Wednesday night may have been dubbed as Game 1 of the Central Division Final in Winnipeg, but for those in attendance and tuning in around the world, it was Night 2 of the Mikko Rantanen show.

Entering the first game of the second round red hot, Rantanen continued his historic stretch of hockey, scoring his second-straight hat trick, becoming just the third player in Stanley Cup Playoff history to do so, as he helped the Dallas Stars defeat the Winnipeg Jets 3-2. 

“We all know how elite he is," Nino Niederreiter said of Rantanen post-game. "He’s really done it these last few games and throughout his whole career. Always a fantastic player, but we’ve got to find a way to shut him down and not make it too easy on him.”

According to some, both the Stars and Jets were lucky to make it to the second round. Both clubs were, in fact, mere minutes away from being eliminated from the postseason just a few nights earlier, but both clawed their respective ways back to eliminate their first round competition and advance to the second round.

Facing off for the first time in the playoffs, the matchup was deemed to be as close as one would expect in an extremely tight Central Division race. And for the first time this postseason, Winnipeg lost a game on home ice.

But things could not have started better for the beleaguered Connor Hellebuyck. After struggling out of the gate in the first round vs. St. Louis, the Vezina and Hart Trophy finalist turned aside everything he faced in the first period. And it started with eight-straight Dallas shots on goal.

It took a while, but the Jets did wake up. The hosts managed to find the next nine shots, and finished the period ahead 13-12. Winnipeg also drew two penalties in the frame, but was unable to capitalize on either man advantage. 

Wednesday's game marked the first of the eight-game postseason to which Winnipeg escaped the first period without giving up a goal. 

“They had a great start," Niederreiter added. "It’s something we need to get better at. Our start was once again, not very good. It’s something we know we’ve got to do better and it was a completely different series than the St. Louis one. They are obviously a very experienced team. They know how to be in a tight game, they are extremely patient. That is something we’ve got to learn from.”

Niederreiter got the Jets on the board five minutes into the middle stanza, as he scored on a rush play up-ice. Haydn Fleury hit Mason Appleton with a strong stretch pass, who got the puck to Nino. He beat Oettinger on the backhand, giving Winnipeg a 1-0 lead.

But it was the Stars' Game 7 hero Mikko Rantanen who tied things up less than five minutes later. He cleaned up the garbage on an Evgenii Dadanov one-timer, pushing the loose puck home past Hellebuyck. 

Somehow, Winnipeg was awarded another power play later in the second period, but once again the man advantage passed by unsuccessfully. Despite having Mark Scheifele, Nikolaj Ehlers and Gabe Vilardi back in the lineup alongside Kyle Connor, the top unit just couldn't find a way to fool Oettinger. 

Much like Dallas' hole on its blueline (Miro Heiskanen), the Jets were without their No. 1 defender, Josh Morrissey, who left Monday's Game 7 early in the first period. 

Rantanen stormed back again, scoring not once, but twice as the period wore on. Following up his third period hat trick on Sunday, the Finnish forward potted another three goals in the second period, putting the Stars ahead 3-1, while earning his sixth goal in his past three periods of hockey. 

But rather than sitting back and sulking, the Jets pressed right back, as Scheifele scored his third of the postseason from the slot off a pass from Gabe Vilardi, cutting Dallas' lead to one goal. 

Winnipeg trailed the Stars on the score board, despite owning one more shot through 40 minutes of play. 

Hellebuyck and the Jets were able to shut things down in the third, but their offence seemingly dried up. 

The Jets pulled for the extra attacker with 1:40 to play and came within inches of tying the game moments later. A timeout was called, a strategy was laid out, but this time there was no last-second goal, as the Jets fell by one goal. 

Hellebuyck made 21 saves on the 24 shots he faced, while Oettinger turned aside 30 shots on the 32 pucks fired his way. 

Game 2 will be played at Canada Life Centre on Friday night. Once again, the game will feature an 8:50 PM central start time and will be aired on Sportsnet and CBC. 

It's safe to say that it will be a very interesting summer for the Pittsburgh Penguins.

After Monday's draft lottery, the Penguins are now slotted to select 11th overall in this year's NHL Entry Draft, which will take place Jun. 27. They may or may not have another first-round pick from the New York Rangers at 12, depending on whether New York defers the pick to 2026. And Pittsburgh's POHO and GM Kyle Dubas has alluded to possibly exploring the restricted free agent (RFA) market.

And there's one big RFA who may just be dangled by his current team. 

After an eighth consecutive first-round exit in postseason play, the Minnesota Wild are expected to shift some furniture around this offseason, and one player to watch will be pending-RFA forward Marco Rossi. 

Rossi, 23, seems to be improving year-by-year, as he registered 24 goals and 60 points in just his second full NHL season. The 5-foot-9, 182-pound Austrian centerman may be a bit undersized, but he continues to blossom as a productive player nonetheless.

