Paul Maurice backs Panthers resilience as playoff pressure builds

Dallas fans won't soon forget what went down this week. On Friday, May 9, 2025, Mikko Rantanen did something no one has ever done. The Dallas Stars' winger scored consecutive hat tricks in the Stanley Cup Playoffs and is now just the third player in NHL history to have done so. Game 2 of the series comes Sunday, and the buzz will be electric.

Mikko Rantanen's two hat tricks propel Stars over Avalanche and Jets
Mikko Rantanen began this incredible streak in Game 7 against his former squad, the Colorado Avalanche. He netted three goals during the third period to advance Dallas to the second round. Then, in Game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets, Mikko Rantanen repeated the feat scoring three goals during the second period.


There has never been an NHL player with two distinct three-goal periods within a single playoff streak. That's a new record. Only two legends, Doug Bentley in 1944 and Jari Kurri in 1985 have ever had hat tricks in consecutive playoff games previously. Mikko Rantanen is now on that very short list.

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But he's not only scoring goals he's assisting on every goal Dallas scores. Mikko Rantanen has been involved in all 12 goals in the last four games. That's another NHL record. He's accumulated eight goals and six assists during that stretch.


Texas fans have fallen in love with Mikko Rantanen. He came to the Stars via a mid-season trade from the Carolina Hurricanes, after years of playing in Colorado. Early in the playoffs, he was subdued. But nowadays, he's the hottest player in the league. His timing could not be better.

Mikko Rantanen’s hot play provides Dallas hope for Stanley Cup championship glory
The Dallas Stars have not won a Stanley Cup since 1999. But with Mikko Rantanen playing like this, the fans are starting to believe again. His scoring, leadership, and ability to remain calm under pressure are elevating the entire team. Coach Pete DeBoer says Mikko Rantanen’s influence is "unbelievable."


Game 2 is on Sunday, and Dallas hopes to keep the good times going at home. If Mikko Rantanen continues to score, more records are likely to tumble. But above all, he's giving the Stars a true chance to advance all the way.


Also Read: Dallas Star Mikko Rantanen Outdid Expectations In Stanley Cup Playoffs By Being The Third In The History Of NHL To Achieve This