More

Stanley Cup Playoffs: Mikko Rantanen continues to dominate as Stars go up 2-1 on Jets

Stars forward Mikko Rantanen handling the puck during Game 3 vs. Winnipeg Jets (2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs)
Stars forward Mikko Rantanen handling the puck during Game 3 vs. Winnipeg Jets (2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs) Sam Hodde/Getty Images/AFP
The Dallas Stars scored three goals in the third period to take home a Mother's Day win over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 as they now lead the series 2-1.

Heading into the third period all tied up, Dallas made sure to take over in front of the home crowd for a 5-2 win over the Jets

But it was Stars forward Mikko Rantanen who continues to shine as he leads his team closer to a possible Western Conference Finals appearance. 

So let's check out all of the highlights from each period!

1st Period

The Stars wasted no time at all getting on the scoreboard after they put one in net on the very first shot of the game courtesy of Roope Hintz on the power play.

The goal was Hintz's fifth of the playoffs and teammate Rantanen's eighth assist. 

But the Presidents Trophy winners weren't going to stay down for long as Kyle Connor hit a wrap-around goal that sneaked just under Jake Oettinger's glove with almost 10 minutes left in the period to tie it all up 1-1. 

But Dallas responded before the first period finished with a snapshot from Thomas Harley, his third of the playoffs. 

2nd Period

Not much action came out of the second period in terms of goals. 

Winnipeg's Nino Niederreiter tied the game up at two apiece 10 minutes into the period, marking his fourth of the playoffs. 

However, the setup by teammate Josh Morrissey was the real highlight of the goal.

Both teams entered the period almost even on shots (WPG-18, DAL-17) and blocked shots (WPG-10, DAL-9), but the Stars held their own on the physical end by outhitting the Jets 37-24. 

Between the first and second period, Winnipeg went on three straight power plays but ultimately went 0-3 heading into the third. 

3rd Period

Despite looking like a trench battle between both teams, where the game could've gone either way, the Stars ended up taking control. 

Alexander Petrovic was able to put the Stars up one just three minutes into the third period after yet another assist from Rantanen. 

After a long review discussing whether or not it was a goal due to a kicking motion, it eventually stood to give the Stars a 3-2 lead. 

And who else to give the Stars a 4-2 lead just seconds later other than Rantanen himself. 

But Wyatt Johnston's fourth goal of the playoffs all but sealed the deal for the Stars en route to a Game 3 lead and to take a 2-1 series lead over the Jets. 

It's his 18th career playoff goal despite only being 21 years old (turns 22 on Wednesday, May 14th). 

The Stars finished the game outshooting (26-25) and outhitting (42-38) the Jets when all was said and done. 

After failing on yet another power play in the third period, the Jets finished the game 0-4 on the power play - 1-13 during the series. 

Meanwhile, Dallas has at least one power-play goal in each of their wins this series, going 2-7 so far.

Game 4 between the Stars and Jets will take place in Dallas on Tuesday, May 13th. 

Chances are you’re about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au