The right leg raised. All of Mikko Rantanen’s balance shifted to his left skate, the same side where the puck resided on his stick. He approached Winnipeg’s net in slow motion — painstakingly slow, like a cocky, yet cautious predator that knows its prey is cornered.
J.T. Compher streaked into the offensive zone to Rantanen’s right, turning the attack into a 2-on-1. Rantanen had options. “He’s got such a good release that he beats goalies from all around the ice,” said teammate Bo Byram, who watched the play unfold from behind. “He’s got three or four different releases that he uses.