Mikko Rantanen simply refuses to stop scoring. After leading the Dallas Stars’ historic comeback in Game 7 against the Colorado Avalanche, where he scored three third-period goals to storm back and steal the win, the newly-acquired forward didn’t slow down his pace for Game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets. This time, Rantanen chose the second period for his onslaught, turning a 1-0 Stars deficit into a 3-2 lead by the end of the frame with another hat trick in the span of just eight minutes. For those counting at home, that’s six goals in the Stars’ last three periods for Rantanen.
Rantanen has been running double-shifts for the Stars in Game 1, also playing with Dallas’ fourth line. “It’s a deep lineup we have and even fourth-line guys are making plays,” Rantanen told the ESPN broadcast during the game’s second intermission. “[Evgenii Dadonov] scored 20 goals this year and he’s on the fourth line. So a lot of skill through the lineup and they made a couple of nice plays there to set me up, and it was good.”
Rantanen’s performance is historic in many ways. He became the first player in nearly 40 years with a hat trick in consecutive playoff games and just the third in NHL history to achieve this feat. He has factored into each of his team’s last 12 goals, marking the longest streak by a player in Stanley Cup Playoffs history. Additionally, Rantanen is the first player in Stars/North Stars franchise history to record a natural hat trick (three unanswered goals) in the playoffs. He also made history by being the first player in Stanley Cup playoffs history with multiple three-goal periods in the same postseason.
As the game unfolded, the Stars faced an early challenge when Nino Niederreiter opened the scoring for Winnipeg at 3:30 of the second period, lifting a backhand over the far shoulder of Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger for his third goal of the playoffs. However, Rantanen quickly responded, tying the game at 8:43 of the period by fighting through a scrum in the crease and batting a loose puck into the open net after Connor Hellebuyck stopped a one-timer from Evgenii Dadonov but was unable to control the rebound.
Rantanen added his second of the game at 14:21 of the period, tipping a shot from Thomas Harley past Hellebuyck for his second goal. He completed the natural hat trick on the power play at 16:38 of the frame, firing a wrist shot past Hellebuyck for his eighth goal of the postseason, marking his 14th point over his past four games.
Mark Scheifele brought the Jets to within one less than a minute after Rantanen's goal, taking a pass from Gabe Vilardi in the slot and getting it past Oettinger for his third goal of the postseason. The Jets had opportunities to capitalize on power plays during the period, starting with 1:52 remaining on a man advantage after Cody Ceci was called for high-sticking late in the first period. However, they were unable to convert on their second opportunity midway through the second when Jamie Benn was called for hooking.
As the second period concluded, Oettinger had stopped 19 of 21 shots, while Hellebuyck had turned away 16 of 19. The Stars headed into the third period with a narrow 3-2 lead, thanks largely to Rantanen’s explosive performance.
Fans have been buzzing about Rantanen’s incredible scoring streak, and social media was abuzz with highlights of his goals. The Dallas Stars’ official Twitter account celebrated Rantanen’s achievements with a post saying, “Big boys need to be big boys,” highlighting his crucial role in the game.
With the Stars looking to build on their momentum, Rantanen’s performance sets the stage for an exciting playoff run. His ability to score in crucial moments has not only propelled the Stars forward but also solidified his status as one of the most impactful players in the postseason. As the series against the Jets continues, all eyes will be on Rantanen to see if he can keep this remarkable scoring streak alive.
As the game progresses, the intensity is palpable. The Stars are known for their resilience, and with Rantanen leading the charge, they have a real shot at advancing further in the playoffs. The fans are hopeful, and the atmosphere in the arena is electric as they rally behind their team.
In conclusion, Mikko Rantanen’s historic hat trick in Game 1 of the Western Conference second round not only showcases his talent but also highlights the depth and skill of the Dallas Stars’ lineup. As they head into the third period with a slim lead, the Stars are poised to make a statement in this playoff series against the Jets.
