Stars Take 1-0 Lead in Series with Thrilling 3-2 Win Over Winnipeg

The Dallas Stars took Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinals series against the Winnipeg Jets, thanks to Mikko Rantanen's hat trick, as they won 3-2 in a tightly contested matchup.

Mikko Rantanen scored his second consecutive hat-trick, leading the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 win over the Winnipeg Jets in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals. All five goals in the game were scored in the second period, with Rantanen's trio propelling the Stars to victory.

Rantanen now leads the playoffs with eight goals, showcasing his impressive form. The win gives the Stars a 1-0 lead in the series as they look to build momentum in the semifinals.

1st Period

The scoreless first period saw both teams combine for 25 shots on net, with Winnipeg leading 13-12. Despite a power play opportunity with under seven minutes left, the Jets couldn't capitalize. 

🗣️ MIIIIIIKKOOOOOOOOOOOOO 🫎@Patron | #TexasHockey pic.twitter.com/H2fEoGCoDO

— X - Dallas Stars (@DallasStars) May 8, 2025

Dallas's Cody Ceci was called for high-sticking with eight seconds remaining, setting up a promising start to the second period for Winnipeg. The Jets outhit the Stars 14-10 and blocked nine shots to Dallas' two, appearing to feel the effects of their physical double-overtime Game 7 against St. Louis Blues.

2nd Period

The second period saw all the goals, starting with Nino Niederreiter's backhanded shot just over three minutes in, giving the Jets a 1-0 lead. Mikko Rantanen tied the game 1-1 with his sixth goal of the playoffs, sparking a high-scoring period that would ultimately decide the game's outcome.

Mikko Rantanen scored his second goal of the game, putting the Stars back in the lead. This marked his seventh goal of the playoffs, cementing his position as the hottest goal-scorer in the postseason.

Mikko Rantanen completed his hat trick with his third goal of the game, marking eight goals in eight playoff games and back-to-back games with a hat trick. This impressive performance showcases his dominance in the playoffs, with Rantanen now involved in 12 of the Stars' goals, either scoring or assisting.

The Jets quickly responded to Rantanen's hat trick, with Mark Scheifele scoring a goal shortly before the second intermission, narrowing the deficit to one goal. Scheifele's return from injury has boosted the Jets' offense, but they'll need to maintain their momentum to challenge the Stars' lead.

The teams were nearly even in shots on goal, with Winnipeg having 21 and Dallas 20. However, the Jets dominated physically, outhitting the Stars 32-18.

3rd Period

The third period saw the Dallas Stars successfully hold onto their 3-2 lead, with no goals scored. The Winnipeg Jets attempted to mount a late comeback, pulling their goalie with under two minutes left, but couldn't capitalize. Despite outshooting the Stars 32-24 and dominating in hits 46-24, the Jets came up short, and the Stars took Game 1. The series continues in Winnipeg with Game 2 on Friday, May 9th.

These stats don't even look real 🤯 #StanleyCup pic.twitter.com/xmwKjv5K7P

— NHL (@NHL) May 8, 2025