(Photo: Global news, NHL)
The Dallas Stars take control of there second round match up with a 5-2 victory in game 3 taking a 2-1 lead in the series in there best of seven match up. The win from the Stars was fueled by a massive 3rd period in which Dallas scored 3 goals and 2 in quick fashion Goals coming from Mikko Rantanen and Alexander Petrovic. Petrovic’s third goal which was the eventual game winner sparked controversy as he appeared to kick the puck in the net. After a lengthy review the NHL determined that Petrovic did kick the puck but the Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck put the puck into his own net. Heres a clip of the goal https://x.com/GinoHard_/status/1921698828392010195
Rantanen took home the first star of the game as he had 1 goal and 2 assists on the night giving him 3 points for the game. Giving him 18 points and 9 goals in his 10 playoff games played this year. Roope Hintz and star defence man Tomas Harley each also had a goal and an assist as well. Jake Oettinger made 23 saves on 25 shots, anchoring the Stars defence.
Despite entering the 3rd period with the game tied the Jets couldn’t get anything going in the 3rd. The Jets have yet to pick up a road win these playoffs which is shocking because this is the team that won the Presidents Trophy. Looking a head to game 4 on Tuesday in Dallas the Jets face a must win on the road. Historically teams that take a 2-1 series lead usually go on and win that series and teams that take a 3-1 lead history usually sees the team with that type of lead go through to the next round. The Jets need to figure out there road play ASAP.
On the other hand the Stars will try to capitalise on the Jets woeful road play and there strong home crowd to take a 3-1 series lead. With Rantanen playing the way he is he can single handedly change the Jets season in an instant. To be fair he is the reason Dallas has won game 1 and 3 against Winnipeg. As the series moves forward the keys for the Jets have to be to regain composure forget about that controversial goal and play the hockey that made you guys Presidents Trophy winners. For the Stars keep playing aggressive and feed off that amazing home crowd in Dallas its one of the hardest arenas to play in the NHL for a reason. Game 4 will be a very tightly contested game so buckle up.