Rantanen's Hat Trick Lifts Stars Over Avalanche in Game 7

Mikko Rantanen, who was traded twice this season—from Colorado to Carolina and then to Dallas—delivered a historic Game 7 performance for the Dallas Stars against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. In the third period, Rantanen completed a hat trick and assisted on the tiebreaking goal, leading the Stars to a 4-2 comeback win and a series victory. He set a Stars franchise record with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in the last three games and led all playoff scorers with 12 points. Rantanen became only the second NHL player to record four points in the third period of a Game 7 and the first to notch a Game 7 hat trick entirely in the final frame. The win was especially meaningful for Rantanen, facing former teammates and answering critics of his playoff pedigree. Dallas advances to the second round, expecting to regain key players Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen.