The Stars secure a playoff spot with a dominant win over the Kraken.
Mikko Rantanen contributed a goal and two assists, while Jason Robertson recorded a goal and an assist as the Dallas Stars clinched a Stanley Cup Playoff berth with a 5-1 victory over the Seattle Kraken on Saturday.
Rantanen’s empty-net goal marked his first three-point performance since joining Dallas (48-21-4, 100 points) at the trade deadline three weeks ago. He extended his point streak to four games, while Robertson registered his third consecutive multi-point effort.
Roope Hintz added a goal and an assist, Mason Marchment found the back of the net, and Wyatt Johnston extended his goal streak to four games. Goaltender Jake Oettinger made 35 saves to secure the win.
Eeli Tolvanen scored for Seattle (31-37-6, 68 points), assisted by Jared McCann and Andre Burakovsky, but the Kraken struggled offensively and suffered their fourth loss in five games. Joey Daccord finished with 16 saves in net.
Dallas officially clinched its playoff berth with help from the Edmonton Oilers, who defeated the Calgary Flames in overtime. The Stars also had to rally to secure the win.
Seattle struck early, scoring within 90 seconds as McCann forced a turnover, received a return pass from Burakovsky, and took a shot that Oettinger deflected, allowing Tolvanen to capitalize with a backhand goal.
Dallas responded with 8:10 left in the first period when Mavrik Bourque’s wraparound attempt rebounded off Daccord, giving Robertson an opportunity to score from the slot. Sam Steel also contributed an assist.
Hintz put the Stars ahead with 1:36 remaining in the first period, firing a one-timer from the right face-off circle off assists from Robertson and Rantanen.
Dallas converted twice on five power-play opportunities, with Marchment scoring 28 seconds into the third period to extend the lead to 3-1.
Johnston and Rantanen executed a give-and-go in the neutral zone, setting up Johnston for his fourth straight game with a goal, making it 4-1 with 7:04 left.
Seattle had already been eliminated from playoff contention before the game started, following St. Louis’ 2-1 victory over Colorado earlier in the day.
