Oilers must stay vigilant against Mikko Rantanen in the Western Final, as he poses a major threat to their defense

As the Edmonton Oilers gear up for their highly anticipated Western Conference Final showdown with the Dallas Stars, all eyes are on one key figure: Mikko Rantanen of the Colorado Avalanche. While the Oilers face off against the Stars in the final stretch of their playoff run, Rantanen, who has been a dominant force in the postseason, remains a looming threat — not just to the Oilers but to any team standing in his way.

The Western Conference Final will undoubtedly be a high-stakes, hard-fought series, and the Oilers must remain hyper-aware of Rantanen’s ability to turn the tide of a game. Known for his exceptional skill, offensive ability, and physicality, Rantanen has emerged as one of the league’s premier power forwards. His remarkable playmaking and scoring ability make him one of the most dangerous players to face in a series.

For the Oilers, a team that has relied on a high-powered offense led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, the key to advancing to the Stanley Cup Final may very well depend on how they handle Rantanen. With the Stars’ depth and defensive structure, shutting down Colorado’s most lethal offensive weapon could be the critical factor in this series.

This article delves into why the Edmonton Oilers must “keep an eye out” for Mikko Rantanen, examining his playing style, how he has dominated the postseason, and why stopping him should be a top priority for the Oilers if they are to secure a spot in the Stanley Cup Final.

Who is Mikko Rantanen? A Scorer and Playmaker

Before discussing why the Oilers must stay vigilant against Rantanen, it’s essential to understand the skill set and capabilities of the 26-year-old Finnish winger. Since joining the NHL in 2016, Rantanen has consistently demonstrated why he’s regarded as one of the league’s top forwards. With his combination of size, skill, and intelligence, Rantanen has built a reputation as a dangerous scoring threat in every situation.

Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 215 pounds, Rantanen’s imposing physical presence allows him to play a power game while also possessing elite hands and an accurate shot. His vision and hockey IQ are among the best in the league, which allows him to make creative plays and find teammates in scoring positions. Alongside Nathan MacKinnon, Rantanen has been a key driver of the Colorado Avalanche’s offensive attack, particularly during the playoffs.

Throughout his career, Rantanen has consistently put up impressive numbers. He has the ability to score in various ways, from sniping wrist shots to banging home rebounds in front of the net. Rantanen is also an exceptional playmaker, frequently setting up his teammates for high-quality scoring chances. In fact, his versatility and ability to contribute both as a scorer and a setup man make him a dual threat that any team would struggle to defend.

In the 2023 postseason, Rantanen has continued his dominance, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. His performance in the first two rounds was a testament to his consistency, as he delivered clutch goals and key assists to lead his team deep into the playoffs. As the Avalanche move into the Western Conference Final, Rantanen is poised to play a pivotal role in determining whether Colorado advances further or falls short.

Rantanen’s Impact in the Playoffs: A Scoring Machine

Rantanen’s ability to perform in the postseason is a key reason why the Oilers must stay vigilant against him. The Finnish winger has a remarkable ability to elevate his game when the stakes are highest, making him a game-changer in the playoff environment.

In past years, Rantanen has been known to step up his play in big moments, whether it’s scoring game-winning goals, setting up key plays, or being a physical presence on the ice. His 2023 postseason has been no different. Rantanen has been on fire, regularly posting multi-point games and consistently contributing on the score sheet.

What makes Rantanen so dangerous in the playoffs is his knack for performing under pressure. In high-stakes games, he’s able to keep his composure and produce at the highest level. His ability to handle adversity and deliver when it matters most makes him a constant threat to opposing teams, and the Oilers must account for him every time he is on the ice.

Rantanen’s scoring ability has been on full display during the current postseason. His wrist shot is one of the deadliest in the league, and his ability to find open areas of the ice makes him a tough player to track. But Rantanen is also a master of utilizing his size and strength to battle for position in front of the net, a dangerous area where he often capitalizes on rebounds and deflections.

While Rantanen is an elite sniper, his playmaking is equally impressive. He has been known to create opportunities for his teammates, feeding them beautiful passes in tight spaces and setting up goals with ease. This dual threat is precisely why the Oilers must stay focused on him throughout the series. Not only is he a danger when he has the puck, but he can also facilitate offense for others, making it difficult for defenders to predict his next move.

