Mikko Rantanen is unstoppable. © GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / RICHARD RODRIGUEZ

Crazy series: This striker enchants the NHL

At the start of their second round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars were once again able to rely on their top striker Mikko Rantanen.

08 May 2025

From: det

On Wednesday, he continued his scoring streak, scoring a perfect hat trick to lead the Stars to a 3-2 victory over the Winnipeg Jets away at the Canada Life Centre.

"He can keep going like this," said coach Peter DeBoer happily. "Let's see how long he can keep it up. He's on a roll right now. He feels good. That's impressive, especially considering the opponent, this stage of the season, and how he's dominating games. Very impressive."

Rantanen cheers and cheers and cheers. © APA / RICHARD RODRIGUEZ

Things couldn't be going much better for Rantanen at the moment. The Finn had already scored three goals and assisted on another in the decisive Game 7 of the first round against the Colorado Avalanche. Now he added his second consecutive hat trick.

A creamy day

On Wednesday, Rantanen picked up exactly where he left off in the first round against the Jets. He scored the 29-1 tie with a rebound in the 1th minute. In the 35th minute, he deflected a shot from Thomas Harley to make it 2-1. A short time later, he thumped Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck on the power play to make it 3-1 (37th minute).

Rantanen (right) scored a hat trick. © APA / RICHARD RODRIGUEZ

"I don't think I've ever had such a good run," Rantanen said happily. "The last few games have been great. Of course, I have to thank my teammates. They play brilliantly and then find me in front of the goal. Now I'll just try to keep it up."

Rantanen is only the third player in NHL history to score a hat trick in two consecutive playoff games. Doug Bentley did it in 1944, and Jari Kurri did it in 1985. Rantanen scored both of his hat tricks in just one period. Only three other players in the NHL have ever scored three goals in a period multiple times during a playoff run: Wayne Gretzky, Maurice Richard, and Tim Kerr.

Already his third team this season

Rantanen changed teams twice this season. He began the season in Colorado with a strong 64 points (25 goals, 39 assists) in 49 games. The Avalanche initially traded him to the Carolina Hurricanes, where he faltered, posting six points (two goals, four assists) in 13 games. He was traded to Dallas at the trade deadline, where he significantly improved, posting 18 points (five goals, 13 assists).

"I knew Dallas was a great team that had been to the playoffs several times and had experience," Rantanen commented on the transfer to the Stars. "But I didn't expect things to go this well."