Denver Post · Feb 1, 2020
Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen confident in second-half surge: “I can be even better”
Colorado Avalanche right wing Mikko Rantanen (96), of Finland, stands on the ice during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Washington Capitals, Monday, Oct. 14, 2019, in Washington. If the weight of a $55.5-million contract sits heavy on the broad shoulders of Avalanche winger Mikko Rantanen, win or lose, the near-permanent smile on his face certainly doesn’t betray it.
“That’s my big thing,” Rantanen said. “If the games are not going well, I’m not coming to the rink being negative.”
Count Avalanche newcomer Pierre-Edouard Bellemare among those initially surprised by Rantanen’s even demeanor.
“He’s a goofy guy,” Bellemare said. “I didn’t know that side of him.”