DALLAS, TEXAS — The Dallas Stars grabbed a 2–1 series lead over the Winnipeg Jets with a 5–2 win in Game 3 Sunday night, powered by Mikko Rantanen’s goal and two assists—and a controversial third-period tiebreaker.
Rantanen played a key role on the go-ahead goal, which deflected off Alexander Petrovic’s skate before crossing the line. A lengthy review confirmed it after determining that Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck had propelled the puck into his own net. The decision sparked debate, but the call stood.
Rantanen struck again less than a minute later, scoring his ninth goal of the postseason and extending his point total to 18. His record-setting streak of involvement in 13 straight Stars goals ended earlier in the night.
Roope Hintz and Wyatt Johnston added goals for Dallas, while Petrovic notched his first playoff goal since 2016. Jake Oettinger made 23 saves, outdueling Hellebuyck, who allowed five goals on 26 shots and remains winless on the road this postseason.
Winnipeg got goals from Kyle Connor and Nino Niederreiter but couldn’t recover after the controversial sequence. Game 4 is Tuesday in Dallas.
