
The Dallas Stars have been red hot lately, winning 11 of their last 12 games, even without superstar Mikko Rantanen. The Finnish winger has been sidelined since representing Team Finland in the Olympics and dealing with a lower-body injury.
Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan said Rantanen skated for the first time on Monday and is projected to return to the lineup in about two to two and a half weeks. That would line up with Tuesday, March 24, at home against the New Jersey Devils or Thursday, March 26, on the road against the New York Islanders.
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Before the Olympic break, Rantanen was on a heater, recording points in five straight games and totaling six points. This season, he ranks second on the Stars in scoring with 20 goals and 49 assists for 69 points in 54 games.
Dallas has performed exceptionally well without their second-leading scorer, but the return of Rantanen should help the team continue winning during one of their toughest stretches of the season, which includes the third-hardest remaining schedule.

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