The second spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs continued Wednesday night time with two video games. Listed here are some takeaways from the motion:
Stars proper winger Mikko Rantanen is on hearth
Why did not the Colorado Avalanche maintain Rantanen? Colorado traded the fitting winger to the Carolina Hurricanes in January. Carolina subsequently traded him to the Dallas Stars in March.
Rantanen had a hat trick in a 4-2 win over Colorado in Recreation 7 within the first spherical on Might 3. On Wednesday night time, he had one other in Recreation 1 towards the Winnipeg Jets on the highway, scoring three objectives within the second interval. Per the NHL’s X account, he’s the primary participant in Stanley Cup playoff historical past with a number of three-goal durations in the identical postseason.
Following the 3-2 win over Winnipeg, Rantanen now has eight objectives in eight postseason video games.
The 28-year-old persevering with to hold the Stars is essential for his or her Stanley Cup hopes, particularly with left winger Jason Robertson nonetheless getting again to hurry. The left winger returned from a knee harm on Wednesday however had just one shot.
Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck nonetheless cannot overcome his postseason woes
On Tuesday, Hellebuyck told the media he was excited for a “restart” towards Dallas after he struggled in Winnipeg’s first-round sequence towards the St. Louis Blues. In seven video games in that sequence, he allowed 26 objectives.
Nonetheless, his woes vs. the Blues carried over into Recreation 1 towards the Stars. He allowed three objectives and posted a below-average .875 save share.
It is unclear why the two-time Vezina winner is faltering within the playoffs. Through the common season, he completed with the NHL’s second-highest save share (.925 in 63 video games).
Regardless, he should rebound, or the Jets could possibly be in retailer for one more early playoff exit. Winnipeg hasn’t made the Western Convention Last for the reason that 2017-18 season.
Maple Leafs left winger Mitch Marner discovered the ‘dad energy’ vs. Panthers
Marner grew to become a father on Sunday when his spouse, Stephanie, gave start to his son, Miles. In response to The Athletic’s Chris Johnston, Mitch Marner began writing his son’s first preliminary on his stick tape to maintain him in thoughts between shifts.
“I am attempting to play for him,” Mitch Marner informed Johnston.
Maybe the considered Miles Marner gave his father some further energy when he scored a key objective in Recreation 2 towards the Florida Panthers early within the third interval. Seventeen seconds after Panthers heart Anton Lundell tied the sport at 3-3, Mitch Marner netted a wrist shot from the boards. His objective sealed a 4-3 win for Toronto, which now leads the sequence 2-0.
It is protected to say that changing into a father has spurred Mitch Marner’s quick begin this postseason. In eight playoff video games, the 28-year-old has 10 factors (eight assists and two objectives), his second-highest mark within the postseason in his profession.
Are the Panthers in hassle?
The reigning Stanley Cup champions can nonetheless mount a comeback, however historical past is not on their aspect. In response to Luke Fox of Sportsnet, the Panthers are 0-5 in a best-of-seven sequence after they drop the primary two video games.
The Maple Leafs have not made the Japanese Convention Last for the reason that 2001-02 season. In contrast to previous Toronto squads, Panthers heart Brad Marchand thinks this one has what it takes to make a deep playoff run.
“Now we have our work reduce out,” Marchand said in a postgame news conference. “They’re taking part in rather well, and clearly, their high guys are capitalizing on each alternative, it looks like.”
In two video games towards Toronto, the Panthers have allowed 9 objectives and blocked simply 19 pictures. Florida’s protection higher enhance shortly, or its possibilities of coming again might dwindle.
