Rantanen missed the final seven games of the regular season but is ready to play in Game 1 in Calgary. Rantanen had four assists in six playoff games a year ago and had three points (1G / 2A) in three games vs. the Flames this year.
Rantanen missed Tuesday’s game vs. the Sharks but will be back in tonight in St. Louis. Rantanen has just three assists in his last five games, but re-enters the lineup with 50 points (17G / 33A) in 51 games this season.
Rantanen was a game-time decision and didn’t end up playing last night vs. the Sharks. However the injury doesn’t appear to be serious, so Rantanen is expected to take part in the morning skate and they will make a decision on his status after that.
Rantanen’s status for tonight’s game was iffy on Monday and remains in question as he’s officially listed as a game-time decision. The Avalanche are already without Nathan MacKinnon, so losing two-thirds of their top-line would be a tough pill to swallow. Monitor Rantanen’s status when the Avalanche hit the ice for warmups at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Rantanen is “banged up” so his status for Tuesday’s game is up in the air. Keep an eye on Rantanen’s status during tomorrow’s morning skate, but Colin Wilson is expected to skate with Alexander Kerfoot and Gabriel Landeskog if Ratanen can’t play.
Rantanen played on a four-game conditioning stint with San Antonio (AHL), where he had two assists. Rantanen has been recalled to make his season debut and it will come on the top-line with Nathan MacKinnon and Gabriel Landeskog.
Rantanen battled an ankle injury throughout the preseason and is expected to go back to the AHL, as basically a conditioning stint, before he will likely return to the Avalanche when he’s back up to speed. The 19-year-old had 60 points (24G / 36A) in 52 games with San Antonio last season.
Rantanen returned in a no-contact jersey, but it was his first practice session since he suffered an ankle injury in a rookie showcase back on September 17th. Rantanen is expected to have a secured spot with the Avalanche this season and is targeting a return for their season opener next Saturday.
