Three Thoughts - Mikko Rantanen delivers in Game 7
No Miro, no Robo, no problem — Rantanen stuns Avalanche with Game 7 takeover
This is why we care to invest our time, energy, and cash into sports. That was the moment to scream at that we are all chasing. This is why we are ever searching for that communal moment where the whole city feels jammed into an ice arena and becomes one voice in a special conclusion to an amazing two weeks.
Hope was nearly lost, and the Stars needed a hero. The arena had blank stares and heads shaking. The highs and lows of May 3, 2025, were substantial for those who were lucky enough to be there, but midway through the final period of the final game in a clash-of-the-titans series between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche, there was a television timeout that left the American Airlines Center alone in its thoughts—and it seemed like a rather dark place to be at the time, which happened to be 9:15 p.m.
If only they knew what was about to happen. Because somehow, by 9:47 p.m., the script had flipped so dramatically and so quickly that those who were sad were now elated. Of course, hundreds of them were also missing their hats. The side that had a multiple-goal lead had somehow just had its season ended in the blink of an eye, and the two teams were lining up for stunned handshakes.
In a night that will be remembered as long as hockey is played in Dallas, the Stars survived the Avalanche in a Game 7 where Mikko Rantanen became a hero. This was a historic performance in a huge situation that carves a man’s legacy like we have never seen before. He had three goals, one assist, and several more key moments that answered all the questions that had been asked of him since he was famously traded twice and played for three contenders this season.
Because of his moment of greatness, the Stars move on—somewhat exhausted, I’m sure—to Round 2. And yes, reinforcements will be joining the party. Hours later, my mind still races, but let’s offer a Game 7 summary to try to preserve the biggest of those moments from a night I was honoured to be an eyewitness to an incredible battle.
These are My Three Thoughts: