Stars Advance to Second Round: Rantanen's Third-Period Heroics Stun Avalanche

The Dallas Stars outlasted the Colorado Avalanche 4-2 in Game 7, thanks to Mikko Rantanen's third-period hat trick. Read more about the game's highlights and analysis.

Mikko Rantanen scored a remarkable hat trick in the third period, leading the Dallas Stars to a thrilling 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Rantanen's impressive performance helped the Stars overcome a 2-0 deficit in the final period.

Incredible Comeback

After falling behind 2-0 in the third period, the Stars staged an incredible comeback, scoring four unanswered goals to secure the win. Rantanen's first goal cut the deficit in half, before he tied the game with a clever wraparound shot that ricocheted off the skate of Avs defenseman Samuel Girard. Wyatt Johnston then scored the game-winner on a power play, and Rantanen sealed the victory with an empty-net goal.

1st Period Breakdown

The first period was uneventful, with neither team scoring despite a combined nine shots. Jamie Benn's double-minor penalty didn't yield any goals for Colorado, and the Stars' power play was also ineffective after Parker MacKay wasn't actually in the penalty box it was Kelly's minor holding penalty was called. The Stars dominated face-offs (66%) and outhit the Avalanche 14-10.

2nd Period Analysis

The second period was relatively quiet, contrasting with Game 6's goal frenzy, until Josh Manson scored a short-handed goal for the Avalanche 10 minutes in. Both teams combined for 24 shots on goal through two periods, a stark difference from Game 6's 54 shots.

IT WAS ALWAYS STARS IN SEVEN!!!@Patron | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/H2c18Do9X4

— X - Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 4, 2025

3rd Period Turnaround

The Avalanche extended their lead to 2-0 just 31 seconds into the period, courtesy of Nathan MacKinnon's goal. However, the Stars staged a dramatic comeback. Mikko Rantanen sparked the rally with a beautifully struck goal that hit the upper pipe, cutting the deficit to one with 12:11 remaining. Rantanen then tied the game with a clever wrap-around shot that deflected off Samuel Girard's skate into the net during a Dallas power play.

Late Game Drama

The Stars seized control with a power play opportunity after Jack Drury's holding penalty. Wyatt Johnston capitalized on the man advantage, scoring just seconds into the power play to put Dallas ahead.

Game Sealer

As the clock ticked down, the Avalanche pulled their goalie for an extra attacker. Mikko Rantanen sealed the win with an empty-net goal, completing his hat-trick and sending the Stars to the next round.