Mikko Rantanen broke his goal drought as Colorado beat Calgary.
Afterwards, he sent a pass to teammate Artturi Lehkonen’s father.
– If you talk shit, it will backfire, says the forward.
Ismo Lehkonen is a hockey expert in Yle’s broadcasts and recently questioned Rantanen’s summer training.
– He didn’t have such a good summer. There was a lot going on all around. He was on his way to Helsinki and everything. It is possible that he took it a little more easy with the training after riding hard for a couple of years. Maybe he didn’t train as much, he said in one interview that was published on Monday morning.
“He made it up”
Rantanen was then on nine goalless games (his longest goal drought since the beginning of 2018) after a dip in form.
helskärm Mikko Rantanen. Photo: David Zalubowski / AP
But against the Calgary Flames, it was all over the place for the Finnish forward, who accounted for a goal and two assists as the Colorado Avalanche turned around and won 6–5 in overtime.
– One of our Finnish NHL players’ fathers talked nonsense about me in the media, he said that I didn’t train as I usually do this summer. He made things up. This goal was for him, he tells the gathered media corps.
“Teased the bear”
– I know I haven’t played well. I understand that people are critical, that’s perfectly fine… but I can’t take someone sitting around making things up. Then I just get pissed off.
When asked what the relationship looks like with teammate Arturi Lehkonen, Rantanen replies that the two have no problems with each other and that they are still friends.
Ismo Lehkonen then spoke to Evening newspaper and paid tribute to Rantanen.
– I teased the bear and when the bear is really irritated he does 1+2, he jokes in the interview.
– Mikko is absolutely one of the best players in the world. Even when he’s not having his very best day, he can make a difference in the NHL. If he stays healthy, he will definitely score more than 100 points.
Ismo Lehkonen and Hans son Artturi Lehkonen. Photo: Instagram
2023-12-12 12:55:47
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