The second spherical of the Stanley Cup playoffs continued Wednesday evening with two video games. Listed here are some takeaways from the motion:
Stars proper winger Mikko Rantanen is on fireplace
Why did not the Colorado Avalanche maintain Rantanen? Colorado traded the correct 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 Sport 7 within the first spherical on Might 3. On Wednesday evening, he had one other in Sport 1 in opposition to the Winnipeg Jets on the street, 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 damage on Wednesday however had just one shot.
Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck nonetheless cannot overcome his postseason woes
On Tuesday, Hellebuyck advised the media he was excited for a “restart” in opposition to Dallas after he struggled in Winnipeg’s first-round collection in opposition to the St. Louis Blues. In seven video games in that collection, he allowed 26 objectives.
Nonetheless, his woes vs. the Blues carried over into Sport 1 in opposition to the Stars. He allowed three objectives and posted a below-average .875 save proportion.
It is unclear why the two-time Vezina winner is faltering within the playoffs. In the course of the common season, he completed with the NHL’s second-highest save proportion (.925 in 63 video games).
Regardless, he should rebound, or the Jets could possibly be in retailer for an additional early playoff exit. Winnipeg hasn’t made the Western Convention Last because the 2017-18 season.
Maple Leafs left winger Mitch Marner discovered the ‘dad power’ vs. Panthers
Marner grew to become a father on Sunday when his spouse, Stephanie, gave start to his son, Miles. In accordance with 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 advised Johnston.
Maybe the considered Miles Marner gave his father some further energy when he scored a key objective in Sport 2 in opposition to 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 collection 2-0.
It is protected to say that turning 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 accordance with Luke Fox of Sportsnet, the Panthers are 0-5 in a best-of-seven collection after they drop the primary two video games.
The Maple Leafs have not made the Jap Convention Last because the 2001-02 season. Not like previous Toronto squads, Panthers heart Brad Marchand thinks this one has what it takes to make a deep playoff run.
“We have now our work lower out,” Marchand mentioned in a postgame information convention. “They’re taking part in rather well, and clearly, their prime guys are capitalizing on each alternative, it looks like.”
In two video games in opposition to 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.
