Rantanen, Nichushkin Propel Predators with Central Standouts
The NHL landscape is shifting as teams navigate injuries and roster changes. This week, several players from the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche made headlines regarding their availability and contributions on the ice.
Rantanen’s Absence Affects Dallas Stars
Mikko Rantanen, the leading scorer for the Dallas Stars, will be sidelined due to illness. The team has struggled recently, losing six of their last ten games, including three consecutive losses. Rantanen accumulated 63 points in 48 games this season. The Stars will face the Boston Bruins tonight without him.
In his place, Nathan Bastian, 28, will step into the lineup. Bastian has recorded three goals in 22 games this season while playing primarily on the fourth line. Following this game, the Stars will play again on Thursday and Friday but have no weekend games scheduled.
Nichushkin’s Car Accident Update
In a related story, Valeri Nichushkin of the Colorado Avalanche also faced adversity this week. He was involved in a car accident while en route to the rink before last night’s game. Fortunately, he sustained only minor injuries, but his status remains questionable for the upcoming match against Anaheim.
Nichushkin has been a significant contributor for the Avalanche, tallying 27 points in 38 games this season. Despite his absence, the Avalanche managed a solid victory against the Washington Capitals, securing a 5-2 win.
Nashville Predators Eyes on Free Agents
Meanwhile, Nashville Predators General Manager Barry Trotz is assessing his team’s future with pending unrestricted free agents. Notable names such as Michael Bunting, Michael McCarron, and Cole Smith are under consideration. All three players are 30 years old, and Bunting stands out as a player with a $4.5 million cap hit and a potential target for contending teams.
Bunting continues to show steady offensive performance, on pace for 20 goals this season, and has minimized penalties in comparison to previous years. Both McCarron and Smith play crucial roles on the Predators’ fourth line and may be more suited for reasonable contract extensions rather than trades.
Key Takeaways
- Mikko Rantanen will not play due to illness.
- Dallas Stars have lost three consecutive games.
- Nathan Bastian will replace Rantanen in the lineup.
- Valeri Nichushkin involved in a minor car accident.
- Nashville Predators assessing future with key free agents.
The developments this week underscore the unpredictability of the NHL season, as teams adapt to absences and injuries while striving for success on the ice.
