Mikko Rantanen Leads Stars to Dramatic Game 7 Victory Over Avalanche

DALLAS — Mikko Rantanen led the Dallas Stars in a thrilling Game 7 comeback against the Colorado Avalanche, sealing a 4-2 victory on May 3, 2025. The Stars faced a two-goal deficit in the third period before staging a remarkable rally.

Rantanen, who was traded from Colorado earlier this season, scored three goals in the final period and assisted on Wyatt Johnston’s game-winning power-play goal with 3:56 remaining. “He just decided that we were not going to go home,” Stars coach Pete DeBoer said. “What you witnessed there was special,” he added.

Dallas had been trailing 2-0 early in the third after Nathan MacKinnon scored his seventh goal of the series. However, Rantanen’s first goal came at 7:49, followed by another at 6:14, tying the game and shifting momentum. He completed his hat trick with an empty-netter, securing the win for Dallas.

Despite missing their top players, Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson, the Stars proved their depth. DeBoer, now 9-0 in Game 7s, noted, “Our guys stepped up.” Meanwhile, Colorado’s attempts to dominate on special teams fell short, with their power-play units struggling throughout the series.

Rantanen ended the series with five goals and seven assists, emphasizing a difficult year with trades that led to an emotional game against his former teammates. “It’s emotional for sure because everything happened so quick,” he shared after the match.

As the Stars prepare for the second round, they await the winner of Sunday’s match between the Winnipeg Jets and St. Louis Blues, while the Avalanche are left reflecting on another disappointing postseason.