Why the Oilers Must Focus on Rantanen in the Western Conference Final

The Oilers’ road to the Stanley Cup Final will likely pass through some fierce competition, and their matchup against the Dallas Stars is no exception. While Dallas has a solid team from top to bottom, Rantanen’s presence on the ice could potentially tilt the balance in Colorado’s favor. In this high-pressure series, the Oilers will need to neutralize Rantanen’s impact to ensure their path to victory.

1. Elite Scoring Ability

Mikko Rantanen’s primary role in the Avalanche’s attack is as a goal scorer, and the Oilers’ defense must be aware of his dangerous positioning and finishing ability. Whether it’s from the left circle, the slot, or directly in front of the net, Rantanen is always a threat to score. Edmonton’s defensemen will have their hands full with him, as his ability to take over a game with his lethal shot means that they can’t afford to give him any time or space to make plays.

Given the Oilers’ high-powered offense, the series could come down to which team can better execute in the offensive zone. If Rantanen is allowed to operate freely and set up scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates, the Avalanche could quickly become the dominant force in the series.

2. Power Play Threat

One of the areas where Rantanen excels is on the power play. The Avalanche’s man-advantage unit has been particularly effective during the playoffs, and Rantanen is a key contributor. His ability to move the puck quickly and create space for himself in high-danger areas makes him a dangerous weapon when the opposition takes penalties.

The Oilers must not only stay vigilant on even strength but also ensure that their penalty kill is sharp when Rantanen is on the ice. Allowing him to operate on the power play could be disastrous for Edmonton, as Rantanen’s ability to find the back of the net with the man advantage could prove to be the difference in tight games.

3. Physical Presence and Puck Protection

Rantanen is not only a skilled offensive player but also one with an immense physical presence. He is strong on the puck, and his size allows him to protect it in tight spaces and fight through defenders to get to prime scoring areas. This is where the Oilers’ defenders will need to be strategic. Rantanen’s ability to win battles along the boards and in front of the net can shift momentum in a series, especially in the playoffs where physicality is often a deciding factor.

Edmonton’s defenders must be prepared to engage physically with Rantanen, but also be smart about not allowing him to establish body position in the offensive zone. Giving Rantanen free rein to dictate play on the boards or in front of the net could spell trouble for the Oilers.

Strategies for Stopping Rantanen

The Oilers’ coaching staff must have a clear strategy in place to neutralize Rantanen’s impact on the series. Here are some strategies they might employ to limit his effectiveness:

1. Tight Checking: Edmonton’s defensemen must remain close to Rantanen, especially in high-danger areas like the slot and in front of the crease. They must limit his space and make it difficult for him to get clean shots off.
2. Physical Play: Rantanen thrives when he has time to operate with the puck. By applying constant pressure and engaging him physically, the Oilers can force him into making quick decisions, potentially leading to turnovers and missed opportunities.
3. Special Teams Focus: The Oilers’ penalty kill must focus on disrupting Rantanen’s passing lanes on the power play. Cutting off his options and forcing him into taking low-percentage shots will be key to keeping him off the scoresheet during man-advantage situations.
4. Defensive Zone Responsibility: Keeping Rantanen to the outside and limiting his ability to get to the front of the net will be crucial for the Oilers’ defensemen. Using good stick positioning and body positioning will help prevent him from getting high-quality scoring chances.

The Edmonton Oilers are set for a challenging and exciting Western Conference Final against the Dallas Stars. While the Stars have their own array of talented players, the Avalanche’s Mikko Rantanen stands out as one of the most potent offensive threats that the Oilers will have to contain.

For the Oilers to succeed in this series, they must remain vigilant and focused on Rantanen. His ability to score, set up plays, and create chaos in the offensive zone makes him a player the Oilers can’t afford to ignore. With the stakes as high as they are, this matchup promises to be an exciting battle that could very well determine who moves on to the Stanley Cup Final.

As Edmonton gears up for the ultimate test, keeping an eye on Mikko Rantanen and finding ways to limit his impact will be critical. The Oilers must play disciplined hockey and work together as a team to shut down one of the NHL’s most talented players — a task that will require focus, effort, and smart decision-making at every turn.