Winnipeg, MB – Mikko Rantanen delivered a natural hat trick during the second period, leading the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 triumph over the Winnipeg Jets in the first game of their second-round NHL playoff series on Wednesday.
Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger was solid, stopping 30 shots. This series marks the first time these two teams have clashed in the post-season.
Nino Niederreiter and Mark Scheifele scored for the Jets. The defeat put an end to Winnipeg`s four-game winning streak at Canada Life Centre. Connor Hellebuyck made 21 saves for the home team.
Scheifele returned to the lineup for Winnipeg after suffering an upper-body injury in Game 5 of their initial series against the St. Louis Blues.
The Stars also welcomed back forward Jason Robertson, who had missed their entire seven-game sweep of the Colorado Avalanche in the first round due to a knee injury sustained in the final game of the regular season.
Game 2 of the best-of-seven series is scheduled to be played Friday in Winnipeg.
Tristan Blackwood