Avalanche effort out of this world in NHL Global Series sweep

TAMPERE, Finland -- As Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen were making their way to the interview podium after a
5-1 Colorado Avalanche victory
against the Columbus Blue Jackets in the 2022 NHL Global Series at Nokia Arena on Saturday, they passed a group of wide-eyed kids decked out in hockey jerseys who were staring at them.

Without any provocation, the two Avalanche forwards ran over and began high-fiving the boys, whose jaws dropped in awe at the spontaneous interactions with their hockey heroes.
Lehkonen remembered when he and Rantanen were those kids, growing up here in Finland, hoping one day they would be pro hockey players. Now they were the ones being idolized in their native country by young wannabe NHLers.
"It's been so much fun," Lehkonen said. "It's been a long time since Mikko and I played together in Finland so it's special. We started playing here on the same team when we were 12.
"We were dreaming of one day playing in the Finnish League. To play in the NHL and play in Finland, it's so special."
RELATED: [Complete coverage of NHL Global Series in Finland]
Rantanen and Lehkonen were the key storylines for the Avalanche in the 2022 Global Series Finland, the proverbial native sons coming home. Lehkonen got his moment in the spotlight on Saturday, opening the scoring in the Avalanche four-goal victory. One night earlier, it was Rantanen who stole the show, scoring three goals and adding an assist in Colorado's 6-3 win, causing the capacity crowd at Nokia Arena to sing his name as the clock ticked down.
But as much a storybook ending as they had in Colorado's two-game sweep of Columbus, this was about more than just the two childhood pals.
Indeed, the biggest offensive star for Colorado proved to be their linemate, Nathan MacKinnon. For his part, the center didn't want to discuss his stats, choosing to let his wings bask in the spotlight. But there was no denying that the 27-year-old from Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, was the key architect in their success.
Colorado outscored Columbus 11-4 in the two games. MacKinnon assisted on seven of the 11 Avalanche goals. He might not have wanted to talk about himself, but his play did his talking for him.
"Everyone played awesome," MacKinnon said. "It was fun to have everyone involved, everyone chip in tonight."
Lehkonen's goal, which opened the scoring 33 seconds into the game, came off a beautiful MacKinnon feather pass. The intention, MacKinnon said, was to get his teammate on the scoreboard in front of friends and family.
"It certainly crossed my mind on the 2-on-1," he said. "Obviously it's cool. He's really excited. Like I said last night, I can only imagine how that would feel, scoring an NHL goal in my hometown.
"It was a very passionate crowd. They love their local guys, and it was cool to see them score."
MacKinnon said he will cherish the memories of the team's week in Finland, from saunas to salmon soup. But the most important part, he said, was that the Avalanche got back on track on the ice.
The Stanley Cup champions came to Finland with a 4-4-1 record, causing some observers to suggest they had a championship hangover. But they showed none of those traits in Tampere, winning with the recipe of raw speed, tenacious defense and superior skill.
"The entire experience has been great," MacKinnon said. "The hockey's been the best part, obviously. And it's been fun to experience the crowd and doing a lap around the ice as one of the stars.
"It's cool. You realize that you'll probably never be back playing here so you appreciate the awesome fans. A ton of jerseys. It was all great."
Not so much for the Blue Jackets (3-9-0). It was so bad that Columbus forward Patrik Laine, a native of Tampere, suggested his team should have never come to Finland.
Colorado, on the other hand, is 6-4-1 and appears to be getting back on track. So much so, in fact, that coach Jared Bednar could not, would not stop praising the entire journey of the past week.
"Everyone in Finland has been super welcoming," he said. "They have a great energy about them. They're excited about the game.
"It's been a great trip and super special for our guys."