Mikko Rantanen and his Colorado Avalanche teammates logged a lot of extra ice time in the opener to take part in the emotion-stirring, banner-raising ceremony before their 5-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks on Wednesday.
Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin each scored two power-play goals, while Rantanen had four assists as the fast-skating Avs began their Stanley Cup title defense with a night to remember.
Shortly after raising their newest banner to the rafters, the Avalanche went to work.
Photo: AP
Andrew Cogliano scored Colorado’s first goal of the season, the only goal in the game that was not on a power play.
Nathan MacKinnon contributed two assists, while new goaltender Alexandar Georgiev stopped 15 shots.
“Our championship team is in the rafters forever,” said Rantanen, who turned in the 12th four-point night of his career. “You don’t think about it too much [now], but I think we will appreciate it later.”
Photo: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY
Jonathan Toews and Max Domi had goals as Luke Richardson made his coaching debut for the Blackhawks. Petr Mrazek finished with 30 saves against an Avalanche team who won the title last season by dethroning Tampa Bay in six games.
“Obviously it’s special to see that banner go up there, to contribute to history, but I think once the puck drops, the attitude is it’s behind you and nobody really cares,” Toews said. “You got to go out there and try to win the game.”
Colorado moved defending Stanley Cup champions to 60-26-16 in openers.
The crowd was revved up well before the puck even dropped.
The appetizer was a highlight video of Colorado’s run to the franchise’s third Stanley Cup title. Then, some music as Mark Hoppus of Blink-182 led a sing-along of the band’s tune All The Small Things, which became an anthem for the Avalanche.
There also was captain Gabriel Landeskog hoisting the Cup and skating around with the trophy. He missed the game with a lower-body injury.
There were plenty of on-ice pictures, including a memorable shot of the team with Blackhawks defenseman Jack Johnson joining in. Johnson was with Colorado last season.
Finally, the feature attraction — the banner raised to the rafters. As it climbed higher and higher, the cheers got louder and louder.
“I got pretty emotional actually when they’re doing the video beforehand,” said Johnson, who was wearing his championship ring in his post-game interview. “Some day I can bring my grandkids or my kids, if they don’t believe that dad played, and show them.”
In other games, it was:
‧ Canadiens 4, Maple Leafs 3
‧ Capitals 2, Bruins 5
‧ Ducks 5, Kraken 4 (OT)
‧ Hurricanes 4, Blue Jackets 1
‧ Oilers 5, Canucks 3
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