Mikko Rantanen’s Epic Game 7 Hat Trick Knocks Out Former Team in Jaw-Dropping NHL Playoff Showdown

In one of the most thrilling moments of the 2025 NHL playoffs, Mikko Rantanen delivered a Game 7 masterclass that will go down in hockey history — and he did it against the very team that once called him a star.

Mikko Rantanen’s rollercoaster season — a headline-making journey from Colorado Avalanche to the Carolina Hurricanes, then a blockbuster deadline deal to the Dallas Stars — came full circle in the most dramatic way imaginable. Facing off against his former team in a winner-takes-all Game 7, Rantanen didn’t just show up — he stole the show.

Avalanche Dominate Early — But the Storm Was Coming

Heading into the third period, the Colorado Avalanche seemed to have the game in hand, leading 2-0 and dictating the pace. But with the season on the line, Rantanen turned the tide with a heroic performance.

Just past the midway mark of the final frame, Rantanen lit the lamp to cut the deficit in half, energizing the Dallas bench and sparking a momentum shift. Minutes later, with the clock ticking down and Avalanche fans holding their breath, Rantanen struck again, tying the game 2-2 and sending the arena into a frenzy.

Controversial Call Sets Stage for Dallas Lead

The drama didn’t stop there. A hotly debated holding penalty on Colorado’s Jack Drury gave the Stars a critical power play opportunity — and they made it count. Wyatt Johnston buried the go-ahead goal, assisted by none other than Mikko Rantanen, who was clearly not done haunting his former teammates.

Hat Trick Hero Seals the Deal

In the final moments, with Colorado’s goalie pulled for the extra attacker, the Avalanche pushed hard for the equalizer. But Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger stood tall. Then came the moment of magic: Rantanen picked up a loose puck in the neutral zone and scored the empty-netter to complete his stunning hat trick — the ultimate exclamation point on a statement night.

Stars Shine Despite Missing Key Players

Even more impressive? Dallas pulled off this series win without top scorer Jason Robertson, sidelined with injury, and defensive ace Miro Heiskanen, who hasn’t played since January. With head coach Pete DeBoer now boasting an unbelievable 9-0 record in Game 7s, the Stars are riding a wave of destiny straight into Round 2.

They now await the winner of the St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets showdown, but one thing is clear: these Dallas Stars are no longer underdogs — they’re contenders with a vengeance.