Gone to another team, but (definitely) not forgotten.
The Colorado Avalanche are still licking their wounds from a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to Mikko Rantanen and the Dallas Stars.
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The Stars have a two-game win streak, in no small part due to the play of the former Avalanche superstar.
In Game 1 against the Winnipeg Jets, Rantanen scored another hat trick. This hat trick is more impressive for several reasons.
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The first reason is that Rantanen is the third player in NHL playoff history to record hat tricks in back-to-back games. The other two players to do it were Jari Kurri during the 1985 playoffs and Doug Bentley in 1944.
The second reason is Rantanen's involvement in all of the Stars’ goals. He has factored in each of the Stars’ last 12 goals, the longest streak in playoff history. Heading into Wednesday night’s game, he was tied with Mario Lemieux for the longest streak (nine goals).
MIKKO RANTANEN HAT TRICK!!! 🎩🎩🎩 #StanleyCuppic.twitter.com/1wqNREHEDt
— NHL (@NHL) May 8, 2025
Finally, Rantanen broke some Stars’ records. He became the first Stars player to record a natural hat trick in a playoff game. He scored his hat trick within eight minutes during the second period to lead his new team to a 3-2 victory.
His recent playoff accomplishments leave a bittersweet taste in the mouths of Avalanche fans. On the one hand, it's great for him to have success with his new club. On the other hand, it’s with a different team.
While the Avalanche contemplate what went wrong this season, at least Rantanen is experiencing a new, rejuvenated life in Dallas.
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