Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar issues update on Mikko Rantanen
After being hit by Mattias Ekholm during Friday night's game against the Edmonton Oilers, the Colorado Avalanche have issued an update on forward Mikko Rantanen.
When meeting with reporters, Colorado Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told reporters that Rantanen has entered concussion protocol, but did work out on Saturday and skated on his own on Sunday morning. Bednar added that at this time, Rantanen can be deemed day-to-day.
Early in the second period on Friday night, Rantanen was waiting to receive a pass, when Mattias Ekholm stepped up and laid a huge hit on the Finnish forward.
Rantanen was shaky when he got back to his feet, needing to be helped by an official and then the Avalanche's trainer to get back to the team's bench. He went back to the team's dressing room right away and did not return. Ekholm was not penalized on the play for the hit, which some fans believed should have happened.
With the Avalanche having five games remaining in the regular season and in the middle of a battle for the Central Division title with the Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets, having a player like Mikko Rantanen on the sidelines is certainly not ideal.
In 77 games for the Avalanche this season, Rantanen has recorded 102 points (40 goals, 62 assists), along with 50 penalty minutes and is a plus-20.
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