Jets fall to Rantanen and Stars
RECAP:
The Winnipeg Jets have lost a game at home for the first time this postseason.
The Jets fell 3-2 to Mikko Rantanen's Dallas Stars in Game 1 of the best-of-seven second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Coming off a third period hat trick in Game 7 of his opening round, Rantanen produced a natural hat trick in the second period, for his sixth goal in the past three periods.
That was somehow enough to shut down Winnipeg's offence.
Nino Niederreiter and Mark Scheifele had the Jets' two goals on a night the team seemed rather disjoint.
The power play went a miserable 0/4, while the penalty kill allowed one of Rantanen's markers.
Connor Hellebuyck didn't allow a first period goal for the first time all postseason, but still skated off the ice with the loss. It wasn't pretty and it wasn't enough.
The Jets will need a stronger effort on Friday night in hopes of evening the series in Game 2 at 8:50 PM central time from Canada Life Centre.
HIGHLIGHTS:
PHOTOS:
The extended photo library from Wednesday's game vs. Dallas is courtesy of Scott Stroh and James Carey Lauder:
QUOTEABLE:
Nino Niederreiter on Dallas' strong start:
“They had a great start. It’s something we need to get better at. Our start was once again, not very good. It’s something we know we’ve got to do better and it was a completely different series than the St. Louis one. They are obviously a very experienced team. They know how to be in a tight game, they are extremely patient. That is something we’ve got to learn from.”
Mikko Rantanen on his bank-shot goal:
"Sometimes it goes that way. You know even that third goal that goes off them and goes five hole. You go through a tough stretch you know you pray for those and those never come. So sometimes it's up and down, it's hockey and now it's going well individually and as a team. It's important in the playoffs. Like I've said before, if you win or had a good game never get too high just kind of reset and enjoy for five minutes after the game and reset."
WHAT’S NEXT:
Winnipeg will host Dallas in Game 2 of the second round at Canada Life Centre on Friday at 8:50 PM central time. The game can be viewed live on Sportsnet.
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