Mikko Rantanen carried the Dallas Stars past his former team in the first round of the NHL playoffs, punctuated with a hat trick that was part of his historic four-point third period in Game 7. Now the Stars could soon be getting back two players who were part of their deep runs the past two postseasons before Rantanen was acquired

Rantanen had a hat trick and an assist in Game 7 against his former team, propelling the Stars to the second round.

Rantanen became the first player in NHL history to score a hat trick in the third period of a Game 7. He now has 11 points in his past three Stanley Cup Playoffs games after four points (three goals, one assist; all in third period) in Game 7 and ranks fourth among active players in career postseason points per game (1.28; 113 in 88 games).