DENVER — Mikko Rantanen tapped his heart as the video screen showed highlights in the first period of his Colorado Avalanche career, culminating with him hoisting the Stanley Cup.
The crowd greeted him Sunday with a mixture of cheers of “Moose” — his nickname — and, of course, some boos.
Once a fan favorite, Rantanen is now a fierce rival following his arrival with Central Division-foe Dallas. And for the first time in his NHL career, Rantanen was a visitor in a building he’s called home for a decade.
No surprise, he heard the most boos when his name was announced on an assist to set up the first goal of the game for the Stars.