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Mikko Rantanen had an exceptional year as a facilitator, tying Jack Eichel and Macklin Celebrini for ninth in the NHL with a pace of 70 assists per 82 games.
My Wild vs. Stars predictions and NHL picks see Rantanen coming through as a creator in a crucial Game 2 for his team.
Mikko Rantanen took his playmaking to a different level this season, producing 55 assists over just 62 appearances. That’s the highest per-game output of his career.
He was at his best in Dallas, picking up at least one helper in 68% of his games — and 73% following a day of rest.
While Rantanen didn’t record an assist in Game 1 against the Minnesota Wild, the underlying metrics were very strong. The Dallas Stars generated 26 shot attempts, 14 scoring chances, and 1.91 expected goals during his minutes.
The Wild are unlikely to keep Rantanen off the scoresheet if he replicates those numbers.
Miro Heiskanen paced the Stars in ice time, and they were dangerous during his minutes, generating a team-leading 17 shots on target and 2.44 expected goals.
Matt Boldy posted game-highs in shots (eight) and shot attempts (10) in Game 1. That’s normal for Boldy, who has generated 4+ shots on goal in seven straight vs. Dallas.
Lastly, Jonas Brodin recorded multiple blocks in 72% of away games this season, and has cleared that mark in five of the last six against Dallas. The Stars will be desperate in Game 2, which could lead to more block opportunities.
Wally Johnston led Stars forwards in time on ice during Game 1 and was one of two Dallas players to generate multiple high-danger looks. He is elite at finding space in the slot, and the Wild ranked 27th in defending that shooting zone this season.
It’s also worth noting that Johnston was by far the league’s most lethal power play scorer, and there tends to be more penalties early on in playoff series.
Mikko Rantanen has assisted in three of his last four home games against Minnesota. Find more NHL betting trends for Wild vs. Stars.
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