“A little bitch”: Mikko Rantanen blasted by Avalanche fans after single-handedly ending their playoff run

Mikko Rantanen’s return to Colorado as a playoff opponent couldn’t have been more dramatic—or divisive. In a high-stakes Game 7 showdown, the former Avalanche star scored a hat trick and notched four points to lead the Dallas Stars to a 4-2 comeback win, knocking his old team out of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. While Rantanen delivered a clutch performance on the ice, the emotional aftermath has left Avalanche fans anything but forgiving.

The Finnish winger, Mikko Rantanen, once beloved in Denver, was dealt to Carolina briefly before landing in Dallas. His departure was controversial, sparked by failed contract negotiations with the Avs. Though Rantanen claimed he wanted to stay—“At the end of the day, I always wanted to stay in Colorado”—many fans believe his decision to leave was driven by financial ambition. “Cheap ass. Could have stayed in Denver on the same contract. Douche,” one fan wrote, highlighting the growing resentment.

Despite the venom, Mikko Rantanen’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. After trailing 2-0 in the third, Dallas stormed back with Rantanen leading the charge. His Game 7 heroics capped off a dominant series in which he recorded 12 points—including back-to-back four-point games in Games 6 and 7.
Still, even his post-game comments acknowledging his emotional connection to his former team couldn’t salvage goodwill. “They’re my brothers. I still love every one of them,” Rantanen said. “We were enemies in the series on the ice, but they’re my dear friends off the ice.” Another wrote, “Isn’t this guy kind of a little bitch or do I have that wrong?” But for many fans, the sentiment rang hollow.
Colorado, who finished just behind Dallas in the Central Division standings, hadn’t missed the second round since 2023. Now, with their season cut short by a familiar face, many are questioning whether the front office should have fought harder to keep their former star. “Should have paid that man his money,” one fan lamented. Another added, “Should never traded a player like this… now Colorado will suffer.”
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As Mikko Rantanen moves on with Dallas, his legacy in Denver may be forever altered—one clutch performance and one bitter fan base at a time.