Dallas Stars’ Mikko Rantanen Sets NHL Playoff Scoring Records, Leads Second-Round Advance

Mikko Rantanen has been a dominant force for the Dallas Stars in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, scoring back-to-back hat tricks in crucial games that propelled the team forward. After being traded twice in the season, including from the Colorado Avalanche—the team he played nine seasons with—Rantanen's motivation to excel against his former team was clear, as he helped the Stars overcome a two-goal deficit to win Game 7 and advance. His performance continued with a natural hat trick in Game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets, making him the first player in NHL history to have multiple three-goal periods in the same postseason. Rantanen has scored or assisted on the last 12 Dallas goals and leads the playoffs with 15 points in eight games, showcasing his status as one of the league's top forwards. Dallas Stars' general manager praised Rantanen as a rare opportunity to acquire and extend a superstar, and coach Peter DeBoer highlighted his remarkable dominance during the critical playoff period. Additionally, goaltender Jake Oettinger played a key role in the Stars' comeback victory over the Avalanche, underlining the team's collective effort in the postseason.