Mikko Rantanen tapped his heart as the video screen showed highlights in the first period of his Colorado Avalanche career, culminating with him hoisting the Stanley Cup. The crowd greeted him Sunday with a mixture of cheers of “Moose” — his nickname — and,

Once a fan favorite, Rantanen is now a fierce rival following his arrival with Central Division-foe Dallas. And for the first time in his NHL career, Rantanen was a visitor in a building he’s called home for a decade.

The Dallas Stars take on the Colorado Avalanche, giving Mikko Rantanen a chance to go against his former team for the first time.

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After extending their point streak against Minnesota and Calgary on the road, the Colorado Avalanche return home briefly for a matinee matchup against the Dallas Stars. This will be the third and final regular-season matchup between these two teams.

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups.