Rantanen Hat Trick Leads Dallas Past Boston in OT

Overtime Decider

Mikko Rantanen recorded a hat trick to lead the Dallas Stars to a 3-2 victory over the Boston Bruins in overtime at American Airlines Center. The win improves the Stars' record to 5-3-1 with 11 points, while the Bruins drop to 7-2-1 with 15 points on the season.

Rantanen finished with three goals and three points. His third tally came via a backhand shot in overtime, assisted by Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson. The Boston defense could not contain Rantanen’s second period of scoring after they held a lead for much of the regulation time.

First Period Action

Boston struck first in the opening frame. Matthew Poitras scored his fourth goal of the season on a snap shot. Frederic Brunet and Tanner Jeannot provided the assists for the Bruins' early advantage. The period ended with Boston leading 1-0.

Dallas responded in the second period. Mikko Rantanen tied the game at 1-1 with his third goal of the year, also on a snap shot. Jason Robertson earned the assist.

Shortly thereafter, James Hagens gave Dallas its first lead of the game. Hagens’ third goal came on a tip-in, with Casey Mittelstadt and Nikita Zadorov credited with assists. The Stars held a 2-1 advantage heading into the second intermission.

Third Period Tie

The third period saw both teams exchange scoring opportunities to level the contest. Mikko Rantanen completed his personal hat trick with his fourth goal of the game. Again utilizing a snap shot, Rantanen tied the score at 2-2. Roope Hintz and Thomas Harley recorded assists on the equalizing goal. The regulation period ended without further scoring, sending the game to overtime.

Final Results

In the extra frame, Rantanen secured the win for Dallas. His backhand shot proved decisive, assisted by Heiskanen and Robertson. Jason Robertson finished with two assists for the Stars. For Boston, Matthew Poitras and Nikita Zadorov each contributed one point. The final attendance at American Airlines Center was 18,532.

Sources

ESPN