Heika’s Take: Rantanen’s hat trick boosts Stars to impressive comeback win over Bruins

Whether you want to call Mikko Rantanen a “hockey cheat code,” an “unfair advantage” or a “secret weapon,” it’s clear the Stars are lucky to have him.

The big Finn they call “Moose” did it again on Tuesday, registering a hat trick, including the overtime game-winner in a 3-2 win for the Lads in Victory Green over the Boston Bruins. The performance at American Airlines Center kicked off a six-game homestand on an emphatic note and reminded Stars fans just how good of an idea it was to acquire Rantanen.

Sure, it cost Logan Stankoven, who went on to win the Stanley Cup with Carolina last season, but Rantanen has 106 points (32 goals, 74 assists) in 93 games with a Stars team that is known for its defense.

And that is impressive.

The three goals on Tuesday raised his season scoring to 11 points (5 goals, 6 assists) in 9 games. For a team that averages 2.44 goals per game, it’s pretty darned necessary.

“He’s just a beast,” said linemate Wyatt Johnston. “Obviously, three huge goals and that’s just the player he is. He’s very special and can do things that not many other guys can do.”

That’s been clear since he came to the Stars and helped lead them past Colorado (his old team) in the playoffs back in 2025. Now, as he settles in with his Dallas teammates, he is part of a teamwide search to solve the scoring issues.

Rantanen scored two of his goals by driving to the hard areas and scoring on rebounds. That’s something the coaches and players have been discussing, so putting those lessons on the ice is a great example for everyone.

“It’s important,” Rantanen said of driving the hard areas. “That’s what we talk about. I think they did a good job blocking shots. We had some O-zone time, but they were eating some pucks, so good for them. We have to try to get some early goals in the next games.”

The Stars actually played hard in the first period, but still trailed 1-0. Dallas had the early edge in shots on goal (9-7) and shot attempts (31-16). But as had been the case so many times, the great opportunities didn’t turn into goals. Rantanen scored early in the second when he picked up a loose puck and drove the net. The puck came back off of Jason Robertson, and Rantanen popped it in.

Boston pushed its lead to 2-1 in the second when Thomas Harley and Miro Heiskanen were caught out for a nearly two-minute shift. It was announced Tuesday morning that Esa Lindell will be out for at least a week with a lower body injury, so the D pairs were scrambled.

Tyler Myers played 17:47, Lian Bichsel logged 16:29, Nils Lundkvist was on the ice for 15:34. In addition Kyle Capobianco came off the bench and played 13:36. It was a real team effort.

“Guys were really stepping up and playing hard,” Rantanen said. “It was a hard hockey team there. They are physical and have big defensemen, so we are happy with the win.”

The overtime was another great learning opportunity for Dallas. Johnston had several scoring opportunities and didn’t break through. Then, Harley drew a penalty and Dallas was able to take advantage of its dangerous power play. Rantanen drove the net and put home a backhand for the winner at 3:52 of OT.

Dallas moves to 5-3-1, while Boston falls to 7-2-1.

“They're a hard team to play, they're well-coached, they have great big defensemen and star players,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “They don't give you a lot, you can see real estate is tight. For us, we are who we are. You've got to find a way, that's just the league right now. It's hard to dominate anybody for a long period of time and you've got to play 60 minutes because the game can kind of swing back and forth.”

Of course, having a player like Rantanen helps control a lot of things.

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Mike Heika is a Senior Staff Writer for DallasStars.com and has covered the Stars since 1994. Follow him on X @MikeHeika.