DALLAS — In a tense showdown on Sunday, the Dallas Stars emerged victorious over the top-seeded Winnipeg Jets, securing a 5-2 win to take a 2-1 lead in their second-round Western Conference series. Mikko Rantanen was a pivotal force on the ice, garnered a goal and two assists, including being involved in the disputed tiebreaking goal that was eventually confirmed after a lengthy review. This goal, which went off defenseman Alexander Petrovic’s skate, was scrutinized for over five minutes after the NHL’s situation room called for a video review to see if it had been intentionally kicked into the net or if it was off goalie Connor Hellebuyck’s stick. Replays ultimately upheld the referee’s original call that Hellebuyck unintentionally propelled the puck into his own net, leading to Dallas’s 3-2 advantage with just over 16 minutes remaining in the game.
Stars coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the importance of a thorough review by stating, “At that point, you want them to take as much time as they need to get it right.” In contrast, Jets coach Scott Arniel expressed his disagreement, underscoring that the rule dictates a goal is nullified if kicked and then deflected except by the goalie. “It hit our goaltender’s stick and went in the net. That is no goal,” Arniel argued, perplexed by the officials’ interpretation.
Shortly after play resumed, Rantanen netted his ninth playoff goal, all attained over the span of the last six games. This tally extended his impressive postseason performance for Dallas, a stint that began post-trade from Colorado on March 7. Petrovic recorded his first playoff goal since his 2016 run with Florida, having played ten postseason games after only five during the regular season with the Stars.
The series continues on Tuesday night in Dallas. Roope Hintz contributed to the Stars’ efforts with a goal and an assist, while Wyatt Johnston added a late goal to seal the victory. Sam Steel and Mikael Granlund each provided two assists, establishing themselves as crucial playmakers.
Rantanen, who has accumulated 18 points this postseason, was instrumental in a power-play goal by Hintz just 2:27 into the game, establishing a 1-0 lead. Although he didn’t collect assists on Thomas Harley’s later goal in the first, he was pivotal in setting up the play. The sequence of consecutive goals involving Rantanen for the Stars since Game 5 of their first-round series against Colorado ended at 13.
Stars goalie Jake Oettinger successfully thwarted 23 shots from the Jets’ attackers. Meanwhile, Connor Hellebuyck, anticipated to be a frontrunner for his third Vezina Trophy and one of three finalists for the Hart Trophy, struggled to maintain his form, conceding five goals on 26 shots. This resulted in a 0-4 record with a 6.65 goals-against average in away games this postseason.
Winnipeg briefly tied the game at two when Nino Niederreiter scored from an assist by Josh Morrissey, who skillfully maneuvered past Stars center Colin Blackwell. Kyle Connor also found the net for Winnipeg with a deft wraparound that slipped past Oettinger’s glove.
Reflecting on the game, Connor asserted, “I don’t think the game got away from us. We were right there in the game,” indicating the critical influence of the controversial goal. As the series progresses, both teams prepare for the upcoming face-off, with the Stars holding a crucial edge heading into Game 4.