Sunday afternoon's game gave the Dallas Stars a 2-1 series lead against the Winnipeg Jets, with a pivotal Game 4 set for Tuesday night.
Dallas could take a 3-1 series lead at home for the first time since 2008.
Dallas Stars left wing Mason Marchment (27) hugs goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) after the Stars defeat the Winnipeg Jets in game three of the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-ImagnHere are some thoughts about what happened on Sunday:
Three takeaways:
- Alexander Petrovic scored the game-winning goal, albeit a controversial and possibly accidental goal, but a goal nonetheless. It was Petrovic's first NHL playoff goal since 2016 when he was with the Florida Panthers. Petrovic has been the Stars trusty steed when it comes time for the playoffs and their defense isn't where they want it to be, for one reason or another. He and Lian Bichsel have been playing sheltered minutes, but have been dominating the minutes they have been getting.
- Mikko Rantanen was slacking on the second Stars goal Sunday, scored by Thomas Harley. He wasn't even on the ice to record a point on the goal, which snapped his streak of goal involvement. For the previous 13 goals, Rantanen had either scored the goal himself or added an assist on the goal. The last time the Stars had scored without Rantanen being involved was Game 5 against the Colorado Avalanche on April 28th. But to pick up the slack, Rantanen added a goal and an assist on the next two tallies to make it 15 of 16.
- Sam Steel had a two-point night with assists on the second goal scored by Harley and the third goal scored by Petrovic. His two points makes five points in the playoffs and his third of the Jets series. The offensive production from the fourth-liner is exactly what separates the Stars from other teams when it comes to depth. Steel is great in his role of grinding down the opponents on the fourth-line and the penalty kill but tallying more than the occasional point is huge for both Steel and the Stars.
Dallas looks to keep Connor Hellebuyck off his game on the road Tuesday, and Winnipeg will hope to tie the series headed back to their home fans.
Puck drop is at 7 p.m. and the game is available on ESPN.
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