Mikko Rantanen just rewrote the NHL playoff record books.
Mikko Rantanen natural hat trick electrified Game 1 as he scored three goals in one period, sealing a 3-2 win over the Jets. His explosive performance has sent shockwaves through the hockey world.
Natural Hat Trick Turns Game Around
The Jets had a 1-0 lead in the second period before Rantanen exploded with three goals in just under 8 minutes.
- His first goal came at 8:43, diving into the crease to knock in a loose puck.
- The second, a deflection off a point shot, gave Dallas the lead.
- He completed the natural hat trick on a power play, as his shot redirected off Jets defenseman Dylan Samberg.
It was his second straight playoff game with a hat trick, making him the first player in Dallas Stars and Minnesota North Stars history to record a natural hat trick in the playoffs.
Breaking NHL Records
Rantanen became:
- The first player in Stanley Cup Playoff history with multiple three-goal periods in one postseason.
- The fourth player in NHL history to achieve the feat at any point, joining legends Wayne Gretzky, Maurice Richard, and Tim Kerr.
- The first in nearly 40 years to score hat tricks in consecutive playoff games.
He also set a record for contributing to 12 straight Stars goals with a goal or assist, beating Mario Lemieux’s 1992 record.
Trade Deadline Gamble Pays Off
Dallas acquired Rantanen from the Carolina Hurricanes after he was initially dealt from Colorado in January. The Stars wasted no time, signing him to an 8-year, $96 million extension.
He’s already proving to be worth every penny — currently leading the playoffs with 8 goals and 15 points.
Coaches and Critics Praise Rantanen
“Let’s see how long he can run this for. He’s rolling,” said Stars coach Pete DeBoer, who double-shifted Rantanen during Game 1 to maximize his ice time.
The move paid off.
Stars Take Game 1 Lead
The Stars vs Jets series is heating up, and Dallas fans will be watching closely for the Stars game tonight to see if Rantanen can continue his historic tear.
Source: ESPN