NHL Trade Impact: Mikko Rantanen Struggles in Carolina as Martin Necas Thrives with Colorado Avalanche

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The NHL trade between the Carolina Hurricanes and Colorado Avalanche has had a significant impact on both teams. Mikko Rantanen, the Finnish star acquired by the Hurricanes, has struggled to find his rhythm, registering only three points in eight games. His hefty salary and expiring contract at the end of the NHL season may lead Carolina to consider moving on from him. In contrast, Martin Necas, acquired by the Avalanche in the same trade, has enjoyed his stay in Denver, tallying nine points in ten games and forming a strong partnership with Nathan MacKinnon.

Necas' admission about playing alongside MacKinnon and the other stars in Colorado has subtly taken digs at Carolina. He stated that playing with the Avalanche is "definitely working for my game" and that it's "fun to play with these guys." MacKinnon, who has registered 12 points since Necas joined the team, expressed his gratitude for the new teammate, saying that they have a similar style of game and that it's "a lot of fun" playing together. The Avalanche's recent 5-1 win against the New Jersey Devils, where Necas had three assists and MacKinnon scored two goals, showcases the team's potential with their new lineup.

The Avalanche's win against the Devils was their first since the 4 Nations break, and it marked a significant turnaround for the team. MacKinnon's two power-play goals, including his 100th career power-play goal, tied him with Mikko Rantanen for the fifth-most in Avalanche/Quebec Nordiques history. The team's performance was a testament to their ability to play the right way, as stated by Mackenzie Blackwood, who made 22 saves in the game. The Avalanche's coach, Jared Bednar, emphasized the importance of embracing the stretch run and using the pressure to push their game to another level consistently.

The game's statistics highlight the Avalanche's dominance, with

• MacKinnon scoring two goals and an assist
• Necas having three assists
• Artturi Lehkonen, Casey Mittelstadt, and Logan O'Connor scoring for the Avalanche
• Cale Makar having two assists
• Mackenzie Blackwood making 22 saves

. The Devils, on the other hand, had Jack Hughes scoring their only goal, and Jake Allen allowing five goals on 36 shots before leaving the game due to cramping.

The NHL trade has had a significant impact on the league, with teams like the Avalanche and Hurricanes making moves to strengthen their lineups. The NHL season is heating up, and teams are looking to make a push for the playoffs. The Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes will be teams to watch in the coming weeks, as they navigate the challenges of the season and look to make a deep run in the playoffs. With the trade deadline approaching, teams will be looking to make moves to bolster their rosters and make a push for the Stanley Cup.

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