Rantanen Powers Stars Past Jets with Third-Period Surge to Take 2-1 Series Lead

Mikko Rantanen continued his red-hot playoff run with a goal and two assists to lead the Dallas Stars to a 5-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 of the Western Conference Second Round. Rantanen, acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in March, has now recorded 17 points in his last six games and leads the postseason with nine goals. His standout performance has made him a focal point of the Stars’ offense, factoring into 15 of their last 17 goals. Coach Pete DeBoer praised his impact, saying Rantanen is just getting started and is “on a mission.”

Dallas Shows Depth and Resilience to Take Commanding Series Lead Over Winnipeg Jets

Dallas received contributions from multiple players, showcasing their depth. Thomas Harley and Roope Hintz each notched a goal and an assist, while Sam Steel and Mikael Granlund added two assists apiece.

Goaltender Jake Oettinger was solid in the net, stopping 23 shots. Despite being outplayed in the second period, the Stars rebounded with a dominant third, scoring three unanswered goals to seal the win. The Stars now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 set for Tuesday night in Dallas.

The Winnipeg Jets, who finished the regular season with the NHL’s best record, saw strong performances from Kyle Connor and Nino Niederreiter, who each scored. Despite the loss, coach Scott Arniel felt his team played a strong game and wasn’t rattled by the odd goal that gave Dallas the lead in the third period.

Connor Hellebuyck made 21 saves but was ultimately undone by a bizarre own-goal and Rantanen’s quick follow-up score that widened the gap.

Third-Period Surge Secures Stars’ Victory in Momentum-Shifting Game Against Winnipeg Jets

Alexander Petrovic gave Dallas a 3-2 lead early in the third with a fortunate goal that deflected off Hellebuyck’s stick and was upheld after a video review. Less than a minute later, Rantanen extended the lead with a highlight-reel goal from a sharp angle. Wyatt Johnston sealed the game at 14:06, putting in his own rebound to make it 5-2. The Stars’ ability to push hard in the third period and capitalize on momentum swings proved critical.

The game began with Dallas striking first on a Hintz power-play goal before Winnipeg answered with Connor’s wraparound. Harley and Niederreiter traded goals to keep the game even heading into the third. Both teams showed flashes of brilliance, but the Stars’ third-period intensity and clutch performances separated them. As the Jets look to even the series in Game 4, they’ll need to tighten their defensive play and capitalize on offensive zone pressure to counter Dallas’ depth and momentum.