Mikko Rantanen leads the Stars to a comeback win in Game 7 over his former team with a hat trick in the third period.

In a dramatic Game 7 showdown, Mikko Rantanen showcased his true potential, scoring three crucial goals in the third period to lead the Dallas Stars past the Colorado Avalanche, 4-2. The victory marks a significant moment in Rantanen’s career, having spent eight seasons with the Avalanche and playing a pivotal role in their championship win last year. His performance was especially poignant given the backdrop of the trade that sent him to Dallas just months prior, a move that was previously viewed with skepticism due to the haul the Stars had to part with, including future draft picks. The Stars, who were hindered by injuries to star players Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson, pulled off a surprising win against a high-caliber Avalanche squad. Rantanen's ability to score in clutch moments, particularly during the third period when his team was down by two goals, evokes memories of other legendary playoff performances and solidifies his status as a clutch player. Coach Pete DeBoer remarked on Rantanen’s impact, stating that it felt like something special was brewing. The game marked a historic accomplishment for Rantanen—becoming the first player to net a hat trick in the third period of a Game 7 in NHL history. Notably, his first goal came from a power play, igniting a rush of momentum that shifted the game’s tide. After the game, reactions from Rantanen's former teammates were mixed with admiration and disbelief. Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog reflected on the irony of Rantanen’s success against a team he helped build into a champion. Players like Nathan MacKinnon expressed their chewed-up emotions over the loss, made stingier by the fact that the Avalanche had maintained control for most of the match. The defeat raises questions for the Avalanche, especially considering their status as favorites heading into the playoffs. With only one series win in three years following their Cup victory, concerns about their long-term championship viability loom large. As the team looks forward to next season, the coaching strategies employed, and the impact of the recent trade decisions will be scrutinized heavily. Looking ahead, the Stars’ victory sets them on a path to face either the Winnipeg Jets or St. Louis Blues, but not without first relishing this monumental win against their regional rivals. As the playoffs continue, Rantanen’s performance stands out not only for its individual brilliance but also for its narrative depth, encapsulating the highs and lows of a player’s journey through trades, injuries, and teamwork in the highly demanding landscape of the NHL playoffs.