Day 2 of Avalanche camp sharpened defensive structure and 5v5 pressure, with Wedgewood steadier between the pipes as Blackwood sits sidelined. Landeskog set the tone with leadership and a slot goal, Nichushkin showed a sharper stride and heavier shot, and MacKinnon drove the offense with intensity. Burns and Middleton provided blue-line depth, while Toews and Malinski tested veteran pairing chemistry. A mix of veterans and young skaters surfaced as clear depth options ahead of the preseason.

Avalanche power play overhaul is the focal point for 2025-26 as Colorado shifts to a new voice with Hakstol and a training camp packed with both returning stars and fresh options. The unit faces the challenge of reviving volume and quality of chances after a brutal seven-game playoff with Dallas, trusting MacKinnon and Makar while layering in Landeskog, Nichushkin, Olofsson and Burns to diversify looks and unleash two potent setups.

With Burns at the top of the setup and a mix of net-front and bumper options—Landeskog, Nichushkin, Lehkonen, Rantanen and others—the Avs aim for a flexible approach that could resemble PP1 and PP1.5 rather than a single elite unit. Training camp will reveal how the new depth translates to ice time, with a core built to push Colorado back to the top of the NHL power-play charts.

Nicknamed 'Moose' during his early career, Mikko Rantanen is now a pivotal figure for the Dallas Stars, a profound shift for the Colorado Avalanche's former star. As the two teams gear up for a decisive Game 7, Rantanen's performance against his former teammates has ignited fierce emotions. While Avalanche fans still cheer for 'Mikko', Dallas fans embrace him as a key asset in their playoff ambitions. With a history of shared successes, the emotional weight of this matchup is immense, particularly for coach Jared Bednar, who reflects on Rantanen's contributions during his tenure. Bednar's admiration is evident; he recalls Rantanen's critical plays in high-pressure situations, like his recent performance that nearly sealed the Avalanche's fate.

As the series unfolds, the focus shifts to how Rantanen will perform in Game 7. His ability to impact the game at this level presents a unique challenge for the Avalanche defenders. Teammate Devon Toews acknowledges the need to contain Rantanen, recognizing him as one of the league's elite players. The stakes are high: the outcome of this game could redefine legacies for both teams. Win or lose, Rantanen's journey reflects the intricate dynamics of player loyalties and rivalries in the league.