Dallas Stars Defeat Winnipeg Jets in Game 3 to Lead Series 2-1

DALLAS, Texas — The Dallas Stars defeated the Winnipeg Jets 5-2 in Game 3 of the Western Conference Second Round at American Airlines Center on Sunday, taking a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.

Mikko Rantanen led the Stars with a goal and two assists. He has now registered 17 points (nine goals, eight assists) in his past six games. The forward, who was traded to Dallas from the Carolina Hurricanes on March 7, tops the playoff scoring charts with nine goals in total.

“It’s the best performance I’ve got to witness, standing where I’m standing with a guy on my team for this extended period,” said Dallas coach Pete DeBoer. “But you know, for me, he’s just getting started. He’s just warming up here. I think he’s on a mission.”

The Stars took control of the game after Alexander Petrovic scored the tiebreaker at 3:51 of the third period. Petrovic’s shot deflected off Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck‘s stick, and after a video review, the goal was upheld. It marked Petrovic’s second career postseason goal and first since April 20, 2016.

“It was a pretty lucky goal,” Petrovic said. “I just kind of followed up the rush. Mikko made a nice pass, and I made a pass back to him.”

Rantanen quickly added another goal just 49 seconds later, making the score 4-2. Wyatt Johnston capped off the scoring with a fifth goal for Dallas at 14:06 in the third.

The game shifted momentum after Dallas scored three goals in quick succession. Roope Hintz started the scoring for the Stars in the first period, and Thomas Harley added another goal later in the same period.

Winnipeg coach Scott Arniel was frustrated with the outcome but acknowledged his team’s efforts. “I thought we played a heck of a hockey game. [I] thought we played a really strong game,” Arniel said. “But at the end of the day, we have to be ready.”

Both teams have shown strong performances throughout the series. The Stars look to extend their lead in Game 4, scheduled for Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET, while the Jets aim to even the series.