WINNIPEG - In a thrilling start to their second-round NHL playoff series, Mikko Rantanen’s natural hat trick propelled the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Wednesday night. This win marked a significant moment for the Stars as they took the lead in the best-of-seven series.
The first period was a showcase of goaltending prowess, with both Connor Hellebuyck of the Jets and Jake Oettinger of the Stars denying multiple scoring opportunities. The Jets had a chance to capitalize on a power play when Mason Marchment was called for hooking, but they were unable to find the back of the net. The period ended with no goals, although the Jets outshot the Stars 13-12, demonstrating their offensive pressure.
At the 3:30 mark of the second period, Nino Niederreiter broke the deadlock with a sharp-angled backhand shot that found its way past Oettinger, giving the Jets a 1-0 lead. However, the Stars responded quickly. Rantanen, who had already made waves in the postseason, tied the game at 8:43 by poking in a rebound after a flurry of activity in front of the net.
Rantanen’s scoring spree continued just under six minutes later at 14:21 when he tipped in a shot from Thomas Harley, putting the Stars ahead 2-1. The Finnish forward wasn’t done yet; he completed his hat trick at 16:38 on the power play, firing a wrist shot that deflected off Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg before beating Hellebuyck five-hole. This marked Rantanen's second hat trick in as many games, a feat that placed him among the elite in NHL history.
Mark Scheifele brought the Jets back within one at 16:38 after a turnover led to an open shot in the slot, but despite the Jets controlling much of the play in the final period, the Stars held on to their lead. The final score was 3-2 in favor of the Stars, who snapped an eight-game losing streak in playoff openers.
Rantanen’s performance was a highlight of the night, as he became the third player in NHL history to score hat tricks in consecutive playoff games, joining the ranks of Jari Kurri and Doug Bentley. "It’s a treat," said Dallas center Sam Steel, praising Rantanen’s current form. "He’s one of the best players in the world and he’s just on fire right now. We’re just trying to get him the puck."
Through his remarkable run, Rantanen has now factored into each of his team’s last 12 goals, the longest streak by a player in Stanley Cup playoff history. His current point streak stands at four games, with an impressive total of eight goals and six assists, totaling 15 points this postseason.
On the other side, the Jets, who finished the regular season with a league-best 116 points, were unable to leverage their home-ice advantage effectively. Connor Hellebuyck made 21 saves, while his counterpart Oettinger recorded 30 saves, showcasing the defensive battle that unfolded.
The Jets had opportunities, notably going 0-for-4 on the power play, while the Stars capitalized on their single opportunity with Rantanen’s goal. "Whenever you face elite players, you have to know where they are," said Jets coach Scott Arniel, emphasizing the need to contain Rantanen moving forward.
As the series progresses, both teams will look to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses. The next game is set for Friday night, May 9, 2025, at Canada Life Centre, with puck drop scheduled for 8:30 pm CST. The Stars will aim to build on their momentum, while the Jets will look to bounce back and even the series.
With the stakes high and both teams eager for victory, the upcoming match promises to be another exciting chapter in this playoff series.
