There is always a love for watching the playoffs in any sport, but no sport is more exciting, compelling, and game-changing than the NHL. Watching the NBA right now? Consider changing the channel. Case in point, this past weekend, the NHL had two of the most thrilling endings in many, many years!
Let’s start with the action from this past Saturday night. In what was billed as the battleship series between two teams very capable of winning it all, Dallas faced off at home against Colorado. This series has had so many ups and downs, it’s been hands down the most exciting matchup thus far. Saturday night, the two teams put a cherry on top of the cake.
Colorado had control of the game and was leading by 2 midway thru the third period. It looked as if the Avalanche would wrap it up and move onto the next round. That was until the Stars Miko Rantaanen decided to play Superman.
If you’re not familiar with Rantaanen’s story, this year it’s quite compelling. He had been with the Avs for his whole career, but was about to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season. Knowing he would have to be paid big bucks, Colorado decided it was time to move on and shipped him off to Carolina in exchange for a package of players, including Jack Drury. Drury will be addressed in a moment as well, to show some irony.
Rantaanen did not perform as expected for the Hurricanes, so at this year’s trade deadline, he was traded once again. This time, the destination was Dallas. The Stars then signed him to a long-term, big-money deal in hopes he would be the big-time scorer they expected him to be. Now it was time for Rantanen to meet his old team in the playoffs, and it made for great storylines. But Miko was quiet through the first five games until he broke through with 4 points in game 6.
Back to game 7, where the Avs were leading 2-0 in the third period, Rantanen got the Stars on the board with his 3rd goal of the series to make the score 2-1. Then, with about 7 minutes left in the third, Dallas was awarded a power play. Of course, the Stars would capitalize, and it was Rantanen notching his second goal of the game, tying the game at 2.
Just three minutes later, the Stars got another power play with the aforementioned Drury, who again was traded during the season for Rantanen took a penalty. And just like that, the Stars took the lead on a goal by Wyatt Johnston. Colorado pulled the goalie in a desperate attempt to tie the game, but with three seconds left, it was Rantanen scoring his third of the game, putting Dallas into the second round.
Scoring a hat trick in a playoff game does happen on occasion, but Rantanen’s performance was impressive. It reminded many of when NY Ranger Mark Messier scored a hat-trick in game 6 against the NJ Devils in 1994. This is what leaders do in big games. They led their team to victory, and now Rantanen has notched his name in Dallas Stars history!
One would think that the Dallas vs Colorado game 7 finish would be the best of round one, but not so fast. There was still one game 7 to go, with St Louis taking on Winnipeg in Manitoba. The main storyline of this series has been the unimpressive performance by All-Star goalie Connor Hellebuyck.
Hellebuyck, who should win another Vezina trophy this year as the league’s best goalie and is also nominated for MVP of the league, had been awful through 6 games. He was pulled from the 3 games played in St Louis, and hopes from Jets fans were that he would rebound with a big performance in game 7.
It certainly didn’t start that way. The Blues scored on their first shot on goal and raced out to a 2-0 lead after one period. It stayed that way til late in the second. Cole Perfetti would score a power-play goal, inching the Jets closer, making it 2-1. However, late in the second, the Blues recaptured the 2-goal lead on a tally by Radek Faksa.
Winnipeg was trying desperately to get on the board in the third, but it seemed the Blues were on their way to the win. With about three minutes left in the third, the Jets pulled the goalie for an extra skater. It initially paid off with Vlad Namestnikov putting one past Jordan Binnington, making the score 3-2.
Time was running out on the Jets as the clock ticked closer to the final buzzer, going off to seal the Jets’ fate. But miracles don’t just happen in the Winter Olympics, but in the NHL playoffs as well. With less than 2 seconds left in the game, Perfetti deflected a shot past Binnington, the miraculously, the Jets had tied it up.
Inside the arena, as well as out in the streets, the Winnipeg fans were going crazy. What an amazing comeback, but it would not be complete if Winnipeg didn’t win the game. The contest went into the first overtime with no one claiming victory.
However, in double overtime, with the Jets captain Adam Lowry deflecting a shot past the Blues goalie, the Jets completed the astounding win. What an amazing win for a team that had not had much success in the playoffs over the years.
Ironically enough Dallas will now battle Winnipeg in the second round of the playoffs this week. With the way both teams escaped the jaws of defeat in amazing fashion, this series may also be one for the ages and a must watch.
For all of those watching the NBA playoffs and being bored by blowouts, watch some real playoff excitement. Yes, there is bias. But the NHL playoffs just proved to anyone who watches how much more exciting they are, it truly is can’t miss television.
Want some rest, maybe a quick nap? Catch the NBA playoffs. Want real thrilling excitement? There is no question that the sport to watch is hockey and the NHL. It is a must-see through June. For more playoff news.
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
