Mikko Rantanen’s Hat Trick Sends Avalanche Packing and Stars Soaring
Former Colorado Star Mikko Rantanen Crushes Game 7 With a Playoff Performance to Remember
Mikko Rantanen just made NHL playoff history — and did it in the most dramatic way possible. In a do-or-die Game 7 against his former team, the Colorado Avalanche, Mikko Rantanen delivered a hat trick that powered the Dallas Stars to a thrilling 5-3 victory and a spot in the Western Conference Finals.
Fans were stunned. His former teammates were speechless. And Mikko Rantanen? He simply skated off with a smile, knowing he just wrote the biggest chapter of his career.
A Night to Remember: Mikko Rantanen’s Hat Trick Heroics
When the Stars needed a leader, Mikko Rantanen stepped up. He opened the scoring in the first period, then returned in the third to break the 2-2 tie with a powerful power-play goal. Finally, with just seconds left and the Avalanche pulling their goalie, Mikko Rantanen completed his hat trick with a clean empty-net shot that sent hats flying and fans roaring.
That goal marked his third of the night, and it sealed the Stars' comeback win in one of the tightest series of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Mikko Rantanen Turns the Tables on Colorado
For Avalanche fans, the sting goes beyond just losing. Watching Mikko Rantanen, once the heart of Colorado’s offense, dominate them on the ice in a Game 7 felt like a cruel twist of fate.
After spending the early part of his career with the Avalanche, Mikko Rantanen signed with Dallas in the offseason — a move that shocked the hockey world. But it’s clear now that the decision was the right one.
“I have so many memories with Colorado,” said Mikko Rantanen post-game. “But right now, I’m focused on helping Dallas win the Cup. That’s all that matters.”
Avalanche Tried, But Rantanen Had the Final Say
Colorado gave it everything. Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar each contributed with strong offensive plays, and the Avalanche outshot the Stars 35-28. But Mikko Rantanen was simply too much. Every time Colorado got close, Mikko Rantanen pushed the Stars ahead.
Credit also goes to Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger, who made 32 saves, but this night belonged to Mikko Rantanen.
What’s Next for Mikko Rantanen and the Stars?
With this emotional Game 7 win, the Stars are now headed to the Western Conference Finals, where Mikko Rantanen will once again be their biggest weapon. Whether they face the Edmonton Oilers or the Vegas Golden Knights, one thing is clear — no team will be taking Mikko Rantanen lightly anymore.
So far in the playoffs, Mikko Rantanen has been the X-factor for Dallas. His leadership, skill, and killer instinct in clutch moments have been unmatched. With this latest performance, he’s not just playing to win — Mikko Rantanen is playing to make history.
