Welcome to a second-round series where both competing teams likely feel they`ve already expended the emotional energy needed to win the Stanley Cup. Both Central Division matchups in Round 1 went the full seven games.
On Saturday night, the Dallas Stars made history as the first team in the NHL to overcome a multi-goal third-period deficit in a Game 7 and secure a win within regulation time. Mikko Rantanen, who played for the Avalanche for a decade, netted a hat trick in the third period against his former team, stating in a post-game interview that he still had love for all his old teammates.
Twenty-four hours later, the Winnipeg Jets dramatically tied the game against the St. Louis Blues by scoring two goals with their goalie pulled. The second goal, scored by Cole Perfetti with just three seconds left in the third period, was the latest Game 7 equalizer in league history. Captain Adam Lowry then won the game for Winnipeg in double overtime.
So, is there anything left in the tank for these teams?
Certainly, once the puck drops for Game 1 on Wednesday in Winnipeg, both the Jets and Stars will be mentally prepared, even if physically taxed.
Adding to the similarities of their first-round journeys, both Dallas and Winnipeg played Game 7 of their respective series without a key forward and, for most of the game, without their top defenceman.
The Stars advanced past Colorado despite missing their second-leading regular season scorer, Jason Robertson, and their top blue-liner, Miro Heiskanen, for the entire Game 7.
As for the Jets, their number one centre, Mark Scheifele, was injured in Game 5 against the Blues and did not return for the series. Meanwhile, defenceman Josh Morrissey left Game 7 after just 2:09 of ice time, forcing his team to play without him for nearly five periods.
The Stars have indicated that they expect Robertson and Heiskanen to return for Round 2, although they haven`t provided a specific timeframe.
Scheifele was considered a game-time decision before Game 7, and the Jets offered no update on Morrissey`s condition after their victory.
For the enjoyment of all watching this compelling series – the first ever between these two franchises in the playoffs – let`s hope all four injured players are able to participate soon.
Head-to-Head Stats
Winnipeg: 3-1-0
Dallas: 1-3-0
Playoff Team Statistics
Advanced Statistics
Regular season 5-on-5 numbers
Jets` X-Factor: The Return of Scheifele and Morrissey
Whether they admit it or not, the Jets must have been mentally preparing for another disappointing first-round exit. Winnipeg has accumulated more wins than any other team in the league over the past two combined regular seasons (108), yet they were easily eliminated in five games by the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023 and, despite holding home-ice advantage, were also knocked out in five games by Colorado last spring.
Then, after winning the Presidents’ Trophy this season, they battled back courageously against the Blues in Game 7 and snatched victory from the jaws of defeat by scoring late with the goalie pulled.
Will this hard-fought win relieve the pressure on Winnipeg?
While the return of injured players is crucial for both teams, the Jets particularly need Scheifele and Morrissey back in their lineup. Without Scheifele, players like Adam Lowry or Vlad Namestnikov are centering the top line. And while Neal Pionk was outstanding playing over 46 minutes in Game 7 against St. Louis, it’s unrealistic to expect him to carry the load as the number one defenceman for two weeks of intense playoff hockey.
Stars` X-Factor: Mikko Rantanen
Is the Moose loose?
Mikko Rantanen, known as “Moose,” was quiet for the first four games against Colorado but then erupted with 11 points in the final three contests.
It`s undoubtedly been a challenging season for Rantanen. First, he was traded away from the only team he had ever known in January. Then, he was immediately faced with deciding whether to sign a long-term contract with the Carolina franchise that acquired him. When that didn`t materialize, he was traded again, this time signing an eight-year extension with the Stars as part of a deadline day deal.
Tristan Blackwood