Mikko Rantanen (© James Guillory-Imagn Images) [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/2b8dfc5e-9a87-46ae-92b3-36ee4e3a4237.jpeg] Mikko Rantanen (© James Guillory-Imagn Images) Former Carolina Hurricanes [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes] forward Mikko Rantanen was the main reason why the Dallas Stars defeated the Colorado Avalanche in the first round. With the Stars down 2-0 in Game 7, Rantanen scored a hat trick and recorded an assist in the third period to secure them a 4-2 win over the Avalanche. With his four-point Game 7, Rantanen recorded five goals and 11 points in his final three games against the Avalanche in the first round. Now, he is only continuing to stay red-hot in the Stars' second-round series against the Winnipeg Jets. In Game 1 against the Jets, Rantanen once again led the Stars to a victory. The former Hurricanes [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqLQgKIidDQklTRndnTWFoTUtFWFJvWldodlkydGxlVzVsZDNNdVkyOXRLQUFQAQ/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwmeDfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA:en]winger scored three goals in the second period, and the Stars won the contest by a 3-2 final score. With this, Rantanen now has recorded hat tricks in back-to-back games and has eight goals and 14 points in his last four contests. Rantanen is a big-time star when playing at his best, and it is exactly why the Hurricanes acquired him back in January. However, they were forced to trade him at the deadline to the Stars, as the 2015 tenth-overall pick made it clear that he was not open to signing a contract extension with the Canes. However, after being acquired by the Stars, he signed an eight-year, $96 million contract extension with Dallas. In 13 games with the Hurricanes before being traded to the Stars, Rantanen had two goals, six points, and a minus-3 rating. Overall, he had a tough time adjusting to the Hurricanes' system, but he certainly has found a fit with the Stars. Recent Hurricanes News Former Hurricanes Forward Is Absolutely Thriving In Playoffs [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/006f1a8f-58ec-40a3-bcce-138aaa08c18a.jpeg] Former Hurricanes Forward Is Absolutely Thriving In Playoffs Back in October, former <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes">Carolina Hurricanes </a>forward Max Pacioretty signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Maple Leafs. This was after the veteran winger joined the club at training camp on a professional tryout (PTO). [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/former-hurricanes-forward-is-absolutely-thriving-in-playoffs] Hurricanes Legend Eric Staal Lands Exciting New Gig [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/6446469c-02b8-410a-b8c0-50bc9610407d.jpeg] Hurricanes Legend Eric Staal Lands Exciting New Gig The Buffalo Sabres <a href="https://x.com/BuffaloSabres/status/1920108946842333330?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">have announced</a> that they have hired <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes">Carolina Hurricanes</a> legend Eric Staal as special assistant to the general manager. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/hurricanes-legend-eric-staal-lands-exciting-new-gig] Carolina Hurricanes Announce New In-State Affiliation [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/21dda92e-043f-4013-a58d-72d747469933.png] Carolina Hurricanes Announce New In-State Affiliation The Carolina Hurricanes finally have their own ECHL affiliate again. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/carolina-hurricanes-announce-new-in-state-affiliation] Hurricanes Forward To Be Game-Time Decision For Game 2 [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/15ffd9aa-34a3-49af-b42c-b22b01266d58.jpeg] Hurricanes Forward To Be Game-Time Decision For Game 2 Carolina Hurricanes center Mark Jankowski will be a game-time decision for Game 2 according to coach Rod Brind'Amour. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/carolina-hurricanes/latest-news/hurricanes-forward-to-be-game-time-decision-for-game-2]
