DALLAS — In a thrilling conclusion to the first-round Western Conference playoff series, Mikko Rantanen led the Dallas Stars to a dramatic comeback win against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche. During the crucial Game 7, Rantanen showcased his prowess in the third period, assisting on a pivotal power-play goal by Wyatt Johnston that broke a late tie with just under four minutes on the clock. He completed a remarkable hat trick — his scoring flourish included not only two compelling goals during regular gameplay but an empty-net goal to seal a 4-2 victory.
The victory seemed almost destined as Stars coach Pete DeBoer recounted, “He just decided that we were not going to go home. What you witnessed there was special.” Rantanen, a key figure in the Avalanche’s successes for seven seasons and their 2022 Stanley Cup win, delivered a four-point flurry in the third period for the second consecutive game — a feat matched by only one other player in NHL history. Reflecting on the fiercely contested series, Rantanen noted, “The series was probably exactly what I expected. I expected a seven-game series even before Game 1. I think belief was there with the group the whole time.”
With the win, the Stars advance to the next round, awaiting the outcome of another Game 7 clash between top-seeded Winnipeg and St. Louis. If the Jets progress, they will hold home advantage; otherwise, Dallas will host the opening game against the Blues.
The Avalanche initially surged to a 2-0 lead early in the third period with Nathan MacKinnon’s rapid strike. This was surprisingly his first Game 7 goal across five attempts, though all games ended in losses for his team. Meanwhile, having been traded twice this season, Rantanen was a man determined to prove his worth, netting five goals and seven assists in the series.
Reflecting on a personally challenging year, Rantanen said, “A difficult year personally, mentally, tough overall. To be traded twice, it’s not fun ever to get traded even once, but twice in a season.” The emotional aspect lingered as he bid a heartfelt goodbye to his former teammates post-game. “They’re my brothers for sure. Most of them I know really well and played with them for 10 years,” said Rantanen, underscoring the poignant connection shared despite the competitive rivalry this series.
Dallas’ fightback commenced with Rantanen’s initial goal off a perfect shot between the circles. He tied the contest on a power play with a savvy wraparound shot that inadvertently redirected off Colorado defenseman Samuel Girard’s skate. The victory was cemented with his final tally into an empty net with mere seconds remaining.
Stars coach DeBoer’s record-setting ninth Game 7 win, collected across tenures with four different teams — New Jersey, San Jose, Dallas, and Vegas — adds another chapter to his already historic career. Each of Dallas’ seven-game series wins under DeBoer underscores their competitiveness, now reaching the Stanley Cup Final in three of those campaigns.
Contrarily, the Avalanche’s Game 7 frustrations continue, now having lost seven consecutive decisive games dating back to 2002, four under current coach Jared Bednar. “It’s tough because you put your heart and soul into the whole year, the series, all of it, and then you’re in a good position and then it slips away on you,” lamented Bednar.
The game included a few heart-stopping moments, such as Josh Manson striking first for Colorado with a shorthanded goal that benefitted from a fortunate bounce. Yet Jake Oettinger’s resilience in goal, including several key saves, kept Dallas within striking distance.
Both teams demonstrated their formidable abilities, with Oettinger notably preserving the scoreline during a lengthy 4-minute penalty kill, sustained following Jamie Benn’s infraction. As the dust settles, Dallas’ determination to defy their former adversaries enhances anticipation as they prepare for the next playoff challenges.