This sure seems like someone the Wild would want to keep around. But, according to Cam Robinson of Elite Prospects, that may not be the case.

"I don't think the Wild like Marco Rossi," Robinson said. "They clearly do not envision him as a long-term top-six center option for them. They're a good team, and they don't have an abundance of top-six centers. It's not like they have a ton of them floating around."

He continued: "Some of these players that are not as good as him are getting bigger contracts. So that just is telling to me is that management in Minnesota isn't smitten on him."

"The #mnwild don't seem too enamoured with Marco Rossi" @Hockey_Robinson

(Aquiring Marco Rossi has been Blake's mission for months)@mattsekeres | @justBlakePrice
Presented by Bogey Juice. pic.twitter.com/E2yjTwWNxd

— Sekeres and Price (@sekeresandprice) May 7, 2025

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly what about Rossi's game isn't to like. He produces, he plays hard, he forechecks well, and he continues to show growth and improvement in his game.

Yet, the Wild relegated him to fourth-line center duties during the playoffs. While he still managed to produce two goals and three points in the six-game series against the Vegas Golden Knights, it's a bit of a head-scratcher as to why Rossi wasn't placed higher in the lineup.

Even Rossi expressed disappointment in the decision while also acknowledging that he respects the decision made by head coach John Hines. And he reiterated that he's capable of playing a larger role.

"I showed all year long how good I am, and I went last year from 40 points to 60 points this year," Rossi said. "Anyone who knows me, it's always going up, and I always improve, especially with my work ethic. So, I have no doubt I'm, for sure, a top-six guy."

Marco Rossi says he met with John Hynes about his 4th line role in the playoffs, and says he was disappointed but respects the decision. He's a RFA this summer.

"I have no doubt I am for sure a top-6 guy."@kare11#MNWildpic.twitter.com/3PN1OcsnCy

— J.T. Messinger (@JTMessinger) May 4, 2025

So if Rossi's time in Minnesota is ticking, should the Penguins bite?

If they have the assets required? Absolutely. 

Dubas pointed out a few areas of need for the NHL roster heading into next season, and - while he explicitly called out the left side on defense - the center position is certainly one that could use a lot more depth in the organization.

Evgeni Malkin - the team's current second-line center - regressed sizably in his age 38 season in 2024-25, registering just 16 goals and 50 points in 68 games. Even if Sidney Crosby is still brilliant at age 37, there's no denying that the Penguins need to get ahead of adding talent at the position as soon as they possibly can.

Adding someone like Rossi into the mix - especially since he's just 23 years old - gives the Penguins a second-line center option and greatly bolsters their forward depth. He's also someone they can extend long-term to help the team in its next contention window, which will, presumably, be at least two years down the road.

4 Left Defensemen The Penguins Should Target This SummerDuring his postseason press conference on Apr. 21, Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas provided a glimpse into what the summer could look like for the organization.

These are the kinds of players Dubas was referring to when he mentioned exploring the RFA market. Rossi is a young talent who only projects to continue getting better, and it's the kind of opportunity that the Penguins should be all over if it's an option.

It's likely that, if the Penguins are interested, they'll try to go the trade route rather than the offer sheet route. This may drive up the price, as Rossi's offer sheet draft compensation is likely to be at least a first-round pick given his projected salary. 

This is a situation where a top-line winger like Bryan Rust or Rickard Rakell may need to be shown the door, as Minnesota would likely want NHL talent in exchange. But that might be worth the risk for a player like Rossi in return.

If Wild GM Bill Guerin makes Rossi available, Dubas needs to be all over it. Rossi could be somewhat of a game-changer for the Penguins if the former first-round pick reaches his potential, and that's something that the organization desperately needs.

'We Have To Stick To A Very Concise Plan And Then Execute Our Butts Off': Dubas Clarifies Penguins' Summer PlansTo close out the 2024-25 season, Pittsburgh Penguins president of hockey operations and general manager Kyle Dubas spoke with the Pittsburgh media on Monday.

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May 7, 2025 - Abbotsford Centre – Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada- The Abbotsford Canucks are set to host Pacific Northwest rivals, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, in a pivotal Game 3 of Round 2 in the AHL's Calder Cup Playoffs. Abbotsford is chasing its first Division Final appearance since relocating in 2021, while the Firebirds — led by Head Coach Derek Laxdal — are gunning for a third consecutive trip to the Calder Cup Final.

Projected Lines For Tonight!

FIREBIRDS STARTING LINEUP

1st Period:

Scoreless after 8 minutes of play. Firebirds kill a power play after Ville Ottavainen is called for slashing. Ottavainen was drafted by the Seattle Kraken in 2021, Round: 4 (#99).

Penalty called on Vancouver’s Victor Mancini for cross checking on Logan Morrison resulting in several shots on Artūrs Šilovs, but no goal. Firebirds are 0-2 on PP approaching the 9 minute mark.

Firebirds are showing great physicality and leading with 8 shots on goal. Vancouver get their first shot and first goal by Nate Smith, his second goal of the playoffs. 

