The Dallas Stars took a 2-1 lead in the Western Conference Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs after defeating the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 in Game 3 at the American Airlines Center on Sunday night. Led by Mikko Rantanen, who notched a goal and two assists, the Stars capitalized on third-period opportunities and took control of the series.
Rantanen, acquired in a March 7 trade with the Carolina Hurricanes, has been red-hot in the postseason, amassing 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in his last six games. He has now been involved in 15 of the Stars' past 17 goals. "He's just getting started," said head coach Pete DeBoer. "I think he's on a mission."
The Jets held their own early, with the teams tied 2-2 heading into the third period. Dallas struck first in the final frame when Alexander Petrovic’s awkward shot from below the right face-off circle deflected off Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck and into the net at 3:51. After a brief video review confirmed there was no distinct kicking motion, the goal stood, giving Petrovic his first playoff goal since 2016.
Rantanen struck again just 49 seconds later, beating Hellebuyck with a sharp-angle shot that extended Dallas’ lead to 4-2. The quick two-goal burst was a turning point, and Winnipeg failed to respond. Wyatt Johnston sealed the win with a goal at 14:06, pouncing on his own rebound to make it 5-2. “Third periods have been good for us,” said Rantanen post-game. “In games we've won, we've pushed instead of sitting back.”
The Stars had contributions across the board. Roope Hintz and Thomas Harley both had a goal and an assist, while Mikael Granlund and Sam Steel each picked up two assists. Goalie Jake Oettinger made 23 saves in the win. Winnipeg’s goals came from Kyle Connor, who tied the game 1-1 in the first period with a wraparound, and Nino Niederreiter, who made it 2-2 with a goal from a tight angle in the second. Despite outplaying Dallas for stretches of the game, especially in the second period, the Jets could not maintain momentum.
Jets coach Scott Arniel acknowledged the missed opportunity. “We have to be ready for that next shift. We gave up that quick one. We got back on our heels.” The Jets, winners of the Presidents’ Trophy, now face pressure heading into Game 4, which will take place Tuesday night in Dallas. As the Stars ride the hot hand of Rantanen and capitalize on clutch third-period performances, the momentum firmly rests in Dallas' corner. Game 4 will be crucial for Winnipeg if they hope to avoid falling into a deeper series hole.
