Mikko Rantanen’s natural hat-trick was enough to push the Dallas Stars to a game one win against the Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre on Wednesday night.
Game Story
The first period was a complete goaltending clinic as Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger stopped all golden chances that came towards them.
The Jets had a power play chance near the halfway point of the first period as Mason Marchment was called for hooking, but it was no dice for the Jets.
Cody Ceci took a high-sticking penalty with eight seconds left in the first period, but the Jets were unable to gain any traction before the period ended.
The power play remained no dice as the Stars killed off the Ceci high-sticking minor and killed off another when Jamie Benn was called for hooking.
The Jets found the back of the net early as Nino Niederreiter picked up the first goal of the game. Haydn Fleury got the stretch pass up to Mason Appleton, who found Nino Niederreiter and got the backhand goal past Oettinger to break open the scoring.
About five minutes later, Mikko Rantenen was being boxed out by Dylan Samberg, but that didn’t matter as he got his stick on the puck to poke it into the net and score the tying goal.
Not long after his first goal, Rantanen would tip in Thomas Harley’s shot from the point and redirect it past Hellebuyck to give the Stars the lead.
2:17 after his second goal, Rantanen scored a nice wrist shot goal on the power play that went off Dylan Samberg’s skate, which also beat Connor Hellebuyck five-hole. Rantanen’s individual effort gave the Stars a 3-1 lead, but it wouldn’t last long.
Mark Scheifele would dart up the ice with his linemates and receive the puck from Gabriel Vilardi in the slot to score a nice wrist shot goal that beat Oettinger clean.
The eventful second period ended 3-2 in favour of the Dallas Stars, but intensity picked up as the third period neared.
The third period was the same as the first, as both goaltenders locked down the crease, and the Stars ultimately came away with a big game one win as they took the game 3-2.
What’s Next?
Game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and Dallas Stars is set for Friday night at Canada Life Centre. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 pm CST.
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