Mikko Rantanen won’t stop scoring, Stars lead Jets in Game 1

The Dallas Stars’ playoff push continues.

After dispatching Colorado in seven games, the Stars have hit the road to start their next playoff series. Dallas faces the Winnipeg Jets, a squad featuring one of the NHL’s top goaltenders in Connor Hellebuyck.

The Stars have encountered a number of issues in their recent Game 1 showings. Can they end their eight-game Game 1 losing streak Wednesday night in Winnipeg?

Game details

When: Wednesday, 8:30 p.m.

Where: Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg

Broadcast: TV: ESPN, ESPN+; Radio: KTCK-AM 1310/KTCK-FM 96.7 The Ticket

Game updates

End of second period

The Jets’ second goal took some of the starch out of it, but the story of the second period was all about Moose. Mikko Rantanen sends the Stars to the locker room with a 3-2 lead.

Stars 3, Jets 2

The Rantanen honeymoon ends as the Jets get back on the board just before the end of the second period.

Stars 3, Jets 1

Rantanen scores again, his second straight game in which he tallied a hat trick in the span of one period.

Stars 2, Jets 1

Copy, paste.

Mikko Rantanen scores his fifth goal in the last three periods and gives the Stars the lead. The trade deadline acquisition is on an absolute tear for Dallas.

Stars 1, Jets 1

Who else?

Shortly after the Jets jump out in front, Mikko Rantanen scores his fourth goal in the last three periods to tie the game.

Jets 1, Stars 0

Nino Niederreiter sneaks a backhand shot past Jake Oettinger and Winnipeg is on the board first.

18:00 left in the second: The Stars start off the second period by successfully killing off their second penalty of the night. Still scoreless in Game 1.

End of the first period

0:05 left in the first: Just before the horn sounds on the first period, Stars defenseman Codi Ceci gets tagged for a high stick. The Stars will go on the penalty kill for the second time tonight as the first period ends scoreless.

4:19 left in the first: Marchment is back on and the Stars successfully kill off the Jets’ power play. Jake Oettinger came up big with a nice stop toward the end of the kill.

6:30 left in the first: Winnipeg will get the first power play of the series after a hooking call on Mason Marchment.

A big opportunity for the Jets, who have been outplayed in this first period. And a big test for the Stars.

15:00 left in the first: Scoreless through the first five minutes of Game 1 but the Stars have created some good chances early. Dallas has 10 shot attempts to Winnipeg’s zero to start the game.

Pregame updates

8:30 p.m.: It’s official. Jason Robertson will return to the ice for the Stars, a huge addition to the offense for Game 1 of this series.

8:20 p.m.: Expected lines for the Stars:

Granlund-Hintz-Rantanen

Benn-Duchene-Seguin

Marchment-Johnston-Robertson

Bäck-Steel-Dadonov

Lindell-Ceci

Harley-Lyubushkin

Bichsel-Petrovic

Oettinger

DeSmith

8:15 p.m.: Jason Robertson is on the ice for Stars warmups. He’s looking to make his return to game action for the first time since the regular-season finale.

Pregame reading

— Stars’ Pete DeBoer gives latest update on Miro Heiskanen, Jason Robertson ahead of Game 1

— Why Dallas Stars’ path to a Stanley Cup won’t get any tougher than the Winnipeg Jets

— Stars goalie Jake Oettinger’s playoff-built reputation comes with a smile

— Stars-Jets predictions: Does Dallas have edge in second-round series vs. Winnipeg?

— Dallas Stars bandwagon guide: 5 reasons to hop on board for the Stanley Cup push

— Change of scenery could help Stars overcome their Game 1 demons against Winnipeg

— 5 things to know about Stars-Jets series: All eyes on Connor Hellebuyck and Jake Oettinger

Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.