The Dallas Stars have a long history of beating up on the Colorado Avalanche when it matters most, and that’s true whether you’re talking about back-to-back seven-game Western Conference Finals in the Stanley Cup days or as recently as the Edmonton bubble playoffs or even last year’s second round.

Rantanen, selected by Colorado with the No. 10 pick of the 2015 NHL Draft, spent 10 seasons with the Avalanche. He went from the lowest of lows, finishing last in the NHL in 2016-17, to the highest of highs, winning the Stanley Cup in 2021-22, and was a key part of their rise.

The Stars aren’t just a favorite in this series, they're a favorite to win the Cup. But don't count out the Avs' star power and spite.