Colton.

Around the NHL

San Jose Hockey Now: On Saturday, the Sharks took on Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. Ovechkin scored once again and is now eight goals behind Wayne Gretzky in the all-time goals race.

Both head coaches in this game, Spencer Carbery and Ryan Warsofsky, rely heavily on Jared Bednar to mentor them. Both are sitting on opposite ends of the standings page — Bednar has experience with both.

Vegas Hockey Now: Cassidy shredded his team for blowing it late against the Buffalo Sabres. Some pretty candid stuff here from the Stanley Cup-winning head coach.

Chicago Hockey Now: The Canucks got two crucial points in their race for a wildcard spot after defeating the Blackhawks for the 10th straight time.

Ottawa Hockey Now: The Maple Leafs blew it again. This time in the Battle of Ontario on Hockey Night in Canada. Is it time Travis Green gets some Jack Adams consideration?

Boston Hockey Now: The Bruins’ loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning means the Leafs are no longer second in the Atlantic Division.

Detroit Hockey Now: Don’t expect things to get easier for the Red Wings in their quest to make the playoffs.