A late goal by Vancouver’s Kirill Kudryavtsev stuns Firebirds’ Nikke Kokko giving the Canucks a 2-0 lead with 23 seconds late on the clock. This is Kudryavtsev’s first career playoff goal.

At the end of the first Coachella has 12 shots on goal, Abbotsford 5. 

2nd Period:

Canucks turned up the pressure on Kokko coming off the first intermission break. Cole McWard gets a little too aggressive with Jacob Melanson resulting in a holding penalty giving the Firebirds the chance at a power play goal. The ‘Birds tally 2 shots, but no points.

Kokko, making his fifth start of the season, looked a bit shaky at first, but settled in during the middle frame. With 6:38 to go it’s still scoreless with Canucks not connecting to the back of the net. 17-13 Firebirds- with shots on goal.

Ville Ottavainen picked up his second penalty of the night for high-sticking, but the Firebirds held off the Canucks. 

Tempers flare between Nate Smith and Ryan Winterton who get in a scuffle behind Vancouver’s net, but no penalties called on either player. With time running out the Firebirds pepper Silovs who stood firm in the crease. The period ends 2-0 Vancouver.

3rd Period:

Ryan Winterton scores his second goal of the series at 16:36 putting one the board for the Firebirds.

LET'S GOOOOOOOO pic.twitter.com/1FTfxSm3Ji

— x - Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) May 8, 2025

Kokko briefly loses his stick amid heavy traffic, but holds firm until a glove save stops play.

Some pushing and shoving as both teams feel the pressure to score in this crucial Game 3.

Tye Mueller makes a break down center ice, but his play is broken up by Kokko and Luke Henman who is charged with hooking creating the power play for Vancouver with 4:49 left on the clock.

The Firebirds are struggling to connect under relentless pressure from the Canucks. A miscommunication sees Kokko race to the bench for the extra attacker, but the Canucks pounce on the mistake and bury the empty-net goal by Phillip DiGiuseppe. 

EMPTY NET 🚨 FOR PHILLIP DI GIUSEPPE@abbycanucks | @Canucks#AHL#CalderCup#ProudlyAbbotsford#Canuckspic.twitter.com/T1fbt8wiyH

— FloHockey (@FloHockey) May 8, 2025

A late rush by the Firebirds yields nothing as the Canucks defeat the Firebirds 3-1 and take the lead in the series. The Canucks are one win away from heading to the finals to face the Colorado Eagles.

Final shots on goal : CV 26 / ABB 23

____________________________________________________________________________

Games Remaining (Best-of-Five Series):

• Friday, May 9: CV at Abbotsford (7:00 p.m. PT)
• *Sunday, May 11 (if necessary): CV at Abbotsford (7:00 p.m. PT)

Puck Drop: 7PM PST

Broadcast Info: FloHockey.tv, Stanza

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Series Recap & Milestones — Firebirds:

• This is the first-ever postseason meeting between Coachella Valley and Abbotsford.
• The Firebirds (the AHL affiliate of the Seattle Kraken) took the first three regular-season matchups, while the Canucks won the finale.
• John Hayden was a standout in the team's Calgary series, logging heavy minutes, scoring twice, and leading with grit.
• Former Cup-winner Mitchell Stephens added three goals, including the Game 2 winner.
• Rookie goaltender Nikke Kokko starred with 36 saves in Game 1 and a 23-save shutout in Game 2 — his first of the season.

Players to Watch — Firebirds:

• Jani Nyman ranks 4th in power-play goals (9 in 58 games played).
• Ty Nelson ranks 5th in total shots with 147 (in 72 games played).

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Series Recap & Milestones — Canucks:

• Abbotsford, the AHL affiliate of the Vancouver Canucks, finished second in both the Pacific Division and Western Conference with 92 points.
• The Canucks scored 241 goals (4th in the AHL) and allowed 204 (10th in the league).
• Arshdeep Bains led the team with 43 AHL points and also appeared in 13 NHL games.
• Sammy Blais added 40 points in 51 games and scored in every game of the Tucson series, netting three goals.
• Right winger Danila Klimovich completed his fourth season in Abbotsford as the team’s leading goal scorer (25). At just 22, he already has 89 career AHL points.
• In goal, Arturs Silovs posted a 14–5–1 record with a 2.41 GAA in 21 AHL games, along with 10 NHL appearances (2–6–1) with Vancouver.

Players to Watch — Canucks:

• Christian Wolanin ranks 15th among the AHL's top 20 defensemen with 40 points in 58 games (4G/36A).

Related

Kraken Goalie Is Youngest Debut In The NHL For 2024-2025 Season.Goalie Nikke Kokko was called up from the Coachella Valley Firebirds to play in net for the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday night in St. Louis. The 6'3", 184 lb, 2022 NHL draft pick from Oulu, Finland, is the youngest goalie to make his NHL debut this season at 20 years and 347 days old.