The lights went dark before the puck drop from the Avalanche’s ultimate match prior to the All-Star break. Three players standing near the house bench were saw by A spotlight. A crowd roared as the trio waved and smiled.

A hockey toast to background made from the Mile High City.

The Avs’ top line of center Nathan MacKinnon and wingers Gabe Landeskog and Mikko Rantanen are competing together at the NHL All-Star festivities this weekend in San Jose. They’re the first Colorado trio to deserve the honor because Joe Sakic, Rob Blake and Alex Tanguay created the trip back in 2004. The Rocky Mountain Line Is Considered the most notable from the NHL because at least 2006, when the Senators touted Dany Heatley, Daniel Alfredsson and Jason Spezza.

“We’re very lucky we get to spend this (time) together,” MacKinnon said. “I don’t believe it’s ever going to happen again in our careers, the three of us going to the All-Star Game. ”

Regrettably, MacKinnon was unable to take part in Friday night’s All-Star abilities contest because of a bruise on the inside of his left foot, according to a NHL.com report. The center will also sit out Saturday’s All-Star Game.

The casting for Colorado’s Rocky Mountain Line isn’t any buddy humor. It’s business on the ice. But personalities net to make a rare link.

Rantanen, 22, is the youngest in age and NHL experience. He’s envisioned on his Instagram profile in his native Finland last summer sporting a backward hat that was snap-back with a smile and riding a wave runner. “Mikko is a guy,” Landeskog said. “But when he wants to concentrate s really silent, driven, motivated and hard working. ”

MacKinnon, 23, has always carried the burden of star expectations because a former No. 1 overall draft choice. Rantanen described him as a “little more demanding, particularly on the ice” also &ldquo. ” Yet MacKinnon is not resistant to 20-something crazes, most notably squading up in Fortnite with Rantanen. Who’s s better?

“I believe it’s Nate,” Rantanen said, then smiled, “however, he plays more. ”

Landeskog, 26, is the stoic Swede and staff captain who brings maturity to the lineup as its lone member. Video games aren’t his bag. “There are better ways to spend my times,” he said.

“He does any mistakes, & rdquo and also leads the way on the ice; Rantanen said. “The way that he speaks to this group is calm. ”

Their relationship started Oct. 28, 2017, once the line debuted against the Blackhawks at the Pepsi Center. Colorado won 6-3 with its new top unit in seven points (four goals, three assists). Coach Jared Bednar relayed that the trio went “flying right from their gate” &; ldquo;guided us. ” They’Id continued to ever since.

Colorado enters the All-Star split with 199 combined points between the three linemates — MacKinnon 71 (27 goals, 44 assists), Rantanen 74 (23, 51) and also Landeskog 54 (29, 25).  Bednar’therefore choice to comprise his three top forwards in the group instead of layering them is related ve formed.

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“They get along real well, they have similar work ethics, all three men in the way and what they expect from themselves and their linemates,” Bednar stated. “It pushes them to be improved. I believe rsquo, we &;re seeing that today. They likely have been more consistent than they were last year; and found themselves as elite players and this year they rsquo; ve taken the step & hellip. ”

Rantanen and Landeskog are currently creating their first All-Star appearances.

“I don’t need to think about it and be anxious,” Rantanen said.

Landeskog added: “It’s the honour to be voted in by the fans. ”

MacKinnon is now making his third career excursion.

“We’re friends,” MacKinnon said. “Hopefully we’ll get some pictures, have some memories that are good and actually enjoy it. ”

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