Avalanche coach Jared Bednar answered a question about Mikko Rantanen after practice on Friday with a question of his own for reporters.
“Do you think Mikko is playing the best hockey that you’ve seen him play?” Bednar asked.
The film doesn’t lie. Rantanen, scoreless over six postseason games this year, has not performed at a superstar level to match his current $9.25 million cap hit. The 25-year-old Finnish forward has done well to facilitate goals with seven assists since the playoffs began.
But the Avalanche is seeking improved play from Rantanen entering a pivotal Game 3 on Saturday night at